Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class cruise ship, Hero of the Seas, has officially touched water for the first time, marking a major construction milestone ahead of her debut in Miami in August 2027.

The fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, where she will now enter the next stage of construction.

More than 90 million gallons of water were used to fill the ship’s dry dock overnight before Hero of the Seas was moved to the outfitting pier. The milestone also included the traditional firing of a cannon to mark the occasion.

With the ship now afloat, work will continue over the coming year as Hero of the Seas prepares to welcome her first guests.

What can you expect onboard Hero of the Seas?

Hero of the Seas will continue many of the features introduced with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, while adding some new experiences of her own.

The ship will be divided into eight neighbourhoods and feature nine pools and 28 dining venues, giving guests a huge choice of places to eat, drink and spend their time onboard.

Among the new additions will be Orleans Parrish Supper Club, a brand-new dining venue, while accommodation options will include the extraordinary three-storey Ultimate Family Treehouse.

Thrills onboard Hero of the Seas

Some of the headline attractions already associated with Icon Class will also feature onboard Hero of the Seas.

Crown’s Edge combines a skywalk and zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean, while Category 6 will offer six waterslides as the largest waterpark at sea.

For something considerably more relaxing, Hero will introduce the new Coconut Cove pool.

The adults-only Hideaway is also changing for Hero of the Seas. The neighbourhood will feature two pools, including what Royal Caribbean says will be the largest swim-up bar at sea.

Alongside the pools and attractions, guests can expect Royal Caribbean’s extensive entertainment programme, with performances taking place across stage, air, water and ice.

Where will Hero of the Seas sail?

Hero of the Seas will be based in Miami, Florida, from August 2027, sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Destinations will include:

• Cozumel, Mexico
• Roatan, Honduras
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas

Every Hero of the Seas itinerary will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

When does Hero of the Seas launch?

Hero of the Seas is due to debut in August 2027.

Although floating out is a significant moment in the construction of a new cruise ship, there is still plenty of work to be completed. Hero will now remain at the outfitting pier at Meyer Turku as her interiors and onboard spaces continue to take shape ahead of her arrival in Miami.

Bookings for Hero of the Seas are already open.

What is Icon Class?

Hero of the Seas will become the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, following Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas.

The class was designed around distinct onboard neighbourhoods, combining large-scale family attractions and entertainment with pools, restaurants, bars and quieter spaces.

With Hero of the Seas now officially afloat, we’ll be following her progress as more details emerge ahead of her 2027 debut.