Hero of the Seas Floats Out at Meyer Turku in Finland
At launch, the approximately 250,800-gross-ton ship was more than 60 percent complete after crews filled the dock with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight.
Updated September 23, 2026
Royal Caribbean International’s Hero of the Seas floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on Sept. 4, ahead of an August 2027 debut for the fourth Icon-class vessel. Shipyard crews added more than 90 million gallons of water to the building dock overnight before transferring the ship to an outfitting pier.
The approximately 250,800-gross-ton vessel was more than 60% complete at launch, with its steel structures finished. Outfitting and interior work is scheduled to continue over the coming year.
Construction moves to outfitting
Hundreds of workers attended the float-out, which began with a ceremonial cannon firing. The ship’s glass dome had been installed earlier in the summer. Upcoming work will include waterslide installation and decking, along with interior venues and artwork.
“Building consecutive Icon Class ships has enabled continuous development of our expertise, production processes and energy-efficient shipbuilding solutions,” Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm said.
Meyer Turku also built Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. The yard cut steel for an unnamed fifth Icon-class vessel in January 2026 for a planned 2028 debut. Royal Caribbean Group has also ordered the sixth and seventh ships in the series for 2029 and 2030, respectively.
About 7,000 people work at the Turku shipyard each day. Cooperation between Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean is planned to continue through at least 2036.
At about 1,196 feet long, Hero of the Seas is designed to accommodate approximately 5,600 guests in more than 2,800 cabins, supported by a crew of about 2,350. Its parabolic bow is designed to improve stability and provide smoother motion while underway.
The propulsion plant will include six dual-fuel engines capable of operating on LNG, three diesel-electric azimuthing thrusters and five bow thrusters. Fuel cells will provide a lower-emission alternative energy source for generating onboard electricity and freshwater.
New venues planned across eight neighborhoods
Hero of the Seas will have eight neighborhoods, nine pools and 28 dining venues. It will also feature what Royal Caribbean describes as the largest swim-up bar at sea. New additions include Orleans Parrish Supper Club and the Coconut Cove pool. The accommodation lineup will feature the three-level Ultimate Family Treehouse.
Crown’s Edge, combining a skywalk with a zip line 154 feet above the ocean, will return on the ship. Other planned facilities include the adults-only Hideaway and a six-slide waterpark, as well as an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, miniature golf and a dome-shaped entertainment venue with an indoor waterfall. The ship will have more than 40 bars and restaurants in total, along with a casino and multiple live-entertainment venues.
Caribbean sailings from Miami begin in 2027
From PortMiami, the ship’s regular program will comprise seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, each calling at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay destination in the Bahamas. Announced ports across the itineraries include Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Bookings are open.
After outfitting, Hero of the Seas is due to undergo sea trials covering navigation and steering, along with propulsion and emergency systems, before delivery to Royal Caribbean. Its first passenger cruise is planned for Aug. 11, 2027, with a three-night departure from Miami.
See current Hero of the Seas fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
