Royal Caribbean has reached an important milestone with Hero of the Seas, the fourth ship in the Icon Class. The ship touched water for the first time at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking the start of the next stage of construction ahead of its planned debut in Miami in August 2027.
For the float-out, the dry dock was filled overnight with more than 90 million gallons of water. Hero of the Seas then moved to the outfitting pier, where construction will continue over the coming year. The milestone was marked with the traditional firing of a cannon.
“Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together.”
Hero of the Seas represents the next evolution of the Icon Class, combining beach retreats, resort experiences and attractions at sea. Across eight neighbourhoods, the ship will feature nine pools as well as 28 dining venues.
New addition Coconut Cove will be located close to The Lime and Coconut, with in-water loungers and poolside service. The Hideaway adults-only area will feature two pools, including the largest swim-up bar at sea and an in-water DJ booth. Swim & Tonic will also be expanded, while Splashaway Bay will introduce new water features for younger children.
For those looking for more action, Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, will introduce two new family raft slides. One of them will be the first funnel raft slide at sea. Other highlights include Crown’s Edge, combining a skywalk and zip-line experience 154 feet above the ocean, and the FlowRider surf simulator. Families can also compete at the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, Lost Dunes mini-golf course and various sports courts.
With 28 dining venues, Hero of the Seas will offer an extensive range of culinary experiences. New Orleans Parish Supper Club will combine live jazz, craft cocktails and Cajun and Creole dishes with a setting inspired by the elegance of New Orleans’ French Quarter in the early twentieth century. Royal Railway – Hero Station will offer an immersive dining experience in which guests travel by train car to new destinations through a combination of entertainment, food and technology.
Families will also be able to cook together during new hands-on classes in the Surfside family neighbourhood. AquaDome Market will return with four new food concepts, alongside familiar favourites such as Izumi, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chops Grille and Hooked. For quick bites, guests can visit Basecamp, El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s.
Accommodation is also designed with families in mind. The Ultimate Family Treehouse spans three decks and features a rooftop terrace with a private whirlpool, a dedicated teen space and two main bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony. Other options include the Ultimate Family Townhouse with direct access to Surfside, Surfside Family Suites and Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies.
The Royal Loft Suites and Icon Loft Suites offer additional space and comfort, while the signature Icon Class neighbourhoods will also return. Royal Promenade will bring together restaurants, bars and entertainment around the Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. Central Park will provide an open-air green space featuring more than 30,500 real plants.
From Miami, Hero of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Every itinerary will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Destinations will include Roatán in Honduras, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, as well as Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.
Pictures courtesy of Royal Caribbean
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