RCI-Royal Caribbean International has unveiled details of its fourth Icon Class cruise ship, to be named Hero of the Seas, which is scheduled to enter service from Miami in August 2027. The vessel will join Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas as part of the line’s largest class of ships, designed to offer large‑scale resort and family cruising at sea.
Hero of the Seas has been developed to expand on the design principles of her sister ships while emphasising features aimed at family travel and multigenerational holiday groups. The ship’s layout encompasses eight distinct neighbourhoods and a range of recreational and leisure facilities intended to broaden the scope of onboard activity spaces. Among the amenities planned are 9 separate pools, which is more than any existing cruise ship in commercial service, along with expanded waterpark elements and slide attractions integrated into the ship’s upper decks.
Dining venues aboard the vessel will include a total of 28 outlets, reflecting a variety of culinary concepts from casual to immersive themed experiences. Suites and accommodations have been designed to support extended family stays, including multi‑level family configurations such as a three‑deck suite space developed with integrated living areas and private outdoor space.
Onboard recreation will span from water‑based attractions to elevated adventure offerings and sports facilities. This broad mix is aligned with Royal Caribbean’s established practice of integrating large‑scale entertainment and activity options across the Icon Class.
Scheduled itineraries for Hero of the Seas will consist of seven‑night western and eastern Caribbean voyages originating from Miami. These sailings will include calls at destinations in the region, including the company’s private island in The Bahamas.