Come aboard – we’re taking you on a journey across the seas.
Close your eyes and imagine this: you’re lounging on a sunbed on Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-debut Star of the Seas, the gentle sway of the ocean beneath you, sunshine on your face, a cold lemonade from The Lemon Post Bar in hand. The kids are laughing as they slide down waterslides, splashing through a colourful waterpark. Everything feels just right.
But have you ever wondered… who built all of this? The bar counter where you picked up your drink? The slides your kids are enjoying? The sun-drenched spaces you’re relaxing in?
Here’s your answer: KAEFER Finland, together with other skilled service providers, made it all happen.
When you hear the name KAEFER, your mind probably goes straight to industrial settings –refineries, power plants, or renewables. Cruise ships? Probably not your first thought. But believe it or not, some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest, boldest, and most colourful ships have KAEFER’s fingerprint all over them. Because even out at sea, you can count on KAEFER.
From steel to sunshine
KAEFER Finland took on a full turnkey project aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the next combination of the best of every vacation debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The team came together to bring Surfside to live, a 2,300-square-meter neighbourhood made for families with young kids. The neighbourhood features dedicated family activities like three water experiences, including the Splashaway Bay kids aquapark and a pool for the grownups, a carousel, spots for food and drinks, like The Lemon Post Bar, and more.
KAEFER was responsible for the detailed design, project management, and full execution – from steel to steel. That includes insulation, HVAC, electrical work, and interior outfitting. KAEFER’s job on Star of the Seas began in early 2023 – shortly after completing work on the vacation brand’s first Icon Class ship, Icon of the Seas.
And with Icon and Star created to deliver the world’s best family vacations, the expectations were sky-high. Everything had to be bigger, bolder, and better. But KAEFER Finland was ready.
Learning from the past, building for the future
After successfully completing the project on Icon, the KAEFER Team came into the Star project stronger, smarter, and more prepared. They took the time to reflect, optimise their processes, and strengthen their teamwork – and it paid off.
By mid-2023, the design and purchasing phase was in full swing. Throughout 2024, KAEFER continued refining the design and began outfitting the ship block by block. This intensive phase, which started in September 2024, took around 8-9 months and is now nearing completion. And the ship’s delivery is just around the corner now.
Turnkey at sea- what does that even mean?
While KAEFER offers a wide range of services, you won’t see them building pink flamingos or carousels. But they are responsible for everything that’s “fixed to the deck” – bar counters, stools, towel stations, palm trees, waiter stations, and other permanent elements.
It all starts with the Start-Up Phase, where the project is handed over to the dedicated team. From there, timelines are set, budgets planned, and early design ideas mapped out.
In the following Planning Phase, rough sketches turn into concrete plans, always in close collaboration with the client.
Royal Caribbean’s team of architects, designers and product development experts come together to innovate and develop the concept and experiences – KAEFER’s job is to help bring that vision to life. The team translates renderings into workable plans, making sure everything is high-quality, functional and safe.
In this phase, it’s crucial to check whether materials and furniture are truly fit for purpose. That means asking the right questions: Can children use the slide area safely? Is the bar counter built for thousands of guests in the future to enjoy? Will the sunbeds, stools, and other elements withstand daily use and all types of weather?
That’s where KAEFER’s experience shines, selecting the right materials to ensure both durability and safety – whether it’s a kid going down a slide or a guest ordering a drink at the bar.
Into the shipyard – and beyond
Once designs are finalised and materials sourced, the real action begins at the shipyard. Every morning starts with a team briefing: who’s doing what, where, and how to meet the day’s goals. Then it’s go time – installing HVAC systems, building structures, assembling furniture, and bringing the design to life.
Sometimes, construction even continues out at sea during the ship’s sea trials. For about a week, the team works all day aboard. Working on an operational ship comes with permits, safety checks, and special precautions for “hot works.” But KAEFER knows how to navigate all types of safety standards.
Once the building is done, the project is handed over to the client. But that’s not the end for the KAEFER Team. KAEFER also handles the financial wrap-up, warranty period, and perhaps most importantly, a “lessons learned” review – to constantly improve.
A truly stellar journey
This project wasn’t just another job for KAEFER – it was something truly special. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas became a shining example of what’s possible when experience is shared, when teamwork fuels success, and when every task is met with dedication and a positive spirit.
For the KAEFER Team, it was a chance to show what can happen when you build on past experiences, work hand-in-hand, and embrace that KAEFER team spirit. And all of that, in partnership with one of the most revolutionary vacation brands in the world.
Let’s just say: we’re proud to have played a role in the creation of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas – and even prouder of the stars who made it happen.
Note: Crafted by people – with a little help from gen AI. This article combines human insight, storytelling, and smart digital tools to bring KAEFER stories to life.
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