Royal Caribbean Adds Exciting New Preview Sailing for Star of the Seas

If you’ve been eagerly tracking Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to its Icon Class fleet, the buzz just got even bigger. The cruise line has announced a brand-new, limited-capacity “showcase sailing” for Star of the Seas, offering travelers an exclusive opportunity to step aboard before its official inaugural voyage. Here’s everything you need to know about this unmissable sneak-peek cruise, from departure details and itineraries to onboard highlights and booking tips.

Why the New Preview Matters

Preview sailings—often called “shakedown cruises” or “test runs”—give cruise enthusiasts a rare chance to experience a ship’s amenities, venues, and layout while still in its early days at sea. For Star of the Seas, this means getting first dibs on exploring eight distinct neighborhoods, sampling signature dining venues, and trying out unique activities like the AquaTheater and Crown’s Edge aerial adventure course.

Beyond the thrill of being among the first to set foot on a cutting-edge vessel, early-preview guests typically enjoy lower fares (prorated based on itinerary length) and the bragging rights of having sailed on one of the newest ships in the world. Whether you’re a Royal Caribbean devotee or simply love luxury cruise innovation, this newly added sailing is an invitation to witness maritime excellence in action.

Key Details: Dates, Duration & Departure Port

Royal Caribbean has slotted the new 3-night preview sailing to depart from Port Canaveral on August 20, 2025. Here’s what you need to mark in your calendar:

• Departure Date: August 20, 2025

• Duration: 3 nights

• Embarkation Port: Port Canaveral, Florida

• Destination: Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas)

This fresh date complements two previously announced 4-night preview sailings departing on August 23 and August 27, 2025. All of these short cruises serve as “dress rehearsals” before the main event: the official 7-night inaugural voyage launching on August 31, 2025, which will chart a course to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and CocoCay.

Itinerary Highlights: Perfect Day at CocoCay

While a brief cruise itinerary might seem limited, Royal Caribbean has crafted this 3-night preview to maximize excitement:

• Day 1 (Embarkation): Board at Port Canaveral in the late afternoon, setting sail for CocoCay. Spend the evening strolling Star of the Seas’ eight neighborhoods, grabbing dinner at one of the flagship restaurants, and enjoying evening entertainment.

• Day 2 (Perfect Day at CocoCay): Dock at the private island, where you can indulge in thrills like the Daredevil’s Peak (the tallest waterslide in North America), float along the Oasis Lagoon, or relax in a beachfront cabana. The island’s upgraded harborside is perfect for sampling island-inspired bites and cocktails.

• Day 3 (Sea Day & Sailing Back): Enjoy a full day onboard with assorted activities—whether that’s lounging at the pool, testing your nerve on Crown’s Edge aerial adventure course, or catching a performance at the AquaTheater. The evening culminates with specialty dining options and nightlife in the new “Central Park” neighborhood.

• Day 4 (Disembarkation): Return to Port Canaveral in the morning, disembarking with memories (and social-media bragging rights) of a next-level cruise experience.

Because this preview is shorter than traditional itineraries, fares are prorated—meaning you’ll pay for just the nights you’re onboard. That makes it a cost-effective way to sample what Star of the Seas has to offer before its fully itinerated, weeklong sail in late August.

Shipboard Features: Eight Neighborhoods & Endless Fun

Star of the Seas marks Royal Caribbean’s latest evolution in “smart cruising,” blending technology, immersive design, and high-energy entertainment. Some standout features you’ll want to try on this preview cruise include:

• Thrill Island: Home to six exhilarating waterslides, including the signature Typhoon, Cyclone, and Riptide races.

• Chill Island: A quieter oasis for sunbathing, lounging, and chilling by one of the seven sparkling pools.

• Central Park: An open-air garden with over 20,000 live plants, offering al fresco dining, boutique shops, and live music amid serene landscaping.

• AquaTheater: An open-air, three-deck-high amphitheater built for breathtaking diving shows, aquatic acrobatics, and jaw-dropping aerial stunts.

• Crown’s Edge & Thrill Loft: Dare to walk on the ship’s edge atop a see-through glass floor or tackle the high-ropes adventure course 150 feet above the ocean.

• Ultimate Abyss: The tallest slide at sea, sending you plummeting 10 decks through twists and turns all the way down to the pool deck.

• 40+ Dining & Beverage Venues: From casual eateries like the King’s Landing Café and Sabor Taqueria to premium restaurants such as Hooked Seafood and The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar—there’s a flavor for every palate.

• Youth Zones: The Perfect Storm waterslides and Adventure Ocean youth program ensure that families have dedicated spaces for kids of all ages.

Booking Priority & Tips

If you’re already booked on the inaugural 7-night sailing (departing August 31), you have priority access to these early preview cruises. Suite guests saw their accommodations held until February 6, 2025, giving them first crack at securing a spot on the shorter itineraries. If you’re not in a suite but still want to join, keep an eye on Royal Caribbean’s site—cancellations and open spots may appear as the preview sailings fill up.

Pro tips for snagging a preview cabin:

1. Check for “transfer” or “upgrade” offers: Sometimes existing bookings can be shifted to earlier preview dates at prorated rates.

2. Set price alerts: Use cruise-savvy apps or sites that monitor fare changes, since preview rates can fluctuate as cabins sell.

3. Stay flexible: Weekday departures (like the August 20 date) often see fewer bookings than weekend sailings, increasing your odds of finding availability.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

With demand for Icon Class ships at an all-time high, Royal Caribbean’s preview sailings for Star of the Seas are bound to sell out fast—especially given the ship’s record-breaking size and array of next-generation amenities. For avid cruisers, this is an unmissable chance to:

• Be among the first: Capture epic photos without the crowds and brag to friends that you sailed before the ship’s official debut.

• Test the “wow” factors: From the Ultimate Abyss to curated dining options, you’ll know firsthand what makes Star of the Seas a game-changer.

• Take advantage of lower fares: Short cruises typically carry smaller price tags than a full inaugural weeklong voyage.

Whether you’re on a tight vacation schedule or simply crave a sneak peek at one of the world’s newest mega-ships, this August 20, 2025, preview sailing is your golden ticket.

So, polish your binoculars, pack your sea legs, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable “first look” at Star of the Seas. Head over to Royal Caribbean’s website, set up fare alerts, or connect with your preferred travel advisor to secure your cabin—because once these preview dates close, the next chance to sail will be the official inaugural voyage, and you definitely won’t want to miss that either.

Bon voyage from The Jetset Journal—where we keep you cruising in style!