Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship got its first taste of water last week as the vessel’s shipbuilder marked a construction milestone.
Read more Maxwell: 9/11 lesson 25 years later: ‘Don’t forget the ‘I love you’s’ ‘
Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland floated out the massive Hero of the Seas for the first time last Friday as the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 millions of gallons of water overnight. The occasion featured a ceremonial cannon firing, a maritime tradition.
Construction on the ship will continue at the shipyard’s outfitting pier before the vessel ventures out for sea trials. In August 2027, Royal Caribbean’s fourth floating behemoth in its Icon class will make its Miami debut —with more water features and new dining venues compared with its sister ships — to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
“Hero of the Seas is another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, in a news release. “Building consecutive Icon class ships has enabled continuous development of our expertise, production processes and energy-efficient shipbuilding solutions together with our partners and thousands of shipbuilding professionals involved in the project. We are proud to see Hero of the Seas move one step closer to delivery.”
The float out marks one year since Meyer Turku began construction on the new Icon-class ship with a keel-laying ceremony. The shipyard is currently working on the fifth Icon-class ship set to debut in 2028; a sixth and seventh ship are planned for delivery in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
At 248,663 gross tons, each of these vessels, including Port Canaveral-based Star of the Seas, is tied for the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with capacity for more than 5,600 guests and 2,500 crew.
Hero of the Seas features eight distinct neighborhoods, nine pools, 28 dining spots and new accommodations.
The newest pool is Coconut Cove, a new offering with views of Central Park situated “steps away” from the ship’s tropical Caribbean bar, The Lime and Coconut. The adults-only Hideaway will feature two pools on Hero, now with the “largest swim-up bar at sea.” The Swim & Tonic will also feature an expanded swim-up bar and pool that’s “refreshed” and 30% larger.
The Category 6 waterpark will bring vacationers two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea and “new twists” on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo slide.
Fan-favorites are set to return including the FlowRider surf simulator, the Crown’s Edge zip line and skywalk, Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, Lost Dunes mini-golf course and sports courts.
Read more In stormy month, lightning kills man in Osceola, injures Apopka couple
The ship’s dining options include a new upscale offering, the Orleans Parish Supper Club, bringing a multi-course dinner experience with live jazz, craft cocktails and gourmet Cajun and Creole dishes inspired by the early 20th-century French Quarter. Hero of the Seas also features Royal Railway – Hero Station, which transports diners to new destinations through world cuisine in an immersive train car setting.
The Aquadome Market returns with four new food stands, plus Crème de la Crêpe and Simply Pressed juice bar.
In the realm of culinary experiences, Hero hosts hands-on cooking classes for families in the Surfside neighborhood in a new venue yet to be revealed.
Fan-favorite specialty dining options returning include Izumi, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Chops Grille and Hooked Seafood, plus grab-and-go options from Basecamp, El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s pizza.
Hero of the Seas also expands on the cruise line’s family suites with Ultimate Family Treehouse, a three-deck stay with a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony. The Ultimate Family Townhouse returns on the new vessel as well.
For cruisers who have sailed on Icon-class ships previously, returning features like the Pearl kinetic art sculpture, the open-air Central Park, the AquaTheater and Absolute Zero will all feel familiar.
In August 2027, Icon of the Seas will move to Galveston to make room for Hero of the Seas in Miami. Meanwhile, Legend of the Seas will sail winters from Fort Lauderdale and spend summers in the Mediterranean following its Florida debut this November. Star of the Seas will continue sailing weeklong itineraries out of Port Canaveral for the foreseeable future.
For more information, visit royalcaribbean.com.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: [email protected]. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Read more Letters: Parties aren’t working for you | Twisted justice | More than labels