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Royal Caribbean is bringing The SpongeBob Musical to the sea for the first time on its newest cruise ship, Hero of the Seas.
The Tony Award-winning Broadway show has been revealed as the headline theatre act aboard the new Hero of the Seas cruise ship when it launches in 2027.
The beloved Nickelodeon cartoon will transform the onboard theatre into the colourful world of Bikini Bottom, telling the story of SpongeBob and his friends coming together to save their undersea world from volcanic destruction.
Christi Coachman, vice president of entertainment at Royal Caribbean, said: “At Royal Caribbean, we’re focused on creating incredible experiences that bring families of all ages together in meaningful, memorable ways.
“Our entertainment lineup on Hero of the Seas is designed with something for everyone. The SpongeBob Musical delivers on that by bringing generations together through a story families know and love, while showcasing the creativity, cutting-edge technology and world-class production that can only be experienced on a Royal Caribbean vacation.”
When it launches in Miami in 2027, Hero of the Seas will be the fourth Icon class vessel in the fleet, travelling first to the Caribbean in the same year.
The final touches are being put together on the vessel after she was successfully tested on the water at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland last month.
Once complete, she will have many of the same features as her sister ships Icon, Star and Legend.
The ship already boasts the largest waterpark at sea, and 28 dining spots across eight different neighbourhoods, such as the relaxing Central Park deck and the family-focused Surfside area.
Adventure seekers can also zipline around the side of the ship on the Crown’s Edge while suspended 154 feet above the ocean.
New onboard features will also be available, including the Orleans Parish Supper Club, the first funnel raft slide at sea, and a three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite. The ship will also have nine pools, two more than the previous Icon ship.
A new Coconut Cove Pool will sit beside the popular Coconut Cove Bar, and the adult-only Hideaway area will have a large swim-up bar.
Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon class, launched this summer.
Its new features include an immersive Royal Railway dining experience, a Hollywood Supper Club and a Charlie and the Chocolate Theatre show that fills the room with scents of chocolate.
A fifth Icon class cruise ship is also currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard. The vessel hasn’t been named yet but is due to launch in 2028.
No further details are available on the fifth ship, but passengers can expect giant waterparks, plenty of dining options and West End-style shows.
Royal Caribbean has also ordered a sixth and seventh Icon class cruise ship to be delivered in 2029 and 2030 respectively.
Read more: The best Royal Caribbean ships and sailings