More ways to bring the heart of the Caribbean, its people, beauty and culture to life are on deck. Royal Caribbean announced that its “Artist Discovery Program” is returning to the Caribbean, calling on brilliant artists from across the region to showcase their work on the upcoming best-of-every-vacation mashup, Star of the Seas. Set to debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in August 2025, Star will provide a dynamic canvas for emerging artists to capture and share the rich Caribbean spirit onboard with vacationers around the world for generations to come. Local artists from across the Caribbean can submit their proposals beginning today through February 15 here.
The program, which debuted on Icon of the Seas, will highlight rising stars among local Caribbean artists featured in Star’s curated art collection, giving budding artists the opportunity to share their talent. The program aims to celebrate the destinations and people who make a vacation with Royal Caribbean the vacation of a lifetime.
“We are excited about this next edition of the Artist Discovery Program and can’t wait to be wowed by visionary artists from across the Caribbean. Last year, our first call for artists received an overwhelming response with more than 140 artists from 25 Caribbean countries submitting pieces that told a unique story and captured the charm of the region,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International. “Our goal is to connect our guests with the enduring beauty and creativity of the Caribbean, and this immersive program is a pathway to celebrate and explore local culture onboard the next vacation icon – Star of the Seas.”
The next group of emerging artists in the Artist Discovery Program will be tasked with painting large-scale murals in four highly visible locations, including the Royal Promenade neighborhood, which represents the heart of the new vacation; Star’s boarding area, which will be one of the first views guests see; and the lobby and suite terrace. Each creation, which will join an onboard collection that includes a variety of pieces created by local artists and inspired by the region, will evoke the vibrancy of the Caribbean.
Each artist will receive a grant from the travel company, ranging from $20,000 to more than $100,000, to bring their vision to life. As artists-in-residence, the winners will work closely with the Royal Caribbean team later this year to bring their concepts to life in Turku, Finland, where Star is currently under construction.
Artists interested in joining the Artist Discovery Program must submit:
Five samples of past work: Work must be original.
A brief statement from the artist helping to explain their work, inspiration, and other details about the submitted pieces.
A copy of their CV/resume.
This year’s selected artists will join the inaugural 2023 cohort who created the iconic murals featured on Icon of the Seas. Distinguished artists-in-residence include Angelika Wallace-Whitfield in the Bahamas, Phillipe Dodard in Haiti, and Jason Hospedales in Trinidad & Tobago. To date, millions of guests embarking on Icon have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand these captivating works of art, which celebrate the essence of The Bahamas.
Drawing inspiration from a new era of vacationing ushered in by Icon of the Seas, Star is the next bold combination of the best of every vacation. From beach retreat to resort escape to theme park adventure, there are experiences for every type of family and adventure across eight neighborhoods that are destinations unto themselves. Between the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, six record-breaking Category 6 slides, the largest waterpark at sea, and unrivaled ways to relax in neighborhoods like Chill Island and the luxurious four-level Neighborhood Suite, Star of the Seas sets the stage for everyone to make memories.
Star will sail year-round on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Each cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, and a host of idyllic locations including Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. More details about Star are available on Royal Caribbean’s website.
Future editions of the Artist Discovery program will be announced at a later date. Additional information can be found here.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s groundbreaking ships and private destinations revolutionize vacationing with innovations and a comprehensive mix of experiences – from thrills to dining to entertainment – for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Overall Cruise Line” for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean creates memories with adventurers in more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line’s top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Fuente: Royal Caribbean.