STAR OF THE SEAS

Royal Caribbean and Control AV Continue Their Commitment to DAS Audio

The Star of the Seas was conceived by Royal Caribbean as a true floating city: it features various themed zones or “neighborhoods” dedicated to leisure, dining, relaxation, and entertainment. Among them are family-friendly areas, performance venues, and a wide array of aquatic activities, making it one of the most complete and vibrant cruise ships in the world.

This project marked a new chapter in the relationship between DAS Audio and Royal Caribbean, which began with the installation of systems on the Icon of the Seas. Once again, the cruise line entrusted Control AV with the audiovisual integration of the new ship, further strengthening a technical collaboration that has yielded excellent results in previous projects.

With extensive experience in maritime audiovisual integration, Control AV has developed numerous projects aboard large cruise ships, specializing in technical solutions tailored to the unique demands of the marine environment.

“Our relationship with Royal Caribbean began many years ago when we collaborated with their team on renovation projects”, recalled Jaime Villegas, General Manager of DAS Audio in Miami. “After seeing their design process and listening to what they needed for their ships and entertainment spaces, we knew that DAS Audio’s weather-resistant products would deliver the acoustic performance and durability they required. Since then, our partnership with Royal Caribbean has grown stronger, and we were proud to be chosen as their go-to brand for outdoor installations on their new vessels”, he added.

Marine Conditions, Scale, and Acoustic & Aesthetic Demands

The Star of the Seas is a colossal ship encompassing dozens of distinct indoor and outdoor spaces dedicated to leisure and entertainment. Its sheer scale posed a challenge in terms of sound coverage and consistency: high-quality audio needed to be delivered across very different environments, from open-air stages to relaxation areas, bars, and restaurants, each with its own acoustic characteristics and ambient noise levels.

On top of that were the extreme conditions of the marine environment, including constant exposure to salt air, solar radiation, and humidity. The installed systems had to maintain performance and reliability under these conditions without sacrificing sound quality or structural integrity.

Aesthetic integration was also a key factor. Some parts of the ship, especially those designed for strolling or relaxation, required visually discreet solutions that would blend seamlessly with the architecture and interior design, preserving the passenger experience.

Another major challenge was the need for precise sound control in open and varied spaces. In an environment with wind, reverberation, and long distances between listening points, maintaining tonal coherence and intelligibility was essential.

Lastly, the very nature of the ship—constantly in motion—demanded that all equipment be securely and stably installed. The systems had to use high-strength mounting hardware and components specifically engineered for marine environments, capable of withstanding vibrations, oscillations, and temperature fluctuations.

“Each installation was designed to meet the highest standards of maritime durability”, explained Jaime Villegas. “We made sure the systems could not only withstand the gentle sway of calm seas but also remain secure and fully functional during storms”.

WR Series for Outdoors, QUANTUM for Discreet Integration, and ARTEC for Interiors

To meet the diverse needs of the project, several DAS Audio series were combined. More than 400 units from the WR Series—specifically designed to withstand the elements—were installed outdoors. Built with birch plywood, fiberglass coating, and AISI 316 stainless steel hardware, these systems offer the robustness and reliability required for maritime conditions.

WR systems are equipped with multiple protective elements to ensure durability in marine environments. These include acoustic fabrics, filtering foams, hydrophobic meshes, and strategically placed drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. Combined with corrosion-resistant materials and stainless-steel hardware, these features ensure reliable performance even in the most extreme sea conditions.

Villegas emphasized that the WR Series was developed through ongoing collaboration with specialized integrators. “Thanks to continuous communication with professionals in the maritime sector, we’ve been able to improve the durability, reliability, and performance of our product lines—especially the WR Series”, he noted.

In areas where aesthetics play a crucial role, over 500 units of the QUANTUM Series were installed. Their aluminum enclosures and IP-66 rating make them ideal for demanding environments where design must be discreetly integrated. In Central Park, QUANTUM speakers are hidden among plants to reproduce natural sounds like bird calls and ambient noises, creating a unique, immersive atmosphere.

Control AV was responsible for system installation and integration, using marine-grade hardware and evaluating each mounting point to ensure the safety of both the equipment and passengers.

Indoors, the Royal Promenade—the ship’s central boulevard with shops, bars, and entertainment areas—features over 100 ARTEC Series units, chosen for their ability to deliver clear sound in high-traffic areas.

The project also offered an opportunity to further refine DAS Audio’s technical development. “Collaborating with companies like Control AV was key to optimizing products such as the WR Series”, said Javier Navarro, CEO and Director of Engineering at DAS Audio. “These collaborations allowed us to go beyond just weather resistance and create systems that endure over time, combining reliability with innovation”, he concluded.

A Project That Reinforces DAS Audio’s Presence in the Maritime Sector

The Star of the Seas solidifies DAS Audio’s position in the demanding cruise industry, where durability, sound quality, and aesthetic integration are essential. The collaboration with Royal Caribbean and Control AV once again demonstrated the brand’s ability to deliver solutions adapted to the most challenging conditions.

“When we first started working in the maritime industry, it was on smaller retrofit projects”, recalled Jaime Villegas. “While that line of work remains very important, today we are also part of large-scale new builds. We’re very proud to be part of such a technologically advanced and prestigious project”, he concluded.

With projects like Star of the Seas, DAS Audio continues to expand its expertise in the naval sector and strengthens its position as a leading provider of sound solutions designed to withstand the most demanding environments—while always staying committed to innovation and acoustic excellence.