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Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship is the world’s largest.
The Hero of the Seas, set to launch late next summer, includes a record-breaking water park, the most pools at sea, 28 dining options, a multi-level family treehouse, and a kinetic sculpture, just for kicks.
Billed by Royal Caribbean as “the most unstoppable, incredible, revolutionary family vacation ever,” the high-stimulation vessel, which appears to have been designed by an eleven-year-old child high on cocaine, will officially open for bookings on Thursday, April 2.
The Hero of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, the cruise line’s newest generation of ships, which also includes Icon, Legend, and Star of the Seas.
These mega-ships combine resort-style amenities and family-focused neighborhoods.
“Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations, and Hero of the Seas takes that vision even further,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean, in a press release.
“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,” he continued.
While aboard Hero of the Seas, guests can swim at nine distinct pools, including family-friendly spaces, adult-only options, and, because maximalism and max escapism during an economic downturn are the vibe of this here vessel, the world’s largest onboard swim-up bar.
Said swim-up bar also includes an in-water DJ booth — because why the f–k not.
The boat also boasts Category 6, a waterpark that is, you guessed it, the largest at sea and includes a surf simulator and the Crown’s Edge, desribed as “a fear-inducing challenge that’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride and an all-out test of your courage” that ends with “a plunge that leaves you dangling 154 feet above the ocean.”
For cruisers who like to compete, the boat is also home to the Adrenaline Peak rockclimbing wall, Lost Dunes mini-golf course, and sports courts for pickleball, basketball, soccer, and more.
In addition to “mind-blowing rooms,” guests can book “The Ultimate Family Treehouse,” which sleeps a dozen, spans three decks, and includes a rooftop terrace with a private whirlpool, sweeping ocean views and a hideout game room in case anyone gets bored, ever.
Floating gluttons rejoice, Hero has a record-breaking 28 dining options.
Among them is the Orleans Parish Supper Club, which invites guests to “step back in time to the vibrant hustle and bustle of New Orleans in the early 20th century. Delight in jazz as it was meant to be heard,” … aboard a giant ship, apparently.
Buddy Bolden will be righteously spinning in his grave as Cajun and Creole courses are “artfully paired with a craft cocktail and songs to match.”
The fun continues, folks, with Royal Railway – Hero Station, an immersive train car dining experience that serves “gourmet dishes from the lands you travel through, taking your taste buds on a tantalizing train ride. Punch your ticket to delicious.”
Gods in heaven.
Hands-on family cooking classes or “culinary adventures” will be offered to all ages at a yet-to-be-revealed venue. In the meantime, you can see the hilariously bad rendering of said venue in the image above.
The ship also includes the Royal Promenade, home to the Pearl. At 45 feet tall, the Pearl is the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture, featuring moving tiles arranged in a Fibonacci sequence.
Royal Caribbean promises new productions at the Royal Theater, the Aqua Theater, and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.
You read that correctly.
In terms of cruising route, guests can choose between a weeklong Western Caribbean passage featuring stops like Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, and Costa Maya, Mexico, or an Eastern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Both routes include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
