New Hero of the Seas Floats for the First Time!

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Royal Caribbean: New Hero of the Seas Floats for the First Time at Meyer Turku Shipyard

Leaving the dry dock opens a new construction phase for the fourth Icon-class ship. The debut of Hero of the Seas is scheduled for August 2027 in Miami.

Miami, September 8, 2026.
— The new ship of Royal Caribbean Hero of the Seas touched water for the first time. This important milestone took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku (Finland), marking another step toward the vessel's debut in August 2027.

To perform the operation, the dry dock was filled overnight with over 90 million gallons of water, after which Hero of the Seas was moved to the outfitting pier. Over the next year, interior and finishing works, equipment installation, and preparations for commissioning will continue here.

According to maritime tradition, the ship's departure from the dry dock was accompanied by a ceremonial cannon shot, launching a new phase of Hero of the Seas construction directly on the water.

Hero of the Seas — A New Icon Class Addition

Hero of the Seas will continue the evolution of Royal Caribbean's revolutionary family vacation concept, blending guest-favorite formats with brand-new experiences.

Onboard, eight thematic neighborhoods will be featured, each offering a unique atmosphere and entertainment options.

One of the Largest Next-Generation Cruise Ships

The scale of Hero of the Seas matches the ambitions of the entire Icon series. The ship will have a gross tonnage of around 250,800 GT and will accommodate approximately 5,610 passengers, securing its status as one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships.

50-Meter Glass Dome

Another impressive milestone took place in the summer of 2026. In June, a massive glass-and-steel dome about 50 meters wide was installed on Hero of the Seas. According to Meyer Turku, it became the largest single glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship as a single element. By July 10, 2026, the shipyard completed the hull formation by installing the last major block.

Ultimate Family Treehouse — Three Floors for One Family

One of the most exciting highlights on Hero of the Seas will be the Ultimate Family Treehouse — a three-story family suite designed for up to 12 guests. It will feature a private rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi, a dedicated two-level space for teens, and two master bedrooms — each with its own bathroom and balcony. Royal Caribbean highlights this new format as a key centerpiece for large and multi-generational families.

Expanding the Icon Class Fleet

According to Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean plans to expand the series further, with several more Icon-class ships set to join the fleet by 2030. Meyer Turku emphasizes that the sequential construction of Icon Class ships allows the shipyard together with Royal Caribbean to refine production processes and implement new energy-efficient shipbuilding technologies.