Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Just Made It Official, With Help From Kellie Gerardi

The air was electric as Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas was officially welcomed into the fleet with a naming ceremony that was as much like a celebration of possibility as it was of a ship. Beneath the lights of the AquaTheater, surrounded by crew, loyal guests and executives, and researcher Kellie Gerardi — the ship’s godmother — blessed the vessel that promises to redefine what it means to take a family vacation.

For Gerardi, who has explored both space and sea, the moment was deeply personal. “A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family,” she said, reflecting on a role that connects her work as an astronaut with her life as a mother.

The naming marked the beginning of a new chapter. Thousands of shipbuilders and crew members were honored as Star of the Seas prepared to sail with its first vacationers, offering the record-setting Icon Class lineup that has already transformed the cruise industry.

An Icon Reimagined

What Royal Caribbean has created in Star of the Seas is more than a vessel — it’s a destination in itself. Across eight neighborhoods, families will find experiences designed to entertain, surprise and inspire. The thrill-seekers can conquer the slides of Category 6 waterpark or edge across the sky-high walkway of Crown’s Edge, suspended 154 feet above the ocean. Others may prefer a quieter escape at one of seven pools, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

For families, Surfside brings an all-day neighborhood built around the youngest travelers, while more than 40 dining and drinking options serve up everything from elevated cuisine to casual eats. Entertainment is everywhere: a production of Back to the Future: The Musical, daring aqua shows, ice skating, and theater that stretches the imagination.

A Family Vacation With Purpose

“Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “With Star, we’re not just launching a ship, we’re advancing our mission to create the world’s best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages.”

The ship begins 7-night sailings from Port Canaveral, exploring both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with every itinerary featuring a stop at the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Looking Ahead

Star of the Seas follows the groundbreaking Icon of the Seas and sets the stage for even more. Royal Caribbean’s expanding vision includes the opening of Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in December, Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, and the debut of Perfect Day Mexico in 2027 — each a piece of the brand’s ambition to deliver the ultimate vacation for every generation.