Royal Caribbean is officially planning its next generation of cruise ships.
The cruise giant has announced new agreements with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to construct its highly anticipated Discovery Class — a new ship category designed to reshape how guests experience cruising. Two ships have been firmly ordered, with options for four additional vessels, marking one of Royal Caribbean’s most ambitious long-term investments in the future of vacations at sea.
The first Discovery Class ship is scheduled to debut in 2029, with a second expected to follow in 2032.
What the Discovery Class Means for Cruisers
While Royal Caribbean has yet to release technical specifications or onboard features, the Discovery Class is being positioned as a significant evolution rather than a minor upgrade. Company executives describe the ships as purpose-built around the guest experience, with design and technology working together to create more immersive ways to explore 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, this likely points to ships designed with port access, onboard flow, and experiential spaces in mind — rather than simply adding larger attractions. In recent years, Royal Caribbean has increasingly positioned its ships as platforms for travel, connecting guests to its expanding portfolio of private destinations and experiences, and the 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. Royal Caribbean Group’s partnership with 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 several landmark vessels across multiple brands. These include Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships — such as Harmony of the Seas — and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, known for introducing new approaches to ship design and guest flow.
The shipyard is currently constructing 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 multi-year expansion strategy that extends beyond traditional 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 programs and digital systems designed to connect every part of the vacation journey.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley described the Discovery Class as a bold new concept focused on immersive guest experiences, with every element designed to surprise travelers as they explore destinations around the world.
Technology, Sustainability, and Long-Term Growth
Royal Caribbean Group has also emphasized that the Discovery Class will support its sustainability goals and continued investment in maritime technology. While specific environmental features have not yet been disclosed, recent Royal Caribbean ships have introduced energy-efficiency improvements, alternative fuel readiness, and advanced waste and water treatment systems.
What Travelers Should Watch For
More details — including ship size, onboard concepts, itineraries, and homeports — are expected closer to the ships’ debut. For now, the Discovery Class stands as Royal Caribbean’s clearest signal yet of where cruising is headed beyond the Oasis and Icon eras.
For travelers, it represents a new generation of ships designed around experience, destination access, and next-generation design, with the first Discovery Class vessel set to arrive at sea in 2029.
