Royal Caribbean Just Added Two Brand-New Sailings to Hero of the Seas (Sooner Than Expected)

I love checking out a brand-new cruise ship, especially when you get to step onboard earlier than planned. That’s exactly the case for Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas, which is set to debut in August, 2027. But first dibs are being given to those who already booked what was initially the first sailing.

If you have a cruise booked on the upcoming maiden voyage for Hero of the Seas on August 11, 2027, you should check your messages from the cruise line.

“We’re thrilled to share an exciting update on Hero of the Seas, our next Iconic Family Vacation. The anticipation is building, and we simply can’t wait to welcome guests onboard in Miami – so we’re opening the door to an unforgettable adventure sooner than expected.”

If this feels a little familiar, it’s because we’ve seen Royal Caribbean do this before. And it’s great news because it means that everything is running ahead of schedule.

As reported by Cruise Fever when Star of the Seas arrived sooner than expected, Royal Caribbean similarly added short preview cruises ahead of her official maiden voyage to give cruisers a chance to experience the ship before the original launch date.

Here is a full breakdown of what’s happening with Hero of the Seas, what these new sailings look like, and what your options are if you’re already booked.

Two New Sailings Added

For cruisers looking to be among the first to step foot on board, Royal Caribbean isn’t just adding one extra trip. They are opening up two brand-new sailings before the original maiden voyage:

“To celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to share that not only one (1), but two (2) additional sailings have been added – creating plenty of opportunities to be among the very first to experience everything this groundbreaking ship has to offer.”

The two new added sailings departing from Miami are:

• August 1, 2027: A 7-night Perfect Day CocoCay & Western Caribbean Cruise.
• August 8, 2027: A 3-night Perfect Day CocoCay Getaway.

Because of these additions, the August 1, 2027 voyage will now effectively become the ship’s very first voyage with paying passengers.

What Happens to Guests Booked on the Original Inaugural?

If you were already booked on the original August 11, 2027 Inaugural Sailing, Royal Caribbean is giving you priority access to adjust your plans if you want to sail earlier:

“If you’re eager to be among the first to step onboard, we want to give you the flexibility and priority needed to do so by allowing you to switch sailings, seek additional adventures, or remain right where you are on your existing booking.”

Here are your options:

1. Keep your current booking: If you prefer to stay on the August 11 sailing, you don’t need to lift a finger. Royal Caribbean notes: “If you’re happy to remain on your current sailing, please disregard this email – no further action is required and enjoy your cruise with us!”
2. Switch to an earlier sailing: You can choose to move your reservation to either the August 1 or August 8 date. Change fees will be waived through October 14, and staterooms open at prevailing rates on Wednesday, October 7.
3. Priority for Suite guests: To make sure current booking holders get first dibs, all suites on the new sailings are being held until October 14 before being released for general public bookings.
4. Book a back-to-back: If you can’t get enough, you can keep your original August 11 reservation and add one or both of the new dates to turn it into a multi-week getaway.

How to Make Changes

If you plan on switching sailings or booking one of the new options, you will need to contact Royal Caribbean directly:

• U.S.: 1-888-281-9344
• Europe: +31 367 117936
• UK: Webchat service on their website
• International: Visit Royal Caribbean’s website to find your local office contact details.