Royal Caribbean is laying the groundwork for its next wave of ships, confirming a brand-new Discovery Class is on the way.
The cruise company has signed agreements with Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire for two firm Discovery Class ships, with options for four more.
The first vessel is scheduled to debut in 2029, followed by a second delivery in 2032, subject to standard conditions.
Discovery Class will sit alongside Royal Caribbean Group’s existing portfolio, which spans ocean, river and land-based holidays.
“The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations,” Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty.
“These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests.”
The announcement also deepens a shipbuilding relationship that stretches back to 1985 and includes Oasis Class ships and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built 21 ships for the group to date and is currently working on two more.
“Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world‑class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technology to, once again, reimagine the industry for decades to come,” Liberty stated.
Royal Caribbean says the new class will support its broader pipeline of new ships and destinations, while continuing its focus on technology, sustainability and differentiated guest experiences.
“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the centre of it all,” Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said.
“It will deliver extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences – from cutting-edge design to immersive moments – every detail crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they’ve never imagined, all while visiting truly breathtaking destinations around the world.”
Chantiers de l’Atlantique CEO Laurent Castaing added, “Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with their innovative and bold vacation offerings”.
“Partnering with Jason and Michael to bring the Discovery Class to life is an opportunity to showcase the future of shipbuilding.
“Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future.”
Last month, Royal Caribbean Group introduced a Points Choice reward initiative to add more value to existing loyalty and status match programs across RCI, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, allowing cruisers to earn points on any of its three brands and redeem them on the scheme of their choice – no matter what line they sail with.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Big ships, lead times: Discovery Class locks in future capacity travel advisers can sell with confidence.
