Royal Caribbean's Artist Discovery Program to Transform Star of the Seas into a Cultural Canvas

Royal Caribbean's Artistic Journey on Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is set to redefine the vacation experience by launching its Artist Discovery Program aboard the highly anticipated Star of the Seas, scheduled to debut in August 2025. This innovative initiative aims to bring the vibrant heart of the Caribbean to life through the artistic expression of emerging talent from the region.

Celebrating Caribbean Artists

The Artist Discovery Program is a call to action for local artists, inviting them to showcase their work and contribute to the festive atmosphere on board the Star of the Seas. With submissions open until February 15, 2025, artists from various Caribbean nations can present their original pieces that resonate with the essence of island culture and communal spirit.

Last year, the inaugural edition of the program received overwhelming interest, with over 140 artists from 25 Caribbean nations participating. Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean International, expressed his excitement about the upcoming installment: "We are eager to connect our guests with the beauty and creativity of the Caribbean while celebrating the local culture through art."

Immersive Art Experience

The program will allow a new group of artists to create large-scale murals in prominent locations throughout the ship. Notable areas for their work include the Royal Promenade, which serves as the central hub, and the elegant Suite Sundeck Lobby. The selected artists will collaborate closely with Royal Caribbean's creative team to bring their visions to life in Turku, Finland, where the ship is currently being constructed. Grants awarded to participating artists will range from $20,000 to over $100,000, ensuring these talented individuals have the resources to realize their artistic concepts.

Additionally, the featured works will become part of a curated collection on board, which highlights the region’s cultural richness and the inspiring stories behind each piece. The chosen artists from the previous cohort, such as Angelika Wallace-Whitfield from The Bahamas and Philippe Dodard from Haiti, have already captivated millions of guests visiting the Icon of the Seas with their awe-inspiring installations.

A New Era in Vacationing

In bringing together the beauty of the Caribbean and remarkable artwork, Star of the Seas is set to pave the way for a new era of cruise vacations. Boasting innovative features and immersive experiences tailored for every member of the family, this ship combines elements like Lincoln Park Supper Club and Category 6, the largest water park at sea. The ship will offer year-round voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops at breathtaking locations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and St. Maarten.

Looking Ahead

The Artist Discovery Program represents not just a chance for artists to gain recognition, but also serves to enrich the cruise experience for guests. By integrating local culture into their travels, Royal Caribbean enhances the overall journey, offering guests a deeper understanding of the Caribbean's artistic community. More information about future editions of this initiative will be shared down the line as the cruise line continues its mission to connect travelers with the captivating culture of the islands.

For additional details and submission guidelines, artists and interested parties can visit the official Royal Caribbean website, marking an exciting opportunity for creative talents seeking to shine on an international platform.