RCI’s Hero to debut in 2027

ROYAL Caribbean has revealed Hero of the Seas, its fourth and largest Icon Class ship, arriving in Miami in August 2027. Weighing 250 801 gross tonnes and measuring 365m in length, Hero will be the biggest cruise ship at sea when it launches. It has capacity for 5 650 guests at double occupancy and a maximum of 7 600 passengers, plus 2 350 crew. The ship will take leisure cruisers on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every trip visiting Royal Caribbean’s exclusive destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Guests can choose between week-long Caribbean vacations wandering Western Caribbean spots like Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, or explore waters in Eastern Caribbean locales at Philipsburg, St Maarten and Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. Splash Hero will have eight neighbourhoods, all home to remarkable experiences at sea. Guests onboard will have a choice of nine swimming pools. Some are in family- friendly spaces, there’s a new Caribbean-inspired pool, three adults-only options, plus the largest swim-up bars at sea and more. Hero will introduce Coconut Cove, an all-new pool, steps away from the tropical Caribbean bar, The Lime and Coconut. There will also be in-water loungers and poolside service for refreshing drinks. The adults-only Hideaway will now feature two pools, including the largest swim-up bar at sea and an in-water DJ booth for nonstop party vibes. Familiar favourites will be revamped with an expanded Swim & Tonic pool and swim-up bar for adults, plus new water features at Splashaway Bay, the aquapark designed for young kids in the Surfside family neighbourhood. Adventure At the largest waterpark at sea – adventurers can take on two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea, along with new twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo. The truly adventurous can test their courage on Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 47m above the ocean – or catch waves on the FlowRider surf simulator. Families can challenge one another to friendly competition at the Adrenaline Peak rock- climbing wall, Lost Dunes mini-golf course and sports courts for pickleball, basketball, soccer and more. Dining The neighbourhoods will offer 28 dining venues. The newest supper club experience, Orleans Parish Supper Club, is a multi- course dining venue with live jazz, craft cocktails and gourmet Cajun and Creole dishes inspired by the French Quarter in the early 20th century. Royal Railway – Hero Station will be an immersive dining experience that transports adventurous diners by train car to new destinations through a combination of entertainment, food and technology. The family-friendly Surfside neighbourhood will host hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed. The AquaDome Market food hall will return with four new stall concepts, plus desserts at Crème de la Crêpe and freshly squeezed juices at Simply Pressed. The dining line-up will also include RCI fleet favourites like sushi at Izumi and the walk-up window Izumi in the Park; family-style dishes at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, premium steaks at Chops Grille and fresh catches at Hooked Seafood. Plus, families can refuel throughout the day at grab- and-go spots with everything included, like Basecamp for burgers, El Loco Fresh for Mexican plates and Sorrento’s for pizza. Suites Hero of the Seas has many family-oriented suites. The Ultimate Family Treehouse is a three-deck treehouse, featuring a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space and two main bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony. Families can also opt for Surfside Family Suites and Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies. There are also the Royal Loft Suites and Icon Loft Suites for spacious comfort with ocean views. Interior Plus and Sunset Suites also offer comfortable stays.