- Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley seeks public votes to name the next Chief Dog Officer
- The Golden Retriever will board the Hero of the Seas in 2027
- Eight names remain in contention: Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, Sandy, and Dolly
- The programme operates with the American Humane Society ensuring top-tier care
- Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class ship, enters service August 2027 from PortMiami
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley has asked passengers for help in picking the name of the company’s next “Chief Dog Officer,” a Golden Retriever set to board the Hero of the Seas in 2027. The initiative has seen family dogs boarding Icon-class ships since 2023, with Rover joining the Icon of the Seas as the first, followed by Sailor on the Star of the Seas and Skipper on the Legend of the Seas.
In a social media announcement, Bayley said that eight names are currently being considered for the new crew member. After an initial vote, Royal Caribbean narrowed the options to Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, and Sandy, with Dolly added later in homage to Dolly Parton, who passed away in Nashville in late August. Voting remains open for the final round, with Bayley serving as the distinguished panel of judges for the final decision.
The Chief Dog Officer programme reportedly operates in partnership with the American Humane Society, ensuring top-tier care and training for the pets, which have their own handlers onboard. The Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class ship, is scheduled to enter service in August 2027, offering LNG-powered cruises from PortMiami to Western and Eastern Caribbean destinations including Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meyer Turku is building three additional Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean through 2030.
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley shared “voting is open for the final round before it goes to the distinguished panel of judges (me) for the final decision”
