Hella Marine Brings Advanced LED Lighting to Royal Caribbean’s New Cruise Ship Star of the Seas
Hella marine, the maritime and commercial transport brand of global automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA, has once again strengthened its presence in the international cruise ship sector by equipping Royal Caribbean’s latest vessel, the Star of the Seas, with state-of-the-art lighting systems. This achievement marks another milestone in the company’s longstanding collaboration with Royal Caribbean, one of the world’s largest cruise lines, and further highlights Hella marine’s reputation as a leader in maritime lighting innovation.
The Star of the Seas officially began operations at the end of August, embarking on regular tours through the Caribbean from its home port at Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. As the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class, following the flagship Icon of the Seas, the vessel showcases cutting-edge engineering and luxury, complemented by Hella marine’s advanced lighting solutions. With around 20,000 LEDs installed across the ship, the lighting design contributes not only to safety but also to creating a distinctive and immersive atmosphere for passengers.
A Comprehensive Lighting Experience on Board
The scale of the lighting installation is vast: Hella marine has provided illumination for 2,805 guest cabins, 20 decks, and over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants. Beyond passenger areas, lighting extends to crew quarters, technical zones such as wheelhouses, and critical operational spaces, ensuring that functionality and safety are seamlessly balanced with aesthetics. This approach reflects Hella marine’s commitment to designing lighting solutions that meet the dual demands of luxury hospitality and the challenging maritime environment.
The lighting concept for the Star of the Seas draws on several of Hella marine’s specialized product series, including the S80, S23, S100, and G100 LED ranges. These products have been designed with the durability and flexibility required for marine conditions, offering multiple light colors and installation options. Their robustness ensures long service life despite the harsh realities of saltwater, constant motion, and continuous operation.
One of the ship’s signature spaces, the three-deck-high main dining room, exemplifies the capabilities of Hella marine’s solutions. Here, lighting is not merely functional but carefully calibrated to enhance ambiance, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that complements the ship’s culinary offerings and contributes to an unforgettable passenger experience.
Innovation, Safety, and Atmosphere
Hella marine emphasizes that its solutions go beyond providing illumination. The integration of digital lighting control allows precise adjustment of systems, giving operators the ability to tailor brightness, tone, and atmosphere across various zones of the vessel. This adaptability ensures that spaces can shift seamlessly from daytime functionality to evening elegance, enriching the onboard experience.
“We are proud to once again contribute to the equipment of one of the most modern cruise ships with our innovative lighting technology and are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Royal Caribbean,” said Rita Müller, Global Segment Leader for Marine in FORVIA HELLA’s Lifecycle Solutions Business Group. Müller underlined that Hella marine’s LED systems not only ensure maximum safety—vital in a vessel of this scale—but also help create a warm and welcoming environment for guests and crew alike.
The durability and efficiency of LED technology also deliver operational benefits. Energy savings are substantial compared to traditional lighting systems, while reduced maintenance needs contribute to cost-effectiveness and reliability. These advantages align with the broader sustainability goals of cruise operators, who are increasingly focused on reducing environmental footprints while enhancing passenger satisfaction.
A Trusted Partner in Marine Lighting
With the delivery of lighting solutions for the Star of the Seas, Hella marine has now supplied more than 20 Royal Caribbean International ships. This extensive track record reflects a partnership built on trust, performance, and continuous innovation. Each new vessel provides an opportunity for Hella marine to refine and expand its technology, adapting to evolving customer expectations and design trends in the cruise industry.
Since its founding in 1925, FORVIA HELLA has developed high-quality lighting solutions under the Hella marine brand, serving both commercial and leisure maritime sectors. The company’s portfolio spans everything from elegant deck lighting and robust navigation lanterns to complete system solutions for complex vessels. By offering both standardized products and tailored solutions, Hella marine has become a preferred partner for shipbuilders, yacht manufacturers, and marine equipment specialists worldwide.
