Royal Caribbean confirms order for two Discovery Class ships

Royal Caribbean Group has secured shipbuilding slots for a new Discovery Class with French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The agreement include two confirmed ship orders with the option for four additional vessels.

The first ship in the new series is set to debut in 2029, with the second following in 2032.

Speaking last December on a Travel Weekly webcast, Royal Caribbean president Michael Bayley revealed the line wanted to ensure the ships were designed in a a way that would enable them to operate in more ports, particularly in the Mediterranean and Alaska.

He also outlined an aim for the ships to be able to transit the Panama Canal to save up to 40 days moving between Alaska and the Caribbean.

Last year, the group confirmed an order for a fifth Icon Class ship and an option for a seventh as part of a long-term agreement with the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The line’s third, fourth and fifth Icon Class ships, and a seventh Oasis Class ship, are scheduled to be delivered by 2028.

Royal Caribbean Group chairman and chief executive Jason Liberty said: "The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations.

“These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests.

"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."

Bayley added: "The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the centre of it all.

“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 chief executive Laurent Castaing said: "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.”