Royal Caribbean Moves Up First Sailing for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has announced an additional early sailing for its upcoming cruise ship, Star of the Seas, pushing up its debut with paying guests to an even earlier date than previously scheduled.

The new sailing, a four-night "Star Showcase Cruise," will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 16, 2025, and include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. This new addition predates the former first sailing—originally scheduled for August 20—by four days.

New Early Sailing Added

Royal Caribbean shared the news with currently booked guests via email on Wednesday, citing accelerated progress on the ship’s final preparations as the reason for the change.

“Our teams have been working diligently to deliver The Next Icon of Vacations, and the ship’s finishing touches are progressing ahead of schedule,” the cruise line stated.

The Star of the Seas will now operate several short preview sailings leading up to its official maiden voyage:

• August 16, 2025 – 4-night Star Showcase (newly added)

• August 20, 2025 – 3-night cruise

• August 23, 2025 – 4-night cruise

• August 27, 2025 – 4-night cruise

• August 31, 2025 – Official 7-night inaugural sailing

This latest update comes after the ship’s original debut sailing on August 17 was delayed by two weeks. Ironically, Star of the Seas will now welcome guests even earlier than initially planned.

Priority Access for Existing Guests

Guests already booked on the August 20 sailing were offered the first opportunity to switch to the earlier August 16 cruise or add it to their itinerary. Those choosing to switch can do so with a like-for-like stateroom, subject to availability.

Suite guests have one week to secure their transfer at the originally booked rate before standard pricing applies. Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms will be rebooked at the prevailing rate. Guests may also keep their existing reservation without making changes.

Royal Caribbean assured guests that those sailing on any of the preview cruises will still receive commemorative inaugural sailing items in their staterooms.

Deadline to Make Changes

Guests interested in switching to the August 16 sailing must contact Royal Caribbean by June 5, 2025. After that date, existing bookings will remain unchanged, though new bookings for the additional sailing will be accepted based on availability.

Successful Sea Trials Prompt Early Launch

The decision to add an earlier cruise comes on the heels of successful sea trials. According to Meyer Turku, the Finnish shipyard where Star of the Seas is being built, the ship completed trials in "record time" and returned to port on May 27.

“All systems were tested successfully,” said Jaakko Leinonen, Project Manager at the shipyard. “These were the best sea trials I have ever participated in. There was a strong sense of team spirit throughout.”