Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas: An amusement park on the water

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas will debut in summer 2025

By Mark Reif Updated August 22, 2024

Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International

This week, Royal Caribbean released more details on its upcoming ship, Star of the Seas. Set to debut in the summer of 2025, the ocean liner will offer excitement and solace, catering to young families while also providing adults a place to escape. From waterslides to restaurants to world-class destinations, the cruise line’s newest “Star” has a little of everything.

Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas: A celebration on the ocean

Star of the Seas poolside — Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean’s photos of Star of the Seas show a vibrant place of bright lights and incredible amenities at every turn. Night pictures are reminiscent of a carnival by the beach, and waterslides and pools look refreshing and fun. While part of the ship caters to young families, other sections let adults escape for a while and enjoy an ocean-side sunset.

Thrill Island is home to the Category 6 water park, with six record-breaking waterslides, like family raft slides and mat-racing duos. A FlowRider surf simulator lets you ride waves on the deck, while eateries Basecamp and Desserted help you fuel up.

For families with young children, the Surfside neighborhood is the perfect place for uninterrupted play. Baby Bay and Splashaway Bay cater to toddlers and kids, and Water’s Edge lets adults enjoy the fun. The Lemon Post Bar and Surfside Eatery let everyone enjoy a bite between pool sessions.

When adults need some time away, The Hideaway offers a rooftop escape. Positioned 135 feet above the water, it’s a beach club for the ages, with a suspended infinity pool, live DJ, terrace with whirlpools, a dedicated bar, and panoramic views.

There’s much, much more. For more details, visit the Royal Caribbean website and view details on 7-night trips beginning in the summer of 2025.

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Outdoors

There’s a new ranking of the 10 best national parks and some surprising faves aren’t on it

These are the best national parks to visit, according to one study

pond and mountain in Yosemite Park

If you’re planning to visit a few national parks this summer, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth the hype. Luckily, Travel Lemming has put together a comprehensive ranking system to see which national parks are the best, once and for all. From cost to crowds, they have left no stone unturned.

Searching for your next big adventure? Read on to discover which national parks made the top 10 and which unexpected parks fell short of everyone’s expectations.

Travel

Airbus A350 inspections mandated after in-flight fire

EU mandates Airbus A350 inspections

Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000

Following an in-flight fire on a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 on Sept. 1, Europe’s aviation safety agency required an inspection of fuel lines on some Airbus A350s. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) made the announcement Sept. 5 after the incident on the Hong Kong to Zurich flight, which may have been caused by a leaking fuel system. A Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine powered the airplane in question.
Multiple airlines perform Airbus A350 inspections
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine Wikimedia Commons

After the Sept. 1 fire, Cathay Pacific inspected the engines on all 48 of its A350s and determined 15 needed new fuel lines. To conduct the replacement, the airline canceled 90 flights. The EASA mandate covers A350-1000s powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, with 84 planes in service. Depending on engine history, inspections must take place within three to 30 days.

Travel

Delta Sync seatback introduced on more than 330 planes

Delta Air Lines is adding more Delta Sync seatbacks to its planes

Passenger using Delta Sync seatback

A year ago, Delta Air Lines debuted its Delta Sync seatback. Until now, it’s been available on 185 planes, including Airbus A321ceo and Boeing 757-200(75D) models. Now, the carrier is rolling out the smart TV-like feature on additional aircraft, bringing the total to more than 330. That’ll let more passengers enjoy the innovative seatback’s features on trips large or small.
Delta Sync seatback: Tailored technology in the sky

The Delta Sync seatback provides a smart TV-like experience while jetting through the sky. SkyMiles members can log in and enjoy real-time flight notifications and a system that recognizes their preferences. With the new roll-out, more people than ever can experience this leading tech.