World’s largest cruise ship sets sail with 20 decks, seven pools and 5,000 passengers | Cruise | Travel

The world’s largest cruise ship has set sail, with 20 decks and over 5,000 passengers. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas left Port Canaveral in Florida on August 31.

Sister ship to Icon of the Seas, Star is split into eight neighbourhoods with 40 bars and restaurants, a park with 30,500 plants, seven pools and a 12-metre surf simulator. It is home to the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, with six record-breaking slides, including the tallest at-sea drop waterslide, the first open free-fall waterslide at sea, and two raft slides. Guests on the ship can also enjoy the Back to the Future musical while on board in the Royal Theatre, with a full-sized replica of the flying DeLorean. There is a rock climbing wall, laser tag, skywalk, gaming lounge, karaoke venue, cinema, and mini golf. Deck plans also reveal a music hall, casino, expansive fitness centre, a Starbucks, an escape room, a spa, and an ice arena for shows.

The current journey will last for seven nights and will reportedly stop in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Ticket prices start at £745.

Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty said: “Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations.

“It brings together the best of our innovation, signature experiences, and the most sought-after destinations into one unforgettable vacation.

“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.”

Cruise industry expert Stewart Chiron told Fox News that “2025 is another record year” for people choosing cruises. AAA projected 19 million Americans would go on a cruise this year.

“More people have cruised in 2025 than any previous year in history,” he said. “Future bookings are at record levels when compared to the same time in any previous year.

“Cruise lines are responding to strong demand from cruise passengers who are desiring private destinations and the enticing experiences that are unavailable at the other ports being visited on regular itineraries.”