Royal Caribbean, the cruise giant, continues to expand its flagship Icon series with the announcement of the ship Hero of the Seas – which will set sail on its maiden voyage in August 2027 from Miami – while simultaneously preparing to launch another ship that will begin sailing in Europe as early as this coming summer.
The new ship, which will be the fourth in the series, is expected to become one of the largest in the world, with approximately 20 decks, a capacity of about 7,600 passengers, and around 2,350 crew members.
However, the main highlight for the company lies especially in the onboard offerings: Hero of the Seas will feature eight different “neighborhoods,” nine pools – a record number for cruise ships – including a Caribbean-style pool with submerged lounge chairs, an adults-only area with swim-up bars and a DJ station, alongside a large-scale water park with family slides, rafts and extreme attractions.
In addition, the ship will offer approximately 28 dining venues, cooking workshops, sports facilities and attractions such as a zip line stretching dozens of meters above the sea. Among the standout innovations: A three-level family suite designed as a “treehouse,” featuring a rooftop terrace, a jacuzzi and dedicated spaces for children and teenagers.
Alongside the announcement of the new ship, the company has already opened bookings and reports strong demand, including an increase in last-minute bookings for summer 2026.
This coming summer, the company will launch the ship Legend of the Seas, which will be the first in the Icon series to sail in Europe. It will offer week-long cruises to major destinations in Western Europe, including Rome, Barcelona, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca – a move that brings the large-scale cruise experience closer to European and Israeli audiences.
According to the data, cruise prices in Europe start at approximately $1,591 per person, while Caribbean cruises on the new ship will start at around $1,752 for shorter sailings.
Udi Schnabel, CEO of Sunorama, the exclusive representative of Royal Caribbean in Israel: “The Icon series has set a new standard for family vacations, and the Hero of the Seas takes this vision one step further. We are proud to bring the latest developments in the cruise world to the Israeli public, whether it is the inaugural sailings of the Legend of the Seas – marking the first time the Icon series arrives in Europe as early as July 2026 – and the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional cruising experience in the Mediterranean close to home, or the major launch that will take place in Miami in August 2027. Early booking allows travelers to enjoy the best prices and the most sought-after cabins.”