Royal Caribbean’s 4th ICON Ship ‘Hero of the Seas’ Progresses with Cabin Installation
Meyer Turku has made significant strides in constructing the Hero of the Seas, the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Icon Class. On January 9, 2026, the shipyard completed the installation of the first passenger cabins. This milestone marks a shift from fundamental structural work to the integration of the ship’s interiors.
Cabin Installation Innovations
The cabins for Hero of the Seas are manufactured as fully prefabricated modular units at the Piikkiö Works facility. Once completed, these modules are transported to the Turku shipyard and moved into position onboard the vessel. This innovative approach is designed to streamline the building schedule and reduce the amount of interior work required once the ship’s framework is finalized.
Construction Timeline
- Laid Down: September 8, 2025
- Cabin Installation: January 9, 2026
- Float Out: Summer 2026
- Delivery: Q2 2027
The unnamed vessel was designated as Hero of the Seas in the Equasis database in September 2025. The construction of Hero OTS began several months prior, continuing through the hull block assembly phase. This involves connecting multiple sections to create the ship’s robust primary framework.
Future Plans for Hero of the Seas
Following the float-out from the dry dock, Hero of the Seas will move to an outfitting berth. Here, the final phases, including interior completion and systems installation, will take place. Once completed, Hero of the Seas will join the ranks of Royal Caribbean’s expansive fleet, featuring sister ships like Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.
As part of RCI’s Icon Class, Hero of the Seas promises to be one of the largest cruise ships globally, highlighting Royal Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to innovation and luxury in cruise travel.
