Royal Caribbean is elevating the artistic spotlight once more with the return of its celebrated Artist Discovery Program, this time aboard the highly anticipated Star of the Seas. Set to sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando) in August 2025, this next-generation ship will serve as a floating canvas for Caribbean creativity, continuing the cruise line’s commitment to immersing guests in the soul of the destinations they visit. Following the overwhelming success of the program’s debut on Icon of the Seas, this initiative invites artists from across the region to share their voice and vision, further blurring the lines between vacation and cultural experience.
Art as an Experience: A Celebration of Caribbean Creativity
Art has long been part of cruising, but Royal Caribbean has taken the concept a step further—transforming its ships into dynamic cultural galleries. The Artist Discovery Program showcases original works by emerging artists from the Caribbean, turning blank walls into storytelling canvases that reflect the region’s vibrant energy, traditions, and heritage. The upcoming Star of the Seas will host a new group of artists whose large-scale murals will appear in pivotal areas of the ship, such as the Royal Promenade, Suite Sundeck Lobby, and the embarkation area—spaces seen and appreciated by thousands of guests each week.
Unlike traditional cruise décor, these pieces aren't mere decorations. They represent the heart and soul of the communities the ship sails through, forming a deeper connection between travellers and the destinations. The artwork on Icon of the Seas—created by artists like The Bahamas' Angelika Wallace-Whitfield and Haiti’s Philippe Dodard—proved how impactful this initiative can be.
On Star of the Seas, that legacy will continue to grow, and with generous grants ranging from USD $20,000 to $100,000 per artist, the program stands as a major platform for Caribbean creatives to share their talent with the world.
A Canvas Unlike Any Other at Sea
With Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is redefining what it means to blend artistry and adventure. As the next chapter in the Icon Class, this ship will feature eight distinct neighbourhoods and endless ways to unwind or thrill. It’s within this bold new world that the artists’ visions will live—among venues like the Lincoln Park Supper Club and Chill Island, and even within the grandeur of the four-level Suite Neighborhood.
This immersive approach turns art into a storytelling medium woven into the cruise experience. Guests walking through the Royal Promenade or lounging in the Suite Sundeck will not just pass by murals—they'll engage with vibrant expressions of Caribbean identity, from colourful folklore to contemporary social commentary. The integration of artwork into guest spaces is a striking example of how Royal Caribbean uses experiential design to enhance connection and curiosity during travel.
Artist Empowerment at the Core
A key innovation of the Artist Discovery Program lies in how it empowers the artists themselves. Selected participants are not only commissioned to create monumental works—they are also given full artistic agency, resources to realise their vision, and international visibility. Each artist will become part of the shipbuilding journey, collaborating with Royal Caribbean’s team in Turku, Finland, where Star of the Seas is currently under construction.
The program is inclusive and regionally rooted, with artists invited from all Caribbean nations. This democratic call for talent allows lesser-known but highly skilled creatives to emerge on a global stage. Artists are required to submit five original works, a short statement about their creative process, and a resume. The curated results will shape the visual narrative of Star of the Seas and echo through its voyages for years to come.
Expanding Artistic Horizons in Travel
What makes this program stand out from others in the cruise industry is its dedication to authentic cultural storytelling. Instead of generic decor, the works featured under the Artist Discovery Program evoke the colours, rhythms, and narratives unique to the Caribbean. In a world where travellers seek meaningful connections over fleeting experiences, these artistic installations provide a genuine entry point into local perspectives—without ever leaving the ship.
The broader value of initiatives like this lies in cultural preservation. For many artists, these commissions provide not only exposure and income but a way to immortalise regional traditions through a modern lens. When cruise lines like Royal Caribbean commit to platforming such stories, they help ensure that Caribbean heritage continues to thrive in new, global formats.
Explore Culture and Creativity at Sea
As Star of the Seas prepares to launch her Caribbean itineraries—including visits to Royal Caribbean's renowned private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and sun-soaked ports like Cozumel, Philipsburg, and Basseterre—guests can anticipate a journey where the culture doesn’t just begin when the ship docks. The voyage itself becomes a celebration of identity, diversity, and inspiration through the artworks onboard.
For travellers who value immersive travel experiences as much as destination-hopping, this next-generation ship is more than just a holiday—it’s an invitation to discover the soul of the Caribbean through its artistic voices.
If you’re seeking a cruise experience that blends visual storytelling, luxury innovation, and cultural celebration, our Cruise Planner is your essential companion. Learn more about Star of the Seas, her year-round itineraries, and the enriching onboard experiences you’ll enjoy as you sail through the Caribbean in creative style.
Where Creativity Meets Cruising
Royal Caribbean’s Artist Discovery Program represents more than just murals on a ship. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, of heritage, and of art’s ability to connect cultures across oceans. With Star of the Seas leading the way in 2025, the cruise line continues to set a powerful example of how travel can inspire, support, and showcase creative excellence. Whether you’re a traveller seeking inspiration or an artist dreaming of global reach, this initiative proves that cruising can be as meaningful as it is memorable.
To learn more about upcoming voyages or how you can experience this artistic evolution for yourself, get in touch with a travel consultant and start planning your next unforgettable journey.
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