Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas. Photo Credit: ROYAL CARIBBEAN.
The V.I. Port Authority has announced the upcoming arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s newest vessel, the Star of the Seas. The ship is scheduled to berth at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, arriving at 12:30 p.m. and departing at 8:00 p.m.
This visit represents the ship’s first call to the U.S. Virgin Islands and highlights the growing presence of Royal Caribbean’s ICON-class fleet in the Caribbean.
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director of VIPA, said the occasion reflects the strong relationship between the cruise line and the territory. “We’re delighted to welcome the magnificent Star of the Seas to our shores,” he stated. “Royal Caribbean has been an invaluable partner to the territory. This visit by their newest ship, which represents the future of cruising, truly reflects Royal’s confidence in the USVI as a premier cruise destination.”
A series of events are planned to commemorate the inaugural visit. Officials from Royal Caribbean International will join representatives from the V.I. Department of Tourism, VIPA, and other government and private sector partners for a traditional plaque and key exchange ceremony on board the vessel. Guests and crew will also be welcomed with live entertainment and cultural performances on the dock.
The Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s ICON-class lineup, matching the size and capacity of its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas. Measuring 1,196.9 feet in length and weighing 250,800 gross tons, the vessel is among the largest cruise ships in the world. It is designed to accommodate up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, along with 2,350 crew members.
In addition to its size, the ship features innovative amenities, including eight themed neighborhoods and the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking waterslides. The Star of the Seas also incorporates advanced environmental technology such as LNG propulsion, shore power connectivity, and modern waste management systems — underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainable cruising.
The historic visit not only showcases the capabilities of Royal Caribbean’s latest ICON-class ship but also signals new opportunities for the U.S. Virgin Islands to further expand its role as a key cruise destination in the Caribbean.
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