Royal Caribbean has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with the introduction of a new Discovery class of cruise ships, set to debut from 2029 onwards. This move marks a bold step for the cruise line as it continues to innovate beyond its existing Icon class vessels.
New Fleet Order with Chantiers de l'Atlantique
The cruise giant has sealed an agreement with the renowned Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, for the construction of two new ships, with options for an additional four vessels. These ships are being described as the Discovery class, designed to "redefine how Royal's guests experience the world".
While specific details on size and passenger capacity have not yet been disclosed, the first Discovery class ship is scheduled to launch in 2029, followed by a second in 2032. This development comes as Royal Caribbean is already busy with its Icon class, which includes the largest cruise ships in the world, such as the upcoming Legend of the Seas joining Icon and Star this summer.
Executive Insights on the Discovery Class
Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, emphasised the innovative nature of this new class. "The Discovery class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the centre of it all," he 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."
Laurent Castaing, chief executive of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, highlighted the long-standing partnership, noting that over the past four decades, CdA has built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group. "Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future," he stated.
Expanding Fleet Across Multiple Classes
In addition to the Discovery class, Royal Caribbean is actively developing its Icon class fleet. A fourth Icon class ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, with a planned launch in 2027. Furthermore, the first cut of steel for a fifth Icon class vessel was made just last week, with options in place to build a sixth and seventh.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique is also engaged in other projects for Royal Caribbean Group, including building two more ships: the seventh Oasis class vessel and the Celebrity Xcite. This multi-class expansion underscores Royal Caribbean's commitment to offering diverse and advanced cruising options to its guests.
The introduction of the Discovery class represents a strategic move to enhance Royal Caribbean's market position by providing unique, immersive travel experiences. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, this new fleet aims to set new standards in design and guest engagement, promising an exciting future for cruise enthusiasts from 2029 onward.
