Royal Caribbean’s new Discovery Class ships: What we know so far

Royal Caribbean is already planning its next generation of cruise ships – and the new Discovery Class could be very different from anything the line has built before.

Known as the Discovery Class, the new vessels are currently in development at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. The first ship is expected to launch in 2029, with a second scheduled to follow in 2032.

So far, details remain scarce. But Royal Caribbean executives say the new class will focus on immersive experiences designed to bring guests closer to destinations around the world.

“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,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

“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,” added Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean.

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What we know about Discovery Class so far

Two ships in the Discovery Class have been confirmed so far, with options for up to four more in the future.

The ships will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France – the same shipyard behind many of Royal Caribbean’s biggest vessels, including Harmony of the Seas and other Oasis-class ships.

Royal Caribbean has described the Discovery Class as a “bold new concept” that will combine cutting-edge design with new types of guest experiences.

Industry speculation suggests Discovery Class ships could be smaller than Royal Caribbean’s newest mega-ships, like Icon of the Seas. If that proves true, the new vessels may be designed to access a wider range of destinations and ports around the world.

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What could Discovery Class ships be like?

While the cruise line has not revealed the ships’ size, onboard features or itineraries yet, the name Discovery hints that the vessels may be designed with exploration in mind.

The project has reportedly been in development behind the scenes for several years, suggesting Royal Caribbean has been quietly planning a new generation of ships alongside its record-breaking Icon Class vessels.

That could mean more destination-focused itineraries, new types of shore experiences or ship designs that make it easier to connect with the places being visited.

For now, though, Royal Caribbean is keeping the details under wraps.

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What else Royal Caribbean has planned

The Discovery Class is just one part of Royal Caribbean Group’s wider expansion plans.

In the near term, the cruise line continues to roll out new ships and destinations. Legend of the Seas, the next Icon Class ship, will launch in 2026 with record-breaking attractions, immersive dining and new entertainment experiences – continuing Royal Caribbean’s push for ever bigger and more ambitious cruise ships.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has also opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, its first private beach club designed exclusively for cruise guests.

Alongside new ships, the company is expanding its portfolio of exclusive destinations with projects including Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Royal Beach Club Santorini in 2026, followed by Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.

Expect more details about the Discovery Class to emerge in the coming years as the first ship moves closer to its planned debut in 2029.

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