Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Hero of the Seas, has reached a major milestone in its construction after successfully completing its float-out ceremony this week. The ship was moved from the dry dock at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland by filling the dock with 90 million gallons of water. A traditional cannon was fired to mark the occasion, a common practice in shipbuilding to celebrate the vessel's transition from construction to being afloat. Now, the ship will be moved to an outfitting pier, where its final exterior and interior touches will be completed. One of the ship's most distinctive features, the AquaDome—a large transparent dome housing a waterslide and splash area—is already visible on the ship's exterior, with more elements like giant waterslides set to be added in the months ahead. Hero of the Seas is set to debut in Miami in August 2027 and will be the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, joining the Icon, Star, and Legend. The ship will be divided into eight distinct areas, or "neighbourhoods," each offering different experiences. These include the serene Central Park deck, which features lush greenery and a variety of entertainment options, and the Surfside area, designed specifically for families and children. The ship will also have 28 dining venues, a massive waterpark, and the Crown’s Edge, a thrilling attraction that allows passengers to zipline across the side of the ship at a height of 154 feet above the ocean. Several new features will debut on Hero of the Seas, including the Orleans Parish Supper Club, a themed dining experience, and the first funnel raft slide at sea, which will take passengers on a thrilling ride through the ship's funnel. The vessel will also offer a three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite, providing a unique and luxurious accommodation option for families. In terms of recreational spaces, the ship will have nine pools—two more than the previous Icon-class ship. A new Coconut Cove Pool will be situated near the popular Coconut Cove Bar, and a large swim-up bar will be added to the adult-only Hideaway area. The first sailings of Hero of the Seas will take place in the Caribbean, with seven-night cruises that include stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day At CocoCay. Bookings for these voyages are already open, with prices starting from £897 per person. This new ship promises to bring even more excitement and innovation to the cruise line’s already renowned fleet.