This past weekend marked the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship.
The Star of the Seas, considered Royal Caribbean’s latest flagship, set off from Port Canaveral in Florida on Sunday.
This massive ship boasts 20 decks and can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers.
After leaving from Orlando, the itinerary includes stops in various Caribbean locations, including Royal Caribbean’s private islands in the Bahamas, for a journey of at least seven nights.
The impressive vessel features an Aqua Dome with a 55-foot waterfall and a replica of the iconic Flying DeLorean.
Of course, such luxury does come with a hefty price tag.
The starting fare for the cheapest tickets is $951 per person, but these amenities generally have no hidden fees.
Despite the cost, cruise vacations are more popular than ever, according to Stewart Chillon, founder of Cruise Guy. He shared insights with GMA, noting that the current demand is unprecedented.
“There are, historically, numerous bookings for future cruises,” Chillon mentioned. “The demand is remarkable, and people are enthusiastic about trips ahead. The satisfaction rates have been stellar, and we’re excited about the new ships on the horizon.”
Chillon remarked that, in some instances, cruise bookings actually surpass hotel reservations.
Statistics point to the fact that 2025 will see a record number of ocean cruise passengers, with around 19 million Americans expected to book a cruise.
