Royal Caribbean’s Newest Giant Is Setting Sail Ten Days Early

Royal Caribbean is giving its newest ship an earlier start. Hero of the Seas will now begin carrying passengers on August 1, 2027, ten days before the originally planned maiden voyage. The ship measures 248,663 gross tons and carries 5,654 guests.

Two sailings have been added to make room. The first is a seven-night Perfect Day CocoCay and Western Caribbean cruise on August 1, followed by a three-night Perfect Day CocoCay getaway on August 8. The original three-night voyage from PortMiami on August 11 still stands.

Interestingly, the cruise line’s notice to passengers still calls the August 11 sailing the inaugural one, even though ships will now carry guests before then. Guests booked on August 11 could switch to a new sailing with change fees waived until October 14, subject to availability and prevailing rates, and suites were held until the same date. They can also keep their existing booking with no action.

Stateroom bookings for the new sailings opened October 7. No fares were published, so anyone interested in the earlier dates should compare prices directly, particularly because early voyages on new ships tend to draw strong demand.

Sources: Cruise Hive, Cruise Industry News