Royal Caribbean Unveils Record-Breaking Megaship Amid Surging Cruise Demand

Port Canaveral, FL, September 1, 2025 - Royal Caribbean International’s newest megaship, Star of the Seas, embarked on its inaugural voyage today from Port Canaveral for a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary. Tied with its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, for Guinness World Records’ title of the largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas spans 20 decks and offers 40 bars and restaurants, a waterpark with an aquadome featuring a 55-foot waterfall, and a Back to the Future musical complete with a full-size replica of the flying DeLorean.

As the floating “mega city” set sail, cruise expert Stewart Chiron of The Cruise Guy reported that bookings are at an all-time high, with more people scheduled for future cruises than at any point in history. He noted this marks the third consecutive year of record passenger volume for cruise vacations, driven by travelers seeking alternatives to rising hotel costs.

In parallel with the industry’s boom, Hawaii is preparing to implement new visitor levies aimed at offsetting climate-related impacts. Starting in 2026, a prorated tax on cruise-ship passengers docking in Hawaiian ports will be added to existing hotel and vacation rental fees. The Cruise Lines International Association has filed suit in Honolulu federal court, challenging the constitutionality of the cruise-related provisions and seeking to halt enforcement before bookings for next year’s trips close.