Record-Breaking Debut: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
The cruise industry is witnessing a period of unprecedented growth, with Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, Star of the Seas, leading the charge. This state-of-the-art ship officially entered service on August 16, 2025, embarking on its maiden revenue cruise from Port Canaveral.
As the second ship in the company’s Icon class, the 250,800-ton Star of the Seas represents the latest advancement in cruise ship technology and luxury.
The cruise sector is setting new records across the board. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, passenger numbers are expected to reach 37.7 million in 2025, a significant increase from 34.6 million in 2024.
Florida Ports Lead the Surge
Florida ports are at the forefront of this surge. Port Miami welcomed a record-breaking 8.23 million passengers in the fiscal year 2024 and is poised to surpass that record this year. Port Canaveral is also reporting impressive numbers, with nearly a million passenger movements recorded in March alone.
Expanding Fleet Attracts New and Loyal Cruisers
The debut of Star of the Seas comes as Royal Caribbean expands its fleet with Icon and Utopia class vessels. These new ships are attracting both loyal cruisers and first-time travelers, helping the industry maintain strong pricing power despite increased competition. This demonstrates the robust demand for cruise vacations as the sector continues its post-pandemic recovery.
Source: Cruise Industry News