Royal Caribbean’s Next Icon Mega Ship Adds Huge ...

Probably the most recognizable options of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class has formally taken form on the road’s latest ship. 

Employees on the Meyer Turku shipyard efficiently lifted the huge AquaDome onto the 248,663-gross-ton Hero of the Seas on June 28, 2026, marking one other milestone within the development of the fourth Icon-class vessel.

Standing 82 ft tall and stretching 164 ft broad, the shipyard says the AquaDome is the biggest single-piece glass and metal construction ever lifted onto a cruise ship.

The operation required cautious planning and ultimate climate circumstances to soundly maneuver the large construction into place. Whereas the general operation lasted about 24 hours, the precise raise was accomplished in only a few hours.

“This was already the fourth AquaDome raise,” said Elvis Kulovac, foreman of manufacturing unit logistics at Meyer Turku. “The whole operation went exceptionally effectively when it comes to each timing and schedule.”

He mentioned the circumstances have been excellent. “Nearly no wind, which is essential for a raise of this scale,” he added.

The AquaDome is way over an architectural centerpiece. Situated on the entrance of the ship, the enclosed venue serves a number of functions all through the cruise. 

Through the day, friends can loosen up in lounges and eating places whereas having fun with panoramic sea views by its towering glass panels. At evening, the house transforms into the AquaTheater, the place divers, aerialists, and robotic know-how mix for one among Royal Caribbean’s signature leisure experiences.

The huge construction has turn into one of many defining design parts of the Icon Class, first launched aboard Icon of the Seas and later put in on Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. All 4 AquaDomes have been put in on the Meyer Turku shipyard. 

What’s Subsequent for Hero of the Seas

The AquaDome set up follows a number of different main development moments for Hero of the Seas. Earlier milestones included the set up of the Royal Caribbean Pearl structure and the ship’s keel laying in September 2025, when the primary metal block was lowered into the constructing dock at Meyer Turku.

Building has continued at a gradual tempo since then, with employees assembling the vessel’s neighborhoods, technical techniques, and public areas because the ship continues to take form contained in the constructing dock.

Learn Additionally: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: Design, Features and Facts

Whereas putting in the AquaDome is likely one of the shipyard’s most seen development milestones, vital work stays earlier than Hero of the Seas is able to welcome friends. As soon as the vessel leaves the constructing dock, crews will proceed outfitting the ship earlier than sea trials and supply in 2027.

Hero of the Seas is anticipated to debut in August 2027 because the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Icon Class.

Like her sister ships, the LNG-powered vessel will characteristic eight neighborhoods, seven swimming swimming pools, a waterpark, Surfside neighborhood for younger households, and lodging for five,654 friends at double capability.

With the huge glass construction now in place, Hero of the Seas is starting to tackle the unmistakable silhouette that has come to outline Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class.