Royal Caribbean has made an unexpected change to the schedule of its highly anticipated *Star of the Seas*, giving passengers an earlier chance to experience the new ship—but not everyone is happy about it. The cruise line, known for its innovative ships, recently announced an additional three-night “Showcase Cruise” on August 20, 2025, ahead of the ship’s original debut later that month.
The *Star of the Seas* is the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s *Icon Class*, following the record-breaking *Icon of the Seas*. The ship will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida, offering weeklong Caribbean getaways. However, before its official seven-night maiden voyage on August 31, the cruise line has introduced three shorter preview sailings: a brand-new three-night trip on August 20, followed by previously announced sailings on August 23 and 27.
While the extra sailing provides more opportunities for eager cruisers, the sudden change has frustrated some travelers who had already booked the later dates. Many have non-refundable flights and hotel arrangements, making it difficult to switch to the earlier departure. Some passengers have even humorously renamed the ship “*The Stress of the Seas*” due to the last-minute adjustment.
The newly added three-night cruise includes a stop at *Perfect Day at CocoCay*, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. Prices start at $1,108 per person, offering a glimpse of the ship’s cutting-edge features before its full launch.
In addition to this schedule change, Royal Caribbean has introduced premium “Royal Signature Excursions” in select Caribbean and European destinations. These small-group tours come with perks like skip-the-line access and luxury transportation. The cruise line has also announced an expanded Asia itinerary for the 2026-2027 season, featuring stops in Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, and other sought-after locations aboard the *Spectrum of the Seas*.
For travelers considering the earlier *Star of the Seas* sailing, the decision depends on flexibility. Those who can adjust their plans may enjoy being among the first to experience the ship, while others with fixed arrangements may prefer sticking to their original booking. Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries in the cruise industry, but this surprise adjustment highlights the challenges that can come with last-minute changes. Will you be sailing on the *Star of the Seas* this summer?
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