ROYAL Caribbean’s massive new cruise ship is launching next year – and new images have revealed what you can expect onboard.
Hero of the Seas is the fourth Icon Class Ship, and set to cost a huge $2billion (£1.5billion) to build, it will break a number of records.
The ship will have nine swimming pools – the most ever at sea – including a Caribbean themed one and the biggest swim up bar at sea.
Coconut Cove will be the newest pool, while The Hideaway will be home to the two adult-only pools.
Category Six is be the biggest waterpark at sea, with two new family raft slides as well as the first funnel raft slide at sea.
The kid-friendly waterpark Splashaway Bay will have new features too.
Skywalk-zip line attraction Crown’s Edge will return, as well as the Flowrider surf simulator, golf courses and rock climbing walls.
When it comes to eating and drinking, there are 28 to choose from including the new jazz-themed Orleans Parish Supper Club.
Otherwise there will also be the food hall stalls at the AquaDome market, as well as Italian, steakhouses, seafood and Mexican options as well.
Don’t forget the Royal Promenade neighborhood’s restaurants, bars as well, along with the 30,500 plant Central Park.
Otherwise when it comes to live shows there is the Royal Theatre and the biggest ice arena at sea, Absolute Zero.
One of the most exciting new additions to the ship is the Ultimate Family Treehouse room option.
The three-deck treehouse includes a rooftop terrace over the side of the ship as well as a private hot tub.
Two of the floors will be for teens, with two main bedrooms, ensuites, and abalnies.
The suite even has direct access to Surfside, a family-friendly neighbourhood with cooking classes.
The sailings will include seven night sailings from Miami from August 2027, including stays at the private Perfect Day at CocoCay island.
Royal Caribbean boss Michael Bayley said: ““Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further.
“With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together.”
Holidays are not yet on sale but you can sign up for the waitlist to be contacted as soon as they are on April 2.
As the fourth ship of the Icon Class series, it will be a similar size to their others too.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot was one of the first on the Icon of the Seas.
She said: “Imagine taking Paris’ Eiffel Tower or The Shard skyscraper in London and tipping them on their side. Icon is even longer than they are high.
“While The Shard soars 1,016ft into the sky, Icon of the Seas eclipses that at 1,198ft long – the poor Eiffel Tower pales in comparison at just 984ft.
“The ship is cleverly divided into eight distinct neighbourhoods, with more than 40 places to eat and drink on board.
Our favourite travel essentials
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Sleep headphones
These soft sleep headphones make listening to music much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to sleep. Built in are two mini speakers that connect to Bluetooth, saving you that horrible discomfort that comes with traditional headphones.
Underseat cabin bag
This perfect underseat cabin bag will become your best friend on flights. Plain black, collapsible and barrel-shaped, this bag is designed to slide perfectly into those pesky luggage-sizers at the airport gates. Save yourself the extra baggage fee and come prepared.
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Waterproof mobile phone pouch
Keep your phone bone-dry and your hands free with this handy waterproof pouch. If you’re splashing in the sea or jumping on a paddle board, your tech will stay safe from splashes. The touch-sensitive screen means you can still snap selfies, too.
Eye mask
Trying to sleep on a brightly-lit plane is next to impossible, but napping becomes much easier with one of these. Eye masks can be useful when travelling with kids who need to sleep, as they block out all the light and distractions.
“Of course the ship’s Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs will keep the little ones happy while you enjoy the sun, and families will also have a ball together visiting the arcades, laser tag, mini golf and the largest ice rink at sea.”
There is also the Star of the Seas – here’s what its like onboard.