By
Kasturi Datta |
Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon-class ship is to offer a record 28 dining venues and more family-oriented features than its predecessors, including cooking classes for all ages, a raft slide and more multigenerational accommodation options.
Hero of the Seas is being built by Meyer Turku, which has delivered 25 ships for Royal Caribbean since the mid-1990s and will construct a fifth Icon-class ship in 2028. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Miami, Florida, in August 2027.
The ship will feature nine pools – the most on any ship at sea – which will include a new Caribbean-inspired pool, family-friendly spaces and three adults-only options. Additionally, Hero of the Seas will have the largest waterpark at sea – named Category 6 – which will have two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea.
The ship will feature nine pools – the most on any ship at sea
Other leisure activities onboard the ship will include a surf simulator, a 154-foot-long skywalk/zip line, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course and a sports courts offering basketball, soccer and more.
“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,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.
With 28 dining venues, Hero of the Seas will offer the highest number of restaurants in the fleet, including signature Royal Caribbean venues like Izumi, Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
New additions include multi-course venue, Orleans Parish Supper Club, which will feature live jazz music and Cajun and Creole dishes inspired by the 20th-th century French Quarter; Royal Railway-Hero Station, which will offer a technology-led dining experience in a train car; and hands-on cooking classes for family members of all ages.
Hero of the Seas offers more family accommodation choices compared to its Icon-class predecessors. This will include the new Ultimate Family Treehouse, which features a rooftop terrace, a private whirlpool, a two-deck leisure space and two main bedrooms with individual bathrooms and balconies. Other accommodation choices include the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse offering family suites with ocean views.
The Royal Loft, Icon Loft, Interior Plus and Sunset Suites will also be part of the ship’s upgraded accommodation options for guests.
Hero of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon-class ship, is to offer a record 28 dining venues
“Icon class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” said Bayley.
Hero of the Seas will feature Signature Icon Class favourites including the Royal Promenade neighbourhood’s restaurants, floor-to-ceiling ocean views the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture.
As with its predecessors in the Icon-class fleet, the latest ship will offer productions in the Royal Theatre, AquaTheatre and Absolute Zero, which is the largest ice arena at sea.
Hero of the seas will offer guests seven-night journeys across Western Caribbean locations including Roatan in Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. Alternatively, guests can choose the Eastern Caribbean route to visit locations such as Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.