Royal Caribbean has named music legend Diana Ross as godmother of its newest Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, ahead of its August 2025 debut from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Ross will officially name the ship at a ceremony onboard in August 2025, continuing the maritime tradition of bestowing good fortune and safe travels upon a vessel, its crew, and future guests.
“I am truly honoured to join the Royal Caribbean family,” Ross said.
“Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey.”
The naming ceremony will take place in the AquaTheater, part of the new AquaDome neighbourhood, which offers wraparound ocean views and immersive entertainment. Ross will also perform an exclusive set for media, partners and crew.
Meet the next Icon: What’s onboard Star of the Seas
The new ship is the second in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, designed to combine elements of beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park-style experiences in one cruise holiday. The ship features:
- Eight distinct neighbourhoods, including the new AquaDome
- Category 6 waterpark with record-setting slides
- Seven pools, each with its own vibe
- More than 40 food and beverage venues, including Lincoln Park Supper Club
- Original stage productions including Back to the Future: The Musical
Star of the Seas is being promoted as the “world’s best family vacation” by the cruise line. It follows the debut of Icon of the Seas, the first ship in the class.
Where it’s sailing and what’s next
Once launched, Star of the Seas will offer seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Other upcoming destinations in the pipeline include:
- Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, The Bahamas (opening December 2025)
- Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Mexico (2026)
- Perfect Day Mexico (2027)
Why Royal chose Ross for Star
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said Ross was a natural fit for the role of godmother.
“We couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together,” Bayley said.
“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class.”
What it means for the trade
With Star positioned as a family-friendly, high-capacity ship with wide appeal, it adds another drawcard to Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean program and destination-linked offerings. The expansion of the Perfect Day portfolio, including two new beach clubs, may present further upselling opportunities for agents targeting multigenerational travellers.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Naming Diana Ross as godmother brings cultural cachet to Star of the Seas, helping Royal Caribbean reinforce its family-friendly branding with global name recognition, proving that big-name godmothers still matter when it comes to capturing attention and driving bookings.
