Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first details of its fourth Icon-class ship: the Hero of the Seas.
According to a press release, the ship will enter service in August 2027, offering cruises departing from Miami.
Royal Caribbean said that the vessel combines “beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park thrills,” raising the bar with “more records and iconic ways for families to make lifelong memories.”
The Hero of the Seas will offer eight neighborhoods, which will include the most pools at sea and 28 dining venues, as well as cooking classes for all ages.
Other highlights of the ship include new family raft slides and new accommodations that include the three-story Ultimate Family Treehouse.
“Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and the Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
“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,” he added.
The new ship will introduce Coconut Cove, a new pool located by The Lime and Coconut bar, which will offer in-water loungers and poolside service with views of the Central Park neighborhood.
Category 6, the vessel’s water park, will feature two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea.
Nearly 30 dining venues will be available onboard, including the new Orleans Parish Supper Club and Royal Railway – Hero Station.
The Surfside neighborhood will also offer a hands-on cooking class experience in a new venue to be revealed.
According to Royal Caribbean, Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members will be able to book cruises on the new ship starting on Wednesday, April 1, ahead of the official opening on Thursday, April 2.
The Hero of the Seas will offer seven-night cruises departing from Miami, with itineraries visiting both the Western and Eastern Caribbean.
Every sailing will feature a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
The weeklong sailings will also visit a range of ports of call, including Roatán in Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.