Hero of the Seas: Royal Caribbean Unveils the World's Largest Ship with 20 Decks and An Unparalleled Experience for 7,600 Passengers

Royal Caribbean has unveiled Hero of the Seas, the fourth ship in the Icon series, which is expected to arrive in Miami in August 2027 and set sail on its maiden voyage on August 11, 2027. Upon its entry into service, the ship is expected to become the largest cruise ship in the world.

The 20-deck ship, with a capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew, is expected to replace Icon of the Seas in its home port of Miami, which is expected to move to Galveston, Texas.

The ship will feature nine pools, 28 culinary complexes, extreme sports facilities, entertainment areas for families and adults only, as well as new accommodation options for families.

Photo: Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Highlights include a Caribbean-inspired pool with in-water loungers, an adults-only area with two pools, swim-up bars and a DJ booth, a water park for young children, as well as a large water park at sea with a family raft, tube slides, and a suspended walkway.  Also on the ship: sports fields, a climbing wall, a mini-golf course, and other activity complexes.

In addition, the company noted that the ship will also offer cooking workshops for all ages and new accommodation options, including a three-story family suite with a rooftop terrace, jacuzzi, room for teenagers and two bedrooms.

Bookings for the new ships are now open. Starting prices for a three-night cruise on Hero of the Seas from Miami are $1,752 per person, while starting prices for a seven-night cruise are $2,371 per person. The ship will sail from Miami to the eastern and western Caribbean, including a visit to CocoCay in the Bahamas, with itineraries to destinations including Honduras, Cozumel, Costa Maya, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

Photo: Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

At the same time, Royal Caribbean is also preparing to launch Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon series, which will sail in Western Europe starting in July 2026. According to the company, the ship will offer 7-night cruises on routes between Rome, Florence, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, ​​along with cruises from Barcelona to Rome.