Sarah Bretz, ContributorRoyal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship Star of the Seas has departed the Meyer Turku shipyard to begin sea trials.
In a Facebook post, the Finnish shipbuilder said “Star of the Seas departed our shipyard early Monday morning to begin her sea trials. We wish her and her crew sunny skies and smooth sailing!”
During sea trials, specialists across disciplines like naval architecture, design, engineering, and navigation are on board to push the ship to its limits and make sure all systems are working properly ahead of the ship’s delivery. They carry out hundreds of tests and inspections, including the operation of navigational systems, engine performance, how the ship moves through open water, technical checks, and more.
If sea trials go off without a hitch and the ship passes, it then moves into the final phase of construction at the shipyard, which includes continued interior outfitting, stocking, and other finishing touches.
Once she debuts this August, Star of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world alongside sister ship Icon of the Seas. The latter, which debuted in January 2024, is the current largest cruise ship on the planet.
Star of the Seas will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises. All voyages will include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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