Royal Caribbean’s new Hero of the Seas floats for the first time at Meyer Turku shipyard

The float-out milestone kicks off the next stage of construction for the fourth ship in the Icon Class lineup debuting August 2027 in Miami.

MIAMI, Sep. 8, 2026 – Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class vacation, Hero of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time. The milestone, achieved at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the latest phase of construction for the newest family vacation experience ahead of its August 2027 debut in Miami.

As part of the float out, the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight before Hero moved into the outfitting pier, where it will continue to take shape over the next year. From the ceremonial firing of a cannon – a maritime tradition – to Hero’s first moments afloat, the milestone can be viewed here.

“Hero of the Seas is another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean. Building consecutive Icon Class ships has enabled continuous development of our expertise, production processes and energy-efficient shipbuilding solutions together with our partners and thousands of shipbuilding professionals involved in the project. We are proud to see Hero of the Seas move one step closer to delivery,” says Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

Hero of the Seas is the next evolution of the revolutionary Icon Class lineup, combining signature favorites with new experiences designed for every type of guest. Ac4ross eight neighborhoods, vacationers can explore nine pools, 28 dining spots – including the brand-new Orleans Parrish Supper Club – and a range of accommodations like the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse. From thrills like Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean – to ways to kick back at the new Coconut Cove pool and adults-only The Hideaway, plus an unmatched lineup of dining, bars and entertainment, families of all kinds can make lifelong memories together. Hero will take vacationers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated destination, Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Source: Meyer Turku Oy

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