Royal Caribbean floats out new Hero of the Seas cruise ship

Royal Caribbean’s next Icon class ship has sailed closer to launch after Hero of the Seas was successfully tested this week.

The ship was floated out at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland, where the dry dock was filled with 90 million gallons of water and a ceremonial cannon was fired.

It will now be moored at the outfitting pier, where its exterior and interior will be completed.

So far, only the recognisable AquaDome structure is visible on the exterior of the ship. Other elements, such as giant waterslides, will be added in the coming months.

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

It will be the fourth Icon class ship, joining Icon, Star and Legend.

Similar to the other ships, the vessel will have eight different neighbourhoods such as the relaxing Central Park deck and the child-focused Surfside area.

There will be 28 dining spots and a giant waterpark, plus the Crown’s Edge, where passengers can zipline across the side of the ship, some 154 feet above the ocean.

New features include the Orleans Parish Supper Club, the first funnel raft slide at sea and a three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite.

It will also have nine pools, two more than the previous Icon ship.

There will be a new Coconut Cove Pool by the popular Coconut Cove Bar and a large swim-up bar in the adult-only Hideaway area.

Hero’s first sailings will be in the Caribbean on seven-night sailings that include stops on the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day At CocoCay.

Bookings are already open and prices start from £897 per person.

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