The world’s largest cruise ship with 9 pools and a three-storey treehouse has been unveiled

Love a cruise? Well, you’re going to want to keep reading…

That’s because we might have just found your ultimate sea adventure, on board what’s been hailed as the world’s largest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean has just unveiled its gigantic new ship, called the Hero of the Seas, and it really is huge.

According to the cruise line, it has 20 decks and room for 5,654 guests in 2,814 staterooms, with a crew of 2,350.

If that weren’t enough, it also has nine swimming pools, a three-storey treehouse, and a record-breaking 28 dining spots onboard.

What’s on the world’s largest cruise ship?

There’s plenty to do for thrill seekers, with Hero of the Seas boasting the largest waterpark at sea, known as Category 6, which features ‘six mind-bending slides’, including the first funnel raft slide at sea.

As well as this, there’s Crown’s Edge, a sky-high obstacle course that will have you dangling 154 feet above the ocean, plus rock climbing and a surf simulator.

Sports lovers can also enjoy mini golf, and there’s a court for volleyball and basketball.

Those who’d prefer to lounge by the pool have nine options to choose from, including three adult-only pools with DJs, two of which have swim-up bars.

There are also three kid-friendly pools for families, with infinity views, and a few other pools for all to enjoy. 

For the foodies, there are 28 different dining spots, including Orleans Parish Supper Club, a New Orleans-themed restaurant with Cajun and Creole dishes and jazz music, and Royal Railway, an immersive dining experience.

Guests can also enjoy various quick bites, cooking classes, a poolside ice cream spot, and a market.

And when it comes to the accommodation, there’s the new Ultimate Family Treehouse, which sleeps 12 and is split over three levels of hangout space, with a rooftop terrace, a private whirlpool, balconies, a game room, and ocean views.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse also spans three levels and has an in-suite slide, cinema, hot tub, and wrap-around terrace.

Family Suites and rooms with ocean-view balconies are available too, or there are ‘best value’ rooms for those who aren’t bothered about going big and don’t want to pay as much. 

Other highlights onboard include the open-air Central Park, which features more than 30,500 real plants, the Royal Theatre, an AquaTheatre, and Absolute Zero – the largest ice area at sea.

When does the cruise launch, and how much does it cost?

The cruise is set to launch in Miami in August 2027, and packages are available to book as of right now online.

Hero of the Seas will go on five-night and seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean journeys, with all the trips visiting Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas along the way.

Eastern Caribbean cruises visit Philipsburg in St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, while Western ones stop at Roatan in Honduras, Cozumel in Mexico, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Currently on the Royal Caribbean website, prices for a five-night cruise on Hero of the Seas in December 2027 start from an average of £919 per person, with taxes and fees included. While seven nights start from £1,123 per person.

Prices will vary depending on when you travel and the type of accommodation you book.

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