Unveiling the Discovery Class: Royal Caribbean’s New Fleet for 2029
Royal Caribbean Group has unveiled plans for an innovative new class of cruise ships. The Discovery Class was announced in late January 2026, with the maiden vessel set to make its grand debut in 2029 and a second one following in 2032. The construction of these state-of-the-art ships will take place at the esteemed Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The agreement includes two firm orders with options for four additional vessels.
Although specific details are yet to be revealed, Royal Caribbean executives have hinted that the Discovery Class will be specially designed to access destinations that larger vessels cannot reach. This includes the ability to transit the Panama Canal. These ships are anticipated to be smaller than the cruise line’s colossal Icon and Oasis Class vessels, thus allowing for a wider range of diverse and exotic itineraries.
“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center of it all,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “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.”
This new class symbolizes Royal Caribbean’s ongoing partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a shipyard that has built 21 ships for the group since 1985.
Source: Cruise Critic