Royal Caribbean is officially planning its next generation of cruise ships.
The cruise giant announced new agreements with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to construct its highly anticipated Discovery Class, a new ship class designed to reshape how guests experience cruising. Two ships are firmly ordered, with options for four more, marking one of the company’s most ambitious long-term bets on the future of vacations at sea.
The first Discovery Class ship is scheduled to debut in 2029, followed by a second ship in 2032.
What the Discovery Class Means for Cruisers
While Royal Caribbean has not yet released technical details or onboard features, the Discovery Class is being positioned as a major evolution rather than an incremental update. Company executives describe the ships as purpose-built to put guests at the center of the experience, with design and technology working together to create more immersive ways to travel the world by sea.
Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said the new class reflects the company’s long-term vision for vacations, combining advanced ship design with new ways for travelers to connect with destinations.
For cruisers, that likely signals ships designed with port access, onboard flow, and experiential spaces in mind, rather than simply adding larger attractions. The company has increasingly focused on how ships function as platforms for travel (and reaching its growing fleet of private clubs and destinations) rather than floating resorts alone, and Discovery Class is expected to continue that shift.
A Longstanding Partnership Behind the Ships
The Discovery Class will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, one of the world’s most established cruise shipyards. The partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and the French builder dates back to 1985, when the yard constructed the cruise line’s original Sovereign Class ships.
Since then, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, including landmark vessels across multiple brands. That includes Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, such as Harmony of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, which introduced new approaches to ship design and guest flow.
The shipyard is currently building two additional vessels for Royal Caribbean Group, including the next Oasis Class ship and Celebrity Cruises’ upcoming Celebrity Xcite.
Why This Matters Now
The announcement comes as Royal Caribbean Group continues to roll out a multiyear expansion strategy that extends beyond ocean cruising. The company is developing new river cruise products, expanding its portfolio of private island and land-based destinations, and investing heavily in loyalty and digital systems designed to connect all parts of the vacation journey.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said the new class introduces a bold concept focused on immersive guest experiences, with every element designed to surprise travelers as they visit destinations around the world.
Technology, Sustainability, and Long-Term Growth
Royal Caribbean Group also emphasized that the Discovery Class will support its sustainability goals and continued investment in new maritime technology. While specific environmental features have not yet been disclosed, recent Royal Caribbean ships have incorporated energy efficiency improvements, alternative fuel readiness, and advanced waste and water systems.
What Travelers Should Watch For
Details on ship size, onboard concepts, itineraries, and homeports are expected closer to the ships’ debut dates. For now, the Discovery Class represents Royal Caribbean’s clearest sign yet of where cruising is headed after the Oasis and Icon eras.
For travelers, that means a new class of ships designed around experience, destination access, and next-generation design — with the first look arriving at sea in 2029.
Caitlin Sullivan
2026-01-29 20:51:00