Family Vacation Experiences On Hero Of The Seas

Speak with a toddler, a teen or a grandparent, and you’ll quickly learn that a week at sea looks different for everyone. An unbeatable family vacation means catering to separate wish lists while carving out shared time for belly laughs, belly flops and nonstop adrenaline drops. 

Arriving in Miami in the summer of 2027, Hero of the Seas^SM is bursting at the seams with extravagant new ways to tie all the must-haves, wants and didn’t-think-possibles together on your next family vacation. As the first evolution of the Icon Class, this ship brings families more wild ways to make a splash on the pool deck, kid-approved adventures, relaxed joints for afternoon loafing and never-before-seen cruise dining and activities. 

In this guide, you’ll learn the myriad ways Hero of the Seas is bringing the ultimate family vacation back — and bigger than ever.

Big Adventures For Tiny Travelers

Royal Babies And Tots Program

The Royal Babies and Tots℠ Program provides dedicated nursery care for the fleet’s youngest travelers. Join interactive playgroups for parents and little ones, or take advantage of the drop-off care for children ages six to 36 months.

These areas are decked out with soft play spaces, age-appropriate toys and, of course, cots and cribs for daytime naps.

Adventure Ocean Youth Program

Little and not-so-little cruisers between three and 17 years can let loose in the age-tiered Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. This lineup provides activities to keep older kids engaged and connected.

● AO Junior (ages three to five) kids can participate in ocean-themed storytelling, arts, crafts and music.

● AO Kids (ages six to 12) become “edutainment” experts, with interactive science experiments, scavenger hunts and themed parties, plus trivia, sports tournaments and active group games.

● Social020 (ages 13-17) is a hidden hangout for teens, including music, movies and more.

● Aquanauts (ages three to five)

● Explorers (ages six to eight)

● Voyagers (ages nine to 11)

These programs are included in your fare — you’ll just have to show up on day one to register.

Splashaway Bay And Baby Bay

Outside on the decks, fun times keep on rolling in. Splashaway Bay℠ is designed for active toddlers, featuring slides and fountains. Baby Bay offers calmer waters for those still in swim diapers. On board Hero of the Seas, both spotlight more splash features than ever for the junior seafarers to make their own waves.

These splash zones are in the Surfside® neighborhood, adjacent to the Water’s Edge, where parents can relax in a family-oriented pool with infinity views and a clear line of sight on the kids.

Teen Activities: Factual Evidence You’re Still The “Cool Parent”

Explore New Curves, Bends And Slides At Category 6 Waterpark

The action starts with the Category 6 Waterpark, where you can leave shoes and fears back on deck as you climb the towers to conquer the first funnel raft slide at sea. Then, pack your family into a single raft on the brand-new family raft slide, or grab your mats and race down gleeful new twists and turns on the Storm Chasers℠. Best of all, these experiences are all included in your fare.

Scale Adrenaline Peak For Unbeatable Views

Put Your Mettle To The Test At Crown’s Edge

Crown’s Edge® is reserved for the ultimate daredevil family members. Part skywalk, part obstacle course and totally suspended over the side of the ship — 154 feet above the waves — anyone over six years old can test their confidence and finish up with a jumpscare ride of a lifetime.

Making New Memories With Your Crew

Perfect Your Culinary Skills Together

Tie on your aprons and step behind the kitchen counters for an elevated experience that transforms dinner into a family affair. Brand-new to the Royal Caribbean lineup, these interactive cooking classes round up your crew in a professional galley workspace, tossing flour, chopping fresh ingredients and firing up burners under the guidance of a Royal chef.

Make Waves In Nine Onboard Pools

Squelch, splosh, plunge and paddle in the newest and largest pool at sea. Royal Bay is back and totally complimentary with delicious kid-approved bites and adult sips just steps away from the water’s edge.

If your family loves variety, you’ll find eight other pools on board Hero of the Seas, the most in the Royal Caribbean fleet. This includes the all-new Coconut Cove pool and the two largest swim-up bars at sea.

Hold The Ultimate Family Challenge At Lost Dunes Mini Golf

Tee off on a volcanic island landscape as you maneuver your ball through interactive obstacles. This mini golf course combines varying par levels with undulating topography, creating the ultimate family challenge of coordination and laughs — and it’s completely free.

Hit The Sports Court For Unrivaled Matches

The onboard sports court is the perfect way to bring fun family rivalries on vacation with you. Either you can settle in with the kids for a basketball tournament or a paddle match, or the kids can compete against one another and burn off the last iota of afternoon energy they may have left.

A Feast For The Whole Family

Everyone needs a station to fuel up, and when you’re traveling with multiple generations, each might also have its own ideas about what that should taste like. Sailing on Hero of the Seas provides plenty of delectable options for young and old alike, including a spread of new additions to jazz up your vacation memories.

Some of the must-try eateries you’ll find on the ship include:

● Orleans Parish Supper Club^SM: This utterly brand-new specialty venue transports you all the way back to turn-of-the-century New Orleans. Envelop yourself in jazz as it was meant to be heard and pore over courses of gourmet classic Cajun and Creole dishes. If you’re looking for a date night opportunity, this is the place to be.

● AquaDome Market stands: Older kids will love sifting through the new additions at the AquaDome Market, picking out their favorite complimentary street food bites for a blissful, bustling feast.

● Royal Railway^SM — Hero Station: Buckle up to take your taste buds on a tantalizing train ride with the Royal Railway. Dine in a completely immersive railcar as you voyage through the sights, sounds, flavors and delights from another time and place.

● Windjammer Marketplace: A whole-family pleaser, the Windjammer is as much fun for kids as it is for adults. Now, you can taste your way through new complimentary food stands, including a crepe and juice bar.

● Celebration Table: There’s never been a better reason to celebrate family milestones upon the waves, with a customizable VIP feast fitted out with your choice of ambient touches and menu upgrades.

● Basecamp®: A family favorite with classics to refuel in-between adventures, including soft pretzel bites, hot dogs and smash burgers, all included in your fare.

For those in need of poolside refreshments, you’ll find nearby bars and dining spots to refresh, plus the kid-famous Sprinkles ice cream dispensary.

Larger-Than-Life Family Suites

If you’re shooting for a larger-than-life family vacation, it only makes sense to bring the adventure back into your accommodation quarters. The aptly-named Ultimate Family Treehouse perches you mid-jungle at the height of the forest canopy.

This never-before-seen three-story adventure suite sleeps up to 12, offering fun and relaxation for the whole family. Think multiple private balconies, a private whirlpool and a rooftop terrace overlooking sweeping ocean views. If you can’t find the kids, don’t worry — they’ll be in the two-story hideout-slash-games room.

In addition, you can book Royal Caribbean family classics, like the Ultimate Family Townhouse suite and accessible stateroom setups for families.

Upgrade Your Family Vacations On Hero Of The Seas