Royal Caribbean International marks Hero of the Seas floats out ahead of 2027 debut

Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas has floated out for the first time at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The construction milestone moves the fourth Icon-class ship to the outfitting stage ahead of its planned entry into service from Miami in August 2027.

More than 90 million gallons of water were used to fill the ship’s drydock overnight before Hero of the Seas was moved to an outfitting pier. Work on the vessel will continue there over the coming year.

The float-out ceremony also included the firing of a cannon, following a maritime tradition marking the milestone.

Hero of the Seas is the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class and will build on the platform introduced with Icon of the Seas, with modifications to several onboard areas.

The ship will feature eight neighbourhoods, nine pools, and 28 dining venues, alongside new and revised attractions, restaurants, and accommodation.

Among the additions is Coconut Cove, a new pool area, while the adults-only Hideaway has been expanded and will include a swim-up bar.

Changes are also being made to the Category 6 waterpark, with new raft slides designed to increase ride duration and intensity. Crown’s Edge, which combines elements of a skywalk and zip line 154 feet above the ocean, will also feature aboard the ship.

“Evolution on Hero really is adding in more water because we know our guests love the open decks as we have them today, but we always want to push the boundary to see what else we can do,” said Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International.

Dining additions include the Orleans Parish Supper Club, a New Orleans-inspired venue combining multi-course dining with live music and cocktails associated with the city.

The AquaDome Market food hall is also being modified, with its stalls designed to accommodate changing dining concepts rather than remaining tied to individual cuisines.

Accommodation changes include the introduction of the Ultimate Family Treehouse, a three-storey family suite with multiple living areas and ocean views.

“We are debuting our first ever Ultimate Family Treehouse which expands our Ultimate Family Collection,” said Jennifer Goswami, Senior Director, Product Development, Royal Caribbean International. “It is a three-storey ultimate family living space with great spaces to hang out, great spaces to watch movies, gorgeous views of the ocean, and so designed for families with younger kids, but really meant to be the ultimate family hangout.”

Following its delivery, Hero of the Seas will operate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Each itinerary will include a call at Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s private destination.

The ship is scheduled to enter service in August 2027, with construction and interior outfitting continuing at Meyer Turku before sea trials and final delivery.

Hero of the Seas

• Fourth Icon-class ship
• Debuts from Miami in August 2027
• Eight onboard neighbourhoods
• Nine pools
• 28 dining venues
• New Coconut Cove pool
• Expanded adults-only Hideaway
• Updated Category 6 waterpark
• Orleans Parish Supper Club
• Three-storey Ultimate Family Treehouse
• Seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries