While Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships exemplify the latest innovative designs, passengers sailing on the upcoming Star of the Seas should expect the onboard musical to take them back in time.
According to Royal Caribbean Productions' Facebook page, the company is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical in London, England. Based on the beloved 1985 film, the musical promises to bring a nostalgic and energetic experience to the ship's entertainment lineup.
Though Royal Caribbean hasn't made an official announcement, the audition post states all performers hired for Back to the Future will also perform in an original production show on Star of the Seas, totaling 6-8 weekly performances.
Back to the Future: The Musical premiered at the Manchester Opera House in February 2020, receiving positive reviews and winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2022. The show made its Broadway debut in August 2023, with a North American tour beginning in June 2024. The Broadway production was nominated for two Tony Awards this year, too.
When launched, Star of the Seas will become the second Icon Class ship in service. Following the debut of Icon of the Seas, Star will add to Royal Caribbean's lineup of impressive vessels, focusing on cutting-edge technology, guest comfort, and new additions exclusive to the ship.
Still, it will bear many resemblances to the class' namesake vessel, from the thrilling Category 6 Waterpark to the mesmerizing AquaDome and iconic Royal Promenade. Royal Caribbean plans to differentiate between the two through unique entertainment.
On Icon, the Broadway-style musical is The Wizard of Oz. Guests are transported to the magical Land of Oz and follow Dorothy on a journey as she encounters characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on her journey back to Kansas.
Back to the Future also explores themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the importance of home, making both productions ideal for family-friendly ships. However, this sci-fi tale revolves around Marty McFly, who travels from 1985 to 1955 with scientist Doc Brown and inadvertently prevents his parents from falling in love. He has to get them to reconcile to return to the future and reclaim his own existence.
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Royal Caribbean isn't new to Broadway-style musicals
Most of Royal Caribbean's newer ships have Broadway-style shows onboard, offering guests a taste of world-class entertainment while at sea. Select ships have shows like Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, Cats, The Wizard of Oz, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease.
Even on vessels without Broadway-style musicals, Royal Caribbean ensures a great entertainment lineup featuring live music, variety acts, and original production shows that showcase everything from dazzling acrobatics to talented vocalists.
On Freedom of the Seas, for example, you'll find Marquee and Once Upon a Time in the Royal Theater. Though not a Broadway-style show, Marquee features famous hits performed in the iconic Theater District for years. It's like a Broadway mash-up!
Star of the Seas will set sail in August 2025
With less than one year to go until Star of the Seas welcomes guests onboard, anticipation is building for its launch! The ship promises to offer exciting features and experiences, building on the Icon of the Seas' legacy.
For example, Star's Supper Club will be reimagined, honoring Chicago with an immersive dining experience that blends world-class cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment with the city's culture and rich culinary scene.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean wants to enhance the AquaDome Market, the cruise line's food hall-style restaurant. This means passengers can expect different cuisine than what's available on Icon of the Seas.
And families will love the changes to Surfside, with Royal Caribbean working to expand the appeal of the family-friendly neighborhood. Splashaway Bay, for instance, will have new features with more play activations. Water's Edge pool will also serve as a family pool, rather than a pool for parents to lounge in while they watch their children play.
Star of the Seas will embark on its maiden cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31, 2025. The 250,800 gross registered ton ship will sail alternating itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with scheduled stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay every week.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
