Hero of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, has officially floated out for the first time at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The milestone marks the latest stage in the construction of the next evolution of the company's Icon Class, ahead of the ship's scheduled August 2027 debut from Miami.

To complete the float-out, the ship's dry dock was filled overnight with more than 340 million liters of water. Once afloat, Hero was moved to the outfitting pier, where construction, installation and finishing work will continue over the next year.

The milestone was marked by the ceremonial firing of a cannon, a longstanding maritime tradition, before the ship began its next phase of development.

Hero of the Seas will combine signature experiences from Royal Caribbean's Icon Class with new attractions and spaces designed to appeal to families and travelers of all ages.

The ship will feature eight neighborhoods, nine pools and 28 dining venues, including the new Orleans Parrish Supper Club. Accommodation options will include the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse, designed to provide a distinctive experience for families traveling together.

Adventure seekers will be able to experience Crown's Edge, which combines an aerial walkway with a zip-line-style experience nearly 47 meters above the sea.

For guests looking to unwind, Hero of the Seas will introduce the Coconut Cove pool and The Hideaway, an adults-only area. The ship will also feature a wide selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

From Miami, Hero of the Seas is scheduled to operate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, with itineraries including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean's highly popular private destination.

The first float-out represents a significant step toward the ship's completion and future entry into service. Over the coming year, Hero will continue to take shape before welcoming its first guests and joining Royal Caribbean's growing fleet in the Caribbean market.