Royal Caribbean Group has officially announced the launch of Discovery Class, an all-new ship class designed to redefine how guests explore the world, placing the traveler experience at the heart of every detail. The company confirmed a series of strategic agreements with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique, based in Saint-Nazaire, for the construction of two firm orders with options for up to four additional ships. The first vessel will debut in 2029, followed by a second delivery in 2032.

“Discovery Class represents our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “These ships will showcase what is possible when design meets purpose, bringing the world closer to our guests while leveraging cutting-edge technologies and France’s world-class shipbuilding ecosystem.”

The partnership builds on a legacy dating back to 1985, when Chantiers de l'Atlantique built Royal Caribbean’s original Sovereign Class vessels. Since then, the collaboration has delivered some of the most innovative ships in the industry, including the Oasis Class and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. According to Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Discovery Class will deliver “extraordinary and never-before-seen experiences, from visionary design to immersive moments, crafted to surprise and delight guests as they visit breathtaking destinations around the globe.”

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, emphasized that the project highlights the future of shipbuilding: “Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative and sustainable future.” The announcement aligns with Royal Caribbean Group’s broader multi-year growth strategy, which includes the expansion of private destinations, the launch of river cruises in 2027, and the development of a fully integrated vacation ecosystem that reinforces its position as a global leader in travel innovation.