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11th Aug 2027 | 3 nights | Royal Caribbean International | Hero of the Seas
Hero of the Seas is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, bringing together resort-style relaxation, family attractions and an extensive choice of dining and entertainment. Designed around eight distinct neighbourhoods, the ship offers a variety of experiences for different ages and interests, from lively family areas to quieter spaces for adults. With nine pools and 28 dining venues, it builds on the Icon Class concept with even more ways to spend your time on board.
The ship’s design places a strong emphasis on bringing families together while giving everyone the freedom to enjoy their own interests. Dedicated family accommodation, including the three-storey Ultimate Family Treehouse, adds to the choice of places to stay, while the ship’s neighbourhoods make it easier to find the atmosphere you’re looking for. Whether you want high-energy attractions, relaxed poolside time or memorable meals, Hero of the Seas is designed to offer a varied experience throughout your stay.
For high-energy fun, Hero of the Seas features Category 6, Royal Caribbean’s largest waterpark at sea, with six waterslides. These include two new family raft slides, one of which is the first funnel raft slide at sea. You can also tackle Crown’s Edge, a combination of skywalk and obstacle course that takes you 47 metres above the ocean, or try the FlowRider surf simulator. A sports court, rock-climbing wall and mini-golf provide further options for active guests.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to swimming and relaxation, too. The ship has nine pools, including three adults-only pools and family-friendly options, alongside Splashaway Bay, where younger children can enjoy water cannons, slides and splash zones. The Hideaway offers an adults-only retreat with two pools and a swim-up bar, while other pool areas provide space for families to cool off together. With live shows and entertainment adding to the choice, you can alternate between action-packed activities and more leisurely time on board.
With 28 dining venues, Hero of the Seas offers an extensive range of places to eat, from casual favourites to more immersive speciality experiences. Complimentary options include the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, Sorrento’s pizza, El Loco Fresh and Surfside Bites, making it easy to grab a quick meal or sit down together. AquaDome Market adds a food-hall-style setting, while family-focused Surfside has convenient choices for younger guests.
For a more distinctive evening, Orleans Parish Supper Club combines live jazz with Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes and paired cocktails. Royal Railway – Hero Station offers an immersive dining experience with live actors, themed surroundings and menus inspired by different places. You can also take part in family cooking classes, creating dishes together before enjoying what you’ve made. With 16 complimentary dining venues among the 28 options, there’s a broad choice of included meals alongside speciality experiences available at an additional cost.
Accommodation on Hero of the Seas is designed to suit a wide range of travellers, from couples and solo guests to larger families travelling together. You’ll find familiar options such as Interior, Ocean View and Balcony rooms, alongside a selection of suites offering additional space and enhanced amenities. The ship’s family-focused design also introduces more ways for different generations to share a holiday while retaining some privacy and flexibility.
One of the standout accommodation options is the three-storey Ultimate Family Treehouse, designed for multigenerational family stays, with distinct areas spread across its levels. The wider accommodation range includes family-friendly layouts and suites that make it easier to spend time together without everyone needing to share one room. With different configurations and price points, Hero of the Seas offers choices for guests who prioritise practical comfort as well as those looking for a more elaborate onboard retreat.
Groups, couples and families who like (very) big ships with a vast amount of entertainment, day and night
Those who are after a quiet, intimate, small-ship experience; gourmands; couples avoiding kids
For the most part, Royal Caribbean ships that sail from the United States attract a wide variety of North American passengers, mostly between the ages of 30 and 55 on the seven-night and shorter cruises, and 50 and over on cruises longer than seven nights. Seven-night and shorter cruises are also popular with families, especially during American school vacation periods, when the ships will often be at filled at well past double capacity and carrying more than a thousand kids. Cruises from the U.K. -- as well as Mediterranean, Asia and Australia cruises -- attract a significant number of locals from each area, as well as Royal Caribbean's usual North Americans.
Royal Caribbean's dress code is casual during the day; at night there's either casual, smart-casual or formal dress code depending on the schedule. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women; smart-casual means collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits; and on formal nights, suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are expected. If you want to avoid dressing up altogether on any night, the extensive Windjammer Café is always casual dress. Caps, tank tops and bathing suits are never allowed in the main dining room or specialty restaurants; shorts are not permitted during dinner and footwear is always required.
No. Royal Caribbean ships really vary in terms of complimentary dining, with the main dining room and huge Windjammer Café as constants. Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and a few other beverages are available without cost at all times, as well. Most specialty restaurants carry an additional charge, but there are options that are free, including pizza, the Boardwalk Dog House, the Park Café (on select ships) and more, depending on the ship. Ice cream, scooped at mealtimes and from machines in between (apart from Ben & Jerry's) is also free. Other dining choices with additional cost run the gamut from Asian to a steakhouse, deli and Mexican and Italian restaurants. Room service carries a $7.95 cost per order, with the exception of Continental breakfast.
The main pool areas are a magnet onboard any Royal Caribbean ship, as is the peaceful adults-only Solarium. Cruisers line up for the most adrenaline-pumping activities, whether to surf the FlowRider or try out new experiences from simulated skydiving and ice skating to bumper cars and escape rooms. Broadway shows (on the ships that have them) are also quite popular and fill up any night they're on offer. Equally as in demand are the high-flying and diving acrobatics of the AquaTheater and the ice-skating shows on the Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
