Royal Caribbean Delays Launch of Star of the Seas, Cancels Sailings

Royal Caribbean has pushed back the launch of its next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, and canceled the vessel’s first two cruises. This is the third time this year that a cruise line has announced the delay of a new ship.

The ship was original scheduled to launch on Aug. 17, 2025. The new debut date will be Aug. 31.

According to the Cruise Critic Royal Caribbean forum, on Tuesday, the cruise line sent an email to travel advisors and guests on the affected sailings letting them know of the delay, and subsequent cancellation.

“After a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date,” the letter says. “We’re truly sorry for the impact that this delay has had on your clients’ vacation plans.”

Clients booked on the canceled sailings have several options, including moving their reservation to the new inaugural sailing on Aug. 31. Those that choose this option will be moved to a like-for-like cabin on the new sailing.

Alternatively, clients can move to other sailing of Star of the Seas, or any other Royal Caribbean ship (but responsible for any difference in pricing), or they can choose a full refund. Clients specifically booked on the Aug. 17 sailing of Star of the Seas can switch to the Aug. 17 sailing of Wonder of the Seas or the Aug. 16 sailing of Icon of the Seas and their original stateroom category price will either be protected at the original rate or reduced to the current rate (whichever is lower).

Clients have until March 12, 2024 to decide which choice they want. Non-action on the part of clients will result in being automatically moved to the new Star of the Seas inaugural.

Royal Caribbean is far from the first cruise line to be forced to delay an inaugural. Most recently, both Princess Cruises and Oceania Cruises, announced similar delays.