We are just four months from the launch of Star of the Seas, and the ship is quickly taking form as it readies to debut.
This isn't just another new ship, it's the highly-anticipated follow-up to the incredible Icon of the Seas. Icon set a new standard for all cruise ships, and similar to a blockbuster movie, the question is can the sequel measure up.
Royal Caribbean is still working on the ship as it's under construction in Turku, Finland, but photos appeared online showing much progress is being made.
Instagram user aleksandrjackov shared photos from around the ship as it's being worked on.
If you're like me, you're so excited for the new ship to launch and these photos are a glimpse of what's coming.
Building on Icon's success
One thing you'll notice about Star of the Seas is just how much it continues with what worked the first time with Icon of the Seas.
Both ships started construction around the same time, similar to how Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas did two decades ago.
We'll know more once the ship allows the public onboard, but we can expect a number of tweaks and enhancements from Icon.
One thing that's clear from the photos is how much progress has already been made on the ship.
While the Royal Promenade is still being worked on, it has the look of being what we'd expect once it opens.
This is the area of the ship you'll first encounter when you board Star of the Seas.
Compared to other Royal Caribbean ships, the Royal Promenade on Icon is different in size and scope. At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade is longer than a football field,
It's two decks high and also has ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
One change we can't see yet is The Pearl, which Royal Caribbean said would be visually improved.
The Pearl on Icon of the Seas
This three-deck high sphere is a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles.
Expect multi-color rings, which provides richer color that extends throughout the iconic feature of this ship class.
Of course, it's also home to Giovanni's Table and Spotlight Karaoke.
The placement of Giovanni's on the Royal Promenade was a controversial change given they moved it to such a public and loud space.
It's a bold idea, but it does offer a great people watching wine bar that comes with it.
Down on the first level of the Promenade is the English Pub, and it's one of my go-to spots each evening.
The family vacation alternative to Orlando
Star of the Seas isn't just a new cruise ship to make you think twice about other ships, it's being positioned to compete with the family vacation capital.
Royal Caribbean is homeporting Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral, which is less than an hour from the Orlando theme parks.
Success for this new ship is defined as luring new cruisers to try a cruise at the expense of a Disney World or Universal Studios trip.
Cruises offer a better value proposition than land resorts, but it also is packed with lots for families to love.
The new ship has an entire waterpark onboard and will have a revamped family area.
Royal Caribbean is updating the Surfside neighborhood and will tweak its offering to appeal to older school kids.
Plus, the kids club areas are getting freshened up as well.
When you add in the incredible shows and entertainment, Royal Caribbean thinks they have the perfect array of ways to have fun every day of the cruise.
