Royal Caribbean has revealed the new name and features of its next Icon class mega cruise ship which will include more swimming pools and a family-focused treehouse suite.
The next vessel in the fleet, to launch in 2027, will be called Hero of the Seas.
It will join Legend of Seas, launching this summer, and Icon and Star, which are already sailing.
Similar to the other Icon class ships, Royal Caribbean said Hero of the Seas will have eight neighbourhoods with different features aimed at families including restaurants, swimming pools and waterslides.
Signature Icon class favourites will return on Hero, including the Royal Promenade neighbourhood’s restaurants, the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants and pick-up windows for sushi and champagne.
High-end shows are also being promised in the Royal Theater, the marquee AquaTheater and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.
But the new ship, which will debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami in August 2027, will offer more features than its sister ships, with a record 28 dining venues and the most pools at sea. Bookings for passengers open this week.
Michael Bayley, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: “Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further.
“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.”
Here is what guests can expect on Hero of the Seas.
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More ways to splash
Royal Caribbean is already known for its large pool areas.
But guests will be able to dive into nine distinct pools on Hero of the Seas – the most at sea.
The other Icon class ships have seven pools.
One of the pools will be named Coconut Cove, situated near Caribbean-themed bar The Lime and Coconut. It will have in-water loungers and poolside service.
The Hideaway, an adults-only escape, will also have two pools, and what is being described as the largest swim-up bar at sea with an in-water DJ booth.
Larger waterpark
Icon, Star and Legend already have the largest waterparks at sea but Hero is going further.
The ship will introduce two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea, along with new twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers slide.
New onboard immersive dining
A new supper club experience will feature on Hero, Orleans Parish Supper Club, with live jazz, craft cocktails and gourmet cajun and creole dishes.
There will also be an immersive dining experience named Royal Railway – Hero Station. Passengers will be “transported by train car” to new destinations.
The family-friendly Surfside neighbourhood will host hands-on cooking classes in a new venue where participants can learn kitchen skills together.
The AquaDome Market food hall is returning with four new stall concepts. Desserts will also be on offer at Crème de la Crêpe and freshly squeezed juices at Simply Pressed.
More family suites
Similar to the other Icon class ships, Hero will offer a range of family suites.
This includes a new Ultimate Family Treehouse.
The three-deck treehouse features a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space, and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.
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