Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class vacation, Hero of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time.
The milestone, achieved at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the latest phase of construction for the newest family vacation experience 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 favorites with new experiences designed for every type of guest.
Across eight neighborhoods, 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 vacationers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting their top-rated destination, Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.
About Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with industry-leading innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills and ways to chill, to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer.
Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, plus Royal Beach Club Lelepa coming soon.
Source: Royal Caribbean Press Center
Images: © 2026 Royal Caribbean Group. All Rights Reserved.
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