Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time.
*All details correct at time of publish (8 September 2026)
The milestone, achieved at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the latest phase of construction for the newest Royal Caribbean ship ahead of its August 2027 debut in Miami.
As part of the float-out, the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight before Hero moved into the outfitting pier, where it will continue to take shape over the next year.
From the ceremonial firing of a cannon – a maritime tradition – to Hero’s first moments afloat, the milestone can be viewed here.
Hero of the Seas is the next evolution of the revolutionary Icon Class lineup, combining signature favourites with new experiences designed for every type of guest.
Across eight neighbourhoods, vacationers can explore nine pools, 28 dining spots – including the brand-new Orleans Parrish Supper Club – and a range of accommodations like the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse.
From thrills like Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean – to ways to kick back at the new Coconut Cove pool and adults-only The Hideaway, plus an unmatched lineup of dining, bars and entertainment, families of all kinds can make lifelong memories together.
Hero will take customers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated destination, Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.
More on Hero of the Seas:
- Arriving in Miami, Florida in August 2027, Hero of the Seas is the next evolution of the revolutionary Icon Class lineup, combining signature favourites with new experiences designed for every type of guest.
- Across eight neighbourhoods, vacationers can explore nine pools, a record-breaking 28 dining venues, including the brand-new Orleans Parrish Supper Club, and a range of accommodations like the new, three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse.
- Thrills include Crown’s Edge, part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, the new Coconut Cove pool and the adults-only The Hideaway that will now feature two pools, and the largest swim-up bar at sea.
- Plus, with an unmatched lineup of world-class entertainment across stage, air, water and ice, families of all kinds can make lifelong memories together.
- Hero will take customers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami to destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Royal Caribbean’s top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Agents can visit Club Royal for more information.
