Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas embarks on historic inaugural voyage
- Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas officially launched its inaugural voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida.
- The cruise industry is witnessing record booking levels as travelers opt for cruise vacations over traditional land-based vacations.
- The growth in cruise demand raises concerns about overtourism and has prompted destinations like Hawaii to consider implementing passenger fees.
On September 1, 2025, the Star of the Seas, the latest addition to Royal Caribbean's fleet, set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. This new cruise ship shares the Guinness World Records title of the world's largest cruise ship, alongside its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas. The vessel boasts impressive features, including 20 decks, eight neighborhoods, and the capability to accommodate 5,000 passengers. The inaugural voyage is set for a seven-night itinerary encompassing popular Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations. Amid record highs in cruise travel demand, resorting to cruises as a preferred vacation choice is becoming increasingly popular due to significant hotel price increases. According to industry expert Stewart Chiron, future cruise bookings have reached unprecedented levels, showcasing a robust trend leading into 2025. The calls for new tourism measures, including potential fees for cruise visitors in destinations like Hawaii, signal the effects of this surge in demand, as lawmakers work to balance the benefits of tourism against environmental and overtourism concerns. As demand continues to climb, cruise lines are actively enhancing their offerings to provide unique and enticing experiences tailored to passenger desires, while also ensuring safety and addressing challenges from geopolitical factors.