Royal Caribbean Reveals New Features Onboard Hero of the Seas
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Royal Caribbean has announced brand new features for the next Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas.
New pools, restaurants, and waterslides are all part of the features for the new ship.
Hero of the Seas will set sail in August 2027 and bookings are opening this week.
Excitement is building for Royal Caribbean’s upcoming fourth Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas, and the cruise line has now revealed amazing first-in-fleet features for the new ship.
Among the most impressive new features are a total of nine onboard pools, family raft waterslides for all ages to enjoy, the largest swim-up bar at sea, and a whopping 28 dining venues, including an exclusive supper club experience.
“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.”
Guests interested in being among the first to experience everything Hero of the Seas will offer can begin booking this week, with reservations opening to the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society members on Wednesday, April 1. Public bookings will open on Thursday, April 2.
The new ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland. Cruise Hive has already reported on several key milestones as the ship takes shape, including the installation of the Pearl in January 2026.
But what can guests expect onboard Hero of the Seas when she sets sail in August 2027?
Bigger-Than-Ever Splashtastic Fun
Poolside time is high on cruise travelers’ vacation plans and Hero of the Seas will deliver with nine different pools. The new Coconut Cove pool offers tropical vibes and in-water loungers adjacent to the Lime and Coconut bar, with stunning views over Central Park and its more than 30,500 plants.
Adults will love that The Hideaway will have not one but two pools, nearly doubling the water space in the adults-only area. Part of The Hideaway includes the largest swim-up bar at sea and an in-water DJ booth for outstanding vibes.
The Swim & Tonic pool and its swim-up bar are also being expanded for even more adults-only fun.
The youngest cruisers aren’t left out of expanded pools, however. In the Surfside family neighborhood, Spashaway Bay will have new features for junior cruisers.
When families want to splash together, they can head for the Category 6 waterpark and its two new family raft slides, including the first-ever family funnel raft slide at sea, a tremendous slide that extends out over the ship’s starboard side.
Dramatic Dining Options on Hero of the Seas
To refuel after so much fun, Hero of the Seas is offering 28 dining venues, including exclusive new options.
The Orleans Parish Supper Club continues the multi-course, entertainment-oriented dining experiences first introduced aboard Icon of the Seas. On the new ship, the venue will feature gourmet Cajun and Creole dishes reminiscent of the French Quarter, accompanied by live jazz music and curated cocktails for an upscale dining event.
“We’re really tipping our cap to kind of traditional cocktails that were invented in New Orleans,” said Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director of Beverage Operations for Royal Caribbean. “Then putting our own little twist on them!”
Also continuing on Hero of the Seas is the Royal Railway. The train car dining venue “travels” through different destinations and blends food, entertainment, and technology for an immersive rail journey even while guests are sailing.
Four new food stalls will be part of the AquaDome Market for even more expansive tastes, while iconic favorites such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Izumi, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, El Loco Fresh, and Sorrento’s will still be onboard.
Yet to be revealed is an all-new venue for the Surfside neighborhood. This new venue will host hands-on cooking classes for a variety of tastes, giving families even more experieences to enjoy together and memories to make on the most heroic vacations at sea.
Amazing Accommodations for Hero of the Seas
Sleep might be the last thing on guests’ minds on Hero of the Seas, but good rest is essential to make the most of every vacation moment.
With a capacity of up to 7,600 passengers, there will be plenty of different staterooms for guests to choose from for their best rest.
Of special note is the outstanding Ultimate Family Treehouse, a three-deck themed suite with a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool, and two main bedrooms each with a private bathroom and balcony. The rustic theme and nature touches offers a truly restful and nostalgic treehouse retreat for everyone!
The two-story Royal Loft Suites have also been redesigned but without compromising the stunning ocean views, while families in Surfside have their own Ultimate Family Townhouse, Family Suites, and Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies to choose from.
Of course, more classic accommodations are also available, giving every cruiser their favorite type of stateroom as their home away from home.
Read Also: What Are Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class Ships?
Hero of the Seas will be offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, visiting all the best ports of call along the way. Every sailing will also visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, ensuring guests truly do have heroic vacations no matter what they choose to do onboard, what refuels their adventures, or where they rest up.
Royal Caribbean Reveals New Features Onboard Hero of the Seas