The Meyer Turku shipyard recently completed the hull assembly of the new Hero of the Seas, which is being constructed for Royal Caribbean.

According to an update shared by the Finnish shipbuilder, the final block of the 250,800-ton vessel was lifted into place on July 10, 2026.

Meyer Turku stated that the construction process is now moving forward with seams being welded and cabins being lifted into the ship.

“Construction of the vessel is progressing rapidly. Next, our focus will shift to the float-out and ensuring the vessel is ready for commissioning,” said Meyer Turku’s Project Manager Kalle Hyytiä.

As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class series, the Hero of the Seas is scheduled to enter service in August 2027.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, in June, Meyer Turku also lifted the ship’s glass dome into position.

According to the shipyard, the 50-meter-wide dome became the largest single-piece glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship.

As part of its maiden season, the Hero of the Seas is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises departing from PortMiami.

Sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the ship’s itineraries are highlighted by visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The 5,610-passenger vessel follows the new Legend of the Seas, which was delivered by Meyer Turku earlier this year.

Spending its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean, the ship became the third in the company’s Icon-class.

The series of ships started in 2023 with the Icon of the Seas and will include two additional vessels between 2028 and 2030.

In 2025, Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku signed a long-term framework agreement that secures the company rights to build at the yard through the next decade.