The Top 10 Things to Do on Hero of the Seas
Wait and See What’s Coming in Summer 2027
By Aleisha White | Published on July 21, 2026
Mark your vacay calendar for summer 2027, because a massive new wave is hitting the shores of Miami. The most recent addition to the Royal Caribbean Icon Class fleet, Hero of the SeasSM, is introducing brand new spins, flavors, jaunts and drops to your favorite Caribbean destinations.
This guide explores the top 10 things to do on Hero of the Seas, including newly unveiled Royal Caribbean experiences, record-breaking upgrades to onboard favorites and even more new ways to make a splash.
Wait … What Is Hero Of The Seas?
Hero of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Royal Caribbean Icon Class fleet, debuting on the heels of its sister ships, Icon of the Seas®, Star of the Seas® and Legend of the Seas®. Its release marks the first next-generation evolution of the Icon Class design. The ship, features 20 decks, will homeport in Miami from August 2027, triggering a relocation of Icon of the Seas to new waters in Galveston, Texas.
Building on the success of the Icon Class, Hero of the Seas is wall-to-wall loaded with unthinkable surprises for the fleet’s youngest and most experienced guests alike. With new dining venues that look as decadent in the snaps as they taste and feel in the flesh, plus fresh thrills to rival even the most valiant daredevils, you can expect bold twists and turns around every corner.
Of course, many Royal Caribbean guest favorites — the AquaDome Market, Category 6 Waterpark and the Royal RailwaySM — are making a comeback, with imaginative new expansions.
Top 10 Hero Of The Seas Activities
Quintessential cruise getaways abound in opportunities to brew up lifelong family vacation memories, capture candid moments with your crew and provide everyone with unstructured time and space to let their hair down.
Here are just some of the ways you can achieve all three sailing on Hero of the Seas.
1. Nosedive Into Nine Onboard Pools
Yes, you read that right. There are nine pools on board the ship, the most of any in the entire fleet. The Hideaway®, an adults-only, beach-club-inspired neighborhood, has been upgraded with its own suspended infinity pool. What’s more, the ship features the two largest swim-up bars at sea, including The Hideaway pool and the biggest ever yet Swim & Tonic℠.
An all-new Caribbean-inspired pool deck, Coconut Cove, is also unveiling a state-of-the-art pool. Believe it or not, it gets even better. Those serious about the splash days will fall head over heels for Royal Bay℠, the largest pool ever to hit the ocean.
2. Cook Up a Storm With Culinary Classes
Grab the kids, get a couple of friends on board and brush up your chopping skills with onboard cooking classes led by some of the best chefs on the seven seas. This yet-to-be-revealed venue, located in the Surfside® neighborhood, offers an entirely new, kid-friendly Royal Caribbean experience for aspiring chefs.
Beyond the memories and rolling good times, you’ll pick up a few pro kitchen skills and tantalizing recipes to take home with you.
3. Redline Your Adrenaline at Category 6 Waterpark
The largest waterpark at sea just achieved the wildly improbable. With two outrageous new family raft slides, including the first-ever funnel raft slides at sea, expect the kids to drag you beyond your wits’ end as you chute down daring paths and fly directly over the ocean. (You can get your payback later at Crown’s Edge®.)
If mat racing is your thing, emotionally prepare yourself for mind-blowing new twists and turns as you race family and friends down the Storm ChasersSM duo. Of course, those who prefer a gentler entry to Thrill Island can put their balance to the test on the Flowrider® surf simulator as they work up to the slides.
4. Splashaway Bay: Where Little People Make Big Waves
Young travelers will have their day in the sun, too. Splashaway Bay℠ is unveiling new water features for the kids to play in. Located in the Surfside neighborhood, these new splash zones are right next door to Water’s Edge, where parents can keep an eye on their tots from their own infinity-view pool.
5. Gain a New Perspective at Crown’s Edge
If you ever wanted to know how it feels to fly above the sea, you can find out at Crown’s Edge. In this skywalk-come-zip-line experience, brave seafarers must navigate a rope network suspended 154 feet above the waves, while overcoming obstacles. Just keep an eye out for the trapdoor.
6. Gear Up for Family Showdowns on the Sports Deck
Start practicing your swing early, because the onboard sports court is a force to be reckoned with. From friendly basketball challenges to clashes of the titans on the desert island-inspired Lost Dunes℠ mini-golf course, there are plenty of ways to show your crew who’s boss on the leaderboard.
For a more vertical challenge, take your climbing skills for a spin at the Adrenaline Peak℠ Rock Climbing Wall. Racing lanes and varying levels of difficulty make it easy for everyone to get involved. Head up at sunset for unreal panoramic views as you watch the sun sink below the horizon.
7. Browse Tasty Bites at the Aquadome Market
Unique to the Icon Class, the AquaDome Market is a complimentary food hall-style venue to satiate any appetite. Hero of the Seas offers four new stall concepts, plus desserts at Crème de la Crêpe and freshly squeezed juices at Simply Pressed.
8. Make Every Moment Count With Bonding Meals
With 28 separate dining venues on Hero of the Seas, variety isn’t a concern. Expect your favorites — the Windjammer Marketplace and Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — plus a few novel venues thrown in for good measure.
Take the Orleans Parish Supper Club℠ for example. This multi-course, brand-new dining venue nods to the early 20th-century elegance of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Experiment with craft cocktails and devour gourmet Cajun and Creole dishes to a soundcape of live jazz numbers.
The Royal Railway℠ — Hero Station is another one to keep on your radar. Here, you’ll be transported to faraway destinations and equally exotic flavors on an immersive culinary journey through space and time.
9. Hide Out In The Three-story Ultimate Family Treehouse
If you’re going to let the kids go wild, it might as well be in a treehouse. The exclusive Ultimate Family Treehouse brings a whole new dimension to the term “unbelievable,” with three stories of family adventure. This includes a two-story hideout and games room, an expansive rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, a private whirlpool and two master bedrooms with private balconies.
It sleeps up to 12, making this suite ideal for multi-generational travel. For smaller families, the upgraded Royal Loft suite offers space to spread out and decompress after big days of exploration.
10. Share Your Experience From a Casita
Stake your claim on a private casita by the pool as a home base with the kids or an elevated backdrop to capture cinematic snaps for the Gram. Equipped with daybeds, sprawling horizon views and a tropical bungalow aesthetic, these Casitas are your ticket to a classy and laid-back day stretched out poolside.
How To Book Your Cruise On Hero Of The Seas
In 2027, Hero of the Seas is making waves on the summer cruise vacation scene, and now’s the time to start planning. Homeporting in Miami, this floating wonderland offers access to your favorite destinations across the Western Caribbean and The Bahamas.
A seven-night itinerary could lead you to Western Caribbean tropical hotspots like Perfect Day CocoCay and the divers’ heaven, Cozumel. Or you may venture to Eastern Caribbean destinations like St. Thomas, St. Maarten and St. Kitts & Nevis.
Bookings are now open, so your Hero of the Seas vacation is ready when you are. Just remember to reserve your specialty dining and experiences early and get set for an adventure that puts the elation back in revelation.
Sail Into Your Next Summer Obsession
Hero of the Seas takes everything you know about cruise vacations and dials the volume all the way up. With plenty of newly revealed and yet-to-be-revealed features and amenities, now’s the time to start getting ready for all your must-haves, wants and didn’t-think-possibles to come to life.
Be among the first to step onboard the fleet’s newest masterpiece and experience next-level thrills before anyone else — the ultimate tropical escape is officially calling your name.
