Star of the Seas Inaugural Sailing Canceled

February 27, 2024 Randy Young

Sad news for those who were eager to be onboard for the first sailing of Star of the Seas. The first revenue sailing, scheduled for August 17, has been canceled. The new inaugural sailing is now scheduled for August 31.

Royal Caribbean has notified booked guests

In an email sent to guests booked on the first sailing, Royal Caribbean broke the news: “After a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date.”

Guests booked on the canceled August 17th sailing can choose to move to the new Star of the Seas’ inaugural sailing on August 31. Guests will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom onboard Star of the Seas (excluding taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items).

Guests also have the option to choose two other sailings. They can opt for Wonder of the Seas sailing on August 17 or Icon of the Seas sailing on August 16. Guests’ original stateroom category price will be honored.

Additionally, guests can choose to cancel and get a full refund.

Impacted guests have until March 12 to make their choice, or they’ll be automatically moved to the new Star of the Seas inaugural sailing.

About Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has not explained specifically what is causing the delay. Star of the Seas is the highly anticipated successor to the recently launched Icon of the Seas. The ship is expected to be very similar to its older sibling, except for differences in decor, possibly a few restaurants, and an extra hot tub.

The ship is commending record high prices, with sailings costing more than a sailing on the new Celebrity Xcel (a new ship from Royal Caribbean’s sister cruise line).