Royal Caribbean's Artist Discovery Program Returns to Celebrate Caribbean Culture on Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Artist Discovery Program

In a bid to further immerse vacationers in the vibrant culture and beauty of the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean International has announced the return of its prestigious Artist Discovery Program. This time, the initiative will take center stage on the highly anticipated cruise ship, Star of the Seas, which is set to make its debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The program invites talented artists from across the Caribbean to showcase their work throughout the ship, creating a unique experience for guests looking to connect with the region's rich heritage.

Unleashing Caribbean Talent

The Artist Discovery Program aims to spotlight up-and-coming artists within the Caribbean by featuring their original works on the Star of the Seas, described by Royal Caribbean as a remarkable blend of diverse vacation experiences. Beginning January 16, 2025, local artists can submit their artwork until February 15, making this an exciting opportunity for creative individuals eager to share their stories.

Jay Schneider, the Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean International, expressed enthusiasm about this initiative saying, _“We are excited for this next edition of The Artist Discovery Program and can't wait to be awestruck by visionary artists across the Caribbean.”_ This positive reception indicates that the program is on track to become a noteworthy platform for emerging talent, enhancing the cruise experience for millions of guests.

Creating Immersive Experiences

The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to create large-scale murals in high-visibility locations throughout the ship. This includes the Royal Promenade, the embarkation area, and the Suite Sundeck, ensuring that guests immediately immerse themselves in profound visual narratives depicting the spirit of the Caribbean. With each masterpiece painted onboard, Star of the Seas aims to allow travelers to discover the creativity that defines the region.

The first edition of the Artist Discovery Program was met with immense success, receiving over 140 submissions from artists representing 25 Caribbean countries. This year, the winners will join a growing collection that includes talents like Angelika Wallace-Whitfield from The Bahamas, Philippe Dodard from Haiti, and Jason Hospedales from Trinidad and Tobago. Their contributions in the debut program have so far enriched the artistic landscape for travelers embarking on Royal Caribbean voyages.

Financial Support for Artists

To further empower these rising stars, every artist selected in the current edition will receive a grant ranging from $20,000 to over $100,000 to help bring their artistic visions to life. This financial backing underscores Royal Caribbean's commitment to promoting local talents while also allowing them to collaborate with the cruise line’s team later this year to actualize their concepts in Turku, Finland, where Star of the Seas is under construction.

Submissions and Artist Requirements

Artists interested in participating must provide five samples of their previous work, a brief statement explaining their artistic journey and inspirations, and a copy of their CV/resume. Royal Caribbean aims to support talent that not only signifies excellence in craftsmanship but also resonates with the stories and culture inherent in the Caribbean identity.

A New Era of Cruising

The Star of the Seas will introduce vacationers to an innovative approach to travel, encompassing everything from beach retreats and resort escapes to thrilling theme park adventures. With features such as the Lincoln Park Supper Club, Category 6—a vast water park comprising six record-breaking slides—and unique neighborhoods, it’s designed to cater to every type of family and adventure seeker. The cruise is set to operate year-round, offering 7-night itineraries that include stops at renowned destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, Cozumel in Mexico, and Philipsburg in St. Maarten.

More details related to Star of the Seas and future editions of the Artist Discovery Program can be found on Royal Caribbean's official website. This initiative not only enriches the cruise experience but also fosters a deep appreciation for the Caribbean's artistic legacy, making it a vital addition to Royal Caribbean's journey towards creating memorable vacations for travelers from around the world.