Royal Caribbean Unveils New Local Artists for Star of the Seas Experience

Royal Caribbean is dedicated to celebrating the essence of the Caribbean through its new initiative, the Artist Discovery Program. This program aims to shine a spotlight on talented local artists from various Caribbean nations, providing them with a platform to express their creativity and enrich the overall vacation experience for cruiser passengers.

Recently, Royal Caribbean announced its latest cohort of artists who will participate in this program. The selected artists hail from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti, representing the rich cultural tapestry of the Caribbean. Each artist has been entrusted with the task of creating unique, large-scale murals that reflect their home country’s vibrant culture and artistic spirit, to be displayed prominently throughout the upcoming Star of the Seas cruise.

Artist Highlights

The program showcases three remarkable artists:
- Nestor Omar Garcia (Angurria) from the Dominican Republic will unveil a mural in the Star's embarkation area, designed to greet guests with a burst of color and cultural richness.
- From Jamaica, Anthony Smith (Taoszen) will bring his art to life in the Royal Promenade. His work combines striking visuals and themes that resonate with community connection and positive change.
- Saegel Bascombe from Trinidad and Tobago will add her vibrant artistry to the Suite Sun Deck lobby, enhancing the overall ambiance of this private oasis with dynamic colors and patterns that embody the spirit of her homeland.

Each artist participating in the program will receive a grant ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 to support their artistic vision and the creation of their pieces. The murals will serve not only as engaging decor but as a testament to the culture and artistic contributions of the Caribbean nations, making each guest’s journey through the ship an experience infused with local artistry.

A Commitment to Local Communities

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean, passionately expressed the brand’s commitment to community engagement. He stated, “Collaborating with the places we visit is at the heart of what we do and who we are at Royal Caribbean.” This commitment underscores the cruise line’s dedication to forging deep connections with the communities it operates within, which is reflected in its initiatives like the Artist Discovery Program.

The selection process for the latest cohort involved a thorough review of nearly 180 applications from artists across 28 Caribbean countries. Candidates were evaluated based on their submitted unpublished artwork, professional resumes, and personal statements detailing how their experiences, cultures, and aspirations have shaped their artistic practices.

The Artist Discovery Program first made waves aboard the Icon of the Seas and quickly became a cherished feature of Royal Caribbean’s offerings, generating excitement and anticipation from both guests and artists alike. It represents a unique effort to integrate local culture into the cruising experience, ensuring that travelers don’t just see the destinations but also engage with the rich heritage behind them.

Looking Ahead

Scheduled to debut in August at Port Canaveral, Florida, the Star of the Seas will not only highlight the artistic works but also offer families a multitude of activities, dining options, and entertainment across its eight uniquely themed neighborhoods. This cruise promises to deliver a plethora of experiences for every type of vacationer, whether they’re seeking adventure or relaxation.

As Royal Caribbean prepares for this exciting launch, guests can expect an enriching cruise experience that not only emphasizes fun but also celebrates the diverse cultures that make the Caribbean special. For more information, patrons can visit the Royal Caribbean website, where they can dive deeper into the upcoming offerings aboard Star of the Seas, including the showcases of these talented artists.