The Virgin Islands Port Authority is excited to announce the inaugural arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s newest and most innovative ship, the Star of the Seas. The vessel will berth at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. and depart at 8 p.m.
This visit marks the first time Star of the Seas, the latest vessel in Royal Caribbean’s ICON-class cruise ships, will call on the US Virgin Islands — offering a new wave of opportunity for the territory’s cruise tourism sector.
“We’re delighted to welcome the magnificent Star of the Seas to our shores,” said Carlton Dowe, executive director of VIPA. “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.”
Officials from Royal Caribbean International, along with representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Port Authority, and other government and private sector representatives, will participate in a traditional plaque and key exchange ceremony on board the ship to commemorate the occasion. Live entertainment and cultural performances will greet guests and crew as they arrive on the island.
The Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s ICON-class. It measures 1,196.9 feet in length and weighs 250,800 gross tons. This ship is the same size as its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas, and both are recognized as the world’s largest cruise ships. It can accommodate 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity and 2,350 crew members. The vessel features eight unique neighborhoods and the largest waterpark at sea, including six record-setting waterslides. It also incorporates advanced sustainability efforts, such as LNG propulsion, shore power connectivity, and sophisticated waste management systems.
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