- Royal Caribbean has ordered two firm Discovery Class ships with options for four more.
- The first vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2029 followed by a second in 2032.
- These ships are being built in partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
- The new class will focus on innovative design, sustainability, and immersive guest experiences.
Royal Caribbean Group has officially announced the development of its next generation of vessels, designated as the Discovery Class. The cruise giant has entered into an agreement with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique for the construction of two firm vessels, with the contractual option to build four additional ships in the future. The inaugural ship of this new class is slated for delivery in 2029, with the second following in 2032. This project extends a long-standing partnership between the two companies that began in 1985 and has produced iconic vessels such as the Oasis Class and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series.
The Discovery Class is intended to sit alongside Royal Caribbean’s extensive portfolio of ocean, river, and land-based vacation options. According to leadership, the new class represents a commitment to evolving the vacation industry through a focus on purposeful design and guest-centric experiences. While specific technical specifications and onboard features have yet to be fully detailed, the company emphasizes that the ships will leverage a world-class shipbuilding ecosystem and emerging technologies. The goal is to provide immersive travel moments and unique experiences that help connect guests more closely to global destinations.
In addition to expanding its fleet, Royal Caribbean is continuing to integrate its brand offerings. This news follows the recent introduction of the Points Choice initiative, which allows members of loyalty programs across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea to earn and redeem points across all three brands. The Discovery Class is viewed as a strategic move to secure future capacity and maintain the company’s competitive edge in technology, sustainability, and differentiated hospitality. By locking in these long lead times, the group provides travel partners and guests with a clear vision of the fleet’s trajectory through the next decade.
