Port Canaveral Marks Arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas with Traditional Maritime Plaque Exchange

World’s largest cruise ship to offer seven-day eastern and western Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral

Canaveral Port Authority CEO and Port Director Capt. John Murray (2^nd from left); Canaveral Port Authority Board Chairman Wayne Justice (2^nd from right) and Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Kevin Markey (far right) join Star of the Seas Capt. Rob Hempstead for a traditional plaque exchange on board Star of the Seas
(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority) 

PORT CANAVERAL, FL – August 12, 2025 – Port Canaveral’s “Star-Studded Sailabration” for Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas kicked off today with a traditional maritime plaque exchange to welcome the world’s largest cruise ship to her new homeport. Canaveral Port Authority CEO and Port Director Capt. John Murray, Canaveral Port Authority Board Chairman Admiral Wayne Justice (USCG-Ret.), Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Kevin Markey and Port leadership joined Star of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead and his team of officers to commemorate the ship’s homecoming at the world’s second busiest cruise port.

“We are enormously proud of our longtime partnership with Royal Caribbean and very excited to have this magnificent new ship join their fleet of vessels homeported here,” stated Murray. “Star of the Seas is a substantial addition and underscores the growing demand for cruising from our Port. After months of planning, preparation and facilities improvements we’ve made, our team is ready to provide the high-quality guest experience that has become our hallmark.” 

Port Canaveral leadership and representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection are pictured here with Star of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead and the ship’s officers during today’s plaque exchange ceremony aboard the world’s largest cruise ship
(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)

The arrival of Icon-class Star of the Seas to Port Canaveral represents the latest chapter in a successful partnership between Royal Caribbean and the Port dating back nearly 30 years. The 248,663-ton ship will sail its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on August 16^th followed by an official naming ceremony and christening on August 20^th led by music icon Diana Ross, the ship’s godmother. Star of the Seas will begin operating seven-day eastern and western Caribbean sailings from the Port starting August 31^st.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas joins other Royal Caribbean vessels Utopia of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Harmony the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas offering a variety of cruise vacations sailing from Port Canaveral. 

‘Star’-Studded Sailabration Event Set for Saturday, August 16

Port Canaveral cruise fans, visitors and the Port community at large can join the “Star”-Studded Sailabration fun at a “wave out” event on Saturday, August 16 at Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park. This family friendly “party in the park” will coincide with the afternoon departure of Star of the Seas from Port Canaveral. Festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. and will feature food trucks, themed giveaways, a DJ and more. Given the expected high attendance, “Sailabration” participants are encouraged to arrive with ample time to be in place when the ship passes by Jetty Park. Attendance at the event is free, however parking passes for Jetty Park are required and should be purchased in advance by visiting https://shop.portcanaveral.com/.  Event details can be found on Port Canaveral’s Facebook page: STAR-studded Sailabration at Port Canaveral - Star of the Seas | Facebook 

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