Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Becomes a Florida Launchpad for Caribbean Artists Starting August 2025

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Royal Caribbean is reinvigorating the Caribbean’s vibrant heart through its renewed “Artist Discovery Program.” This initiative invites talented artists from the region to exhibit their artwork aboard the upcoming cruise ship, Star of the Seas. Launching in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida, this program debuted on Icon of the Seas and seeks to showcase emerging Caribbean artists. The Star of the Seas aims to become a moving gallery, where the essence of the Caribbean culture and beauty is shared with global travelers for years to come. Artists from the Caribbean are encouraged to submit their works starting today until February 15th.

The “Artist Discovery Program” serves not only to display local talent but also to honor the destinations and communities that enhance the Royal Caribbean experience, promising unforgettable vacations.

“We are excited for this next edition of The Artist Discovery Program and can’t wait to be awestruck by visionary artists across the Caribbean. Last year, our first-ever call to artists received an overwhelming response with more than 140 artists across 25 Caribbean countries submitting pieces that told a unique story and captured the allure of the region,” said Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer, Royal Caribbean International. “Our goal is to connect our guests to the enduring beauty and creativity of the Caribbean, and this immersive program is a pathway to celebrating and exploring local culture while onboard the next Icon of vacations – Star of the Seas.”

The upcoming session of the Artist Discovery Program will see new talents tasked with creating expansive murals across four prominent spots, including the bustling Royal Promenade area, setting the vibrant tone of the new vacation, Star’s welcoming area as a first impression for guests, and both the Suite Sundeck Lobby and Suite Sundeck itself. These works will be part of a growing onboard collection, featuring pieces by local artists that reflect the spirit of the Caribbean, each artwork designed to capture the region’s dynamic atmosphere.

Participating artists will be supported with grants from the vacation company, with amounts ranging between $20,000 and $100,000, enabling them to fully realize their artistic visions. As part of their residency, these selected artists will collaborate closely with the Royal Caribbean team later this year in Turku, Finland, where the construction of Star is currently underway.

Artists wishing to participate in the Artist Discovery Program need to provide:

• Five examples of their original artwork.
• An artist statement that discusses their work, sources of inspiration, and additional insights into the submitted pieces.
• Their CV or resume.

This year’s cohort will follow the 2023 group whose stunning murals now adorn the Icon of the Seas. Among the accomplished resident artists are Angelika Wallace-Whitfield from The Bahamas, Phillipe Dodard from Haiti, and Jason Hospedales from Trinidad & Tobago. Millions of guests boarding the Icon have been treated to these mesmerizing artistic expressions, each celebrating the cultural vibrancy of The Bahamas.

Continuing the innovative vacation experience pioneered by Icon of the Seas, Star introduces a thrilling blend of holiday elements. It combines the tranquility of a beach retreat, the luxury of a resort escape, and the excitement of a theme park adventure. With eight distinct neighborhoods that are attractions on their own, Star of the Seas offers unparalleled experiences like the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, the adrenaline-pumping Category 6 with its six record-breaking slides, the largest water park at sea, and serene spots like Chill Island and the opulent four-level Suite Neighborhood, ensuring unforgettable moments for every guest.

Star will operate continuous, week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean journeys throughout the year, departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Each trip will include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s highly acclaimed private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, along with visits to picturesque locations such as Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.