By
Kasturi Datta |
Royal Caribbean International has floated out its fourth Icon-class ship Hero of the Seas at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking a construction milestone ahead of the vessel’s scheduled debut in August 2027.
The shipbuilding dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water before the ship entered the outfitting pier for the float out, where it will continue to take shape over the next year.
The ship will offer a combination of signature Icon-class and new onboard experiences across eight neighbourhoods. New additions include the Orleans Parrish Supper Club restaurant and Coconut Cove pool, while new accommodation options include the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse.
The 154 feet zip lie and skywalk, Crown’s Edge, will return to the ship alongside the adults-only space The Hideaway.
Once complete, Hero of the Seas will sail a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary from PortMiami in Florida to Royal Caribbean International’s private destination Perfect Day CocoCay in the Bahamas. The itinerary includes calls at Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas and Philipsburg in St. Maarten.