Royal Caribbean Group has revealed details of its highly anticipated Discovery Class that will redefine how Royal’s guests experience the world. The company has announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
*All details correct at time of publish (30 January 2026)
The agreements include two firm ship orders with options for four additional ships. The first ship in the class is set to debut in 2029, while the second ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2032.
Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, 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.”
This partnership builds on a legacy that began in 1985, when Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed Royal Caribbean Group’s original Sovereign Class ships – Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.
The partnership continues today with groundbreaking ship classes, including Oasis Class, from game-changing Harmony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, and now, Royal Caribbean’s new Discovery Class.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean, said: “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, one of the world’s most renowned shipyards, has a long history of building industry-leading ships. Over the past four decades, the shipyard has built a total of 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, and the yard is currently building two more ships with Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.
Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with its 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.”
This collaboration strengthens Royal Caribbean Group’s global shipbuilding network and reinforces its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. The ship orders are contingent upon customary conditions.
