Here Comes Hero: Royal Caribbean Reveals 4th Icon Class Ship

Royal Caribbean has revealed Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon Class ship, which the cruise line says will “raise the bar with more records and iconic ways for families to make lifelong memories.” 

Arriving in Miami in August 2027, Hero’s eight neighbourhoods will be home to the most pools at sea, a record-breaking 28 dining venues and cooking classes for all ages, brand-new family raft slides, and new accommodations for multigenerational families – including the three-story Ultimate Family Treehouse. 

The ship officially opens for bookings on April 2, but Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can book starting Wednesday, April 1. 

“Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 

“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.”

More Ways to Splash

Hero guests will be invited dive into nine distinct pools – the most at sea – including family-friendly spaces, a new Caribbean-inspired pool, three adults-only options, the largest swim-up bars at sea and more.

The ship will introduce Coconut Cove, an all-new pool steps away from the tropical Caribbean bar, The Lime and Coconut. With in-water loungers and poolside service, vacationers can kick back with views of the Central Park neighbourhood’s lush greenery.

The Hideaway adults-only oasis will now feature two pools, including what Royal Caribbean calls the largest swim-up bar at sea for tropical cocktails and an in-water DJ booth for nonstop party vibes.

More Adrenaline Adventures

Adventure will reach new heights on Hero of the Seas with more action-packed thrills for the whole family to experience together.

At Category 6 – the largest waterpark at sea – adventurers can take on two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea, along with new twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo.

Vacationers can test their courage on Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean – or catch waves on the FlowRider surf simulator.

Families can challenge one another to friendly competition at the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, Lost Dunes mini-golf course and sports courts for pickleball, basketball, soccer and more.

More Ways to Dine

Hero will offer 28 dining spots, bringing world flavours and immersive experiences to the table.

The newest supper club experience, Orleans Parish Supper Club is a multi-course dining venue with live jazz, craft cocktails, and gourmet Cajun and Creole dishes inspired by the early 20th century elegance of the French Quarter.

Royal Railway – Hero Station will bring to life the most immersive dining experience at sea that transports adventurous diners by train car to new destinations through a combination of entertainment, food and technology.

The family-friendly Surfside neighborhood will host hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed. Families of all ages can learn kitchen skills together, from fun recipes for little ones to more advanced courses focused on chopping and baking.

The AquaDome Market food hall will return with four new stall concepts, plus desserts at Crème de la Crêpe and freshly squeezed juices at Simply Pressed.

The dining lineup will also include familiar fleet favourites.

More Family Accommodation Choices

Hero is decked out with more family accommodation options than ever.

The Ultimate Family Treehouse is a dream come true for kids and kids at heart with a three-deck treehouse featuring a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space, and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.

Hero will take vacationers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. 

Guests can choose between weeklong Caribbean vacations wandering Western Caribbean spots like Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, or explore Eastern Caribbean locales at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.