Was It About the Money? Fans Speculate on Diana Ross’ Cruise Show Cancellation
At 81 years old, Diana Ross continues to prove that true star power never fades. She dazzles audiences in 2025 with the same magnetic energy that first made her a global icon. Her voice, still rich and unmistakable, glides effortlessly through decades of hits. Whether performing in intimate venues or headlining major events, Ross draws multigenerational crowds who come not just for the music but for the living history she represents. Unfortunately, she recently canceled her appearance on the Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas showcase cruise. And some fans think money had to do with it.
Diana Ross canceled her appearance on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas’ showcase cruise
In June 2025, Royal Caribbean announced that music legend Diana Ross had been named the godmother of their brand-new Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas. The honorary role was more than ceremonial. Ross was set to preside over a traditional naming ceremony in the ship’s striking AquaTheater and celebrate the vessel’s debut out of Port Canaveral. This would also honor her deep affinity for the ocean, adventure, and family memories.
“I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents — peace, adventure, and awe,” she told People. “When Royal Caribbean reached out to invite me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was something truly special.”
However, just days before the cruise set for Aug. 20, 2025, Royal Caribbean and Ross’s representatives jointly announced that she would no longer appear due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Royal Caribbean expressed regret over the decision and confirmed plans to name a replacement godmother in due course.
“We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas,” a representative for the cruise line told People. “We look forward to announcing our new godmother soon.”
Ross’ United States “Beautiful Love Tour” was scheduled to begin on August 16 in Saratoga, California.
The legendary singer sparked health fears after the cancellation — but some fans think it’s about money
At 81, Diana Ross continues to defy expectations, exuding vitality and grace both on and off the stage. While age has naturally slowed her pace in some ways, she remains remarkably active, maintaining a performance schedule that would challenge artists decades younger. Unfortunately, the cancellation of the Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas’ showcase cruise has fans concerned. The vague explanation from the cruise line has some fans wondering whether Ross is going through health problems. Additionally, health concerns could impact her 2025 tour.
However, other fans suspect Ross hoped for more money from Royal Caribbean, especially given the serious lawsuits against the cruise line in 2024.
“Honestly, though, some people in this thread are saying she’s asking for more money,” one fan on Reddit noted. “I would be, too, in this case. It’s a bad time to have your name so publicly tied to the brand.”
“I have some intel, apparently it was a dispute over her demanding additional money to stay onboard, and that her team was incredibly difficult to deal with on everything [sic],” another fan alleged.
Diana Ross announced that she’ll ‘never retire’ while on stage in 2025
Diana Ross may not be part of the Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas showcase cruise. However, fans can expect to see her on stage for as long as she can perform. At the close of February and into March 2025, just ahead of her 81st birthday, Diana Ross took the stage at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre and made a statement that electrified the sold-out crowd. “I’ll never retire,” she announced, according to the New York Post.
The “Queen of Motown,” then 80, delivered this bold declaration during her two-night run on February 28 and March 1, reaffirming her commitment to performing as part of her ongoing world tour. Between timeless hits like “I’m Coming Out,” “Theme from Mahogany,” and “Love Hangover,” Ross reveled in sharing the moment with her family, performing alongside her daughter, Rhonda Ross, and basking in the presence of her son Evan Ross and grandson Raif. After the show, she cheekily teased more tour dates for 2025 on her website. She invited fans to “stay tuned,” a promise that suggests she’ll remain on the stage for years to come.
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