IT’S OFFICIAL: Royal Caribbean Confirms the New "Discovery Class" is Coming!
The rumors have been swirling for years, the forums have been buzzing, and today, we finally got the confirmation we’ve been waiting for. Royal Caribbean has officially announced their next big project: the Discovery Class.
If you’ve been following the breadcrumbs like we have, you know this is huge news. Royal Caribbean isn't just building another ship; they are launching an entirely new class that promises to change how we experience the world.
Here is the lowdown on everything we know so far from today's big announcement.
The Headlines
Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with the legendary Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. If that name sounds familiar, it should—this is the same shipyard that gave us the game-changing Oasis Class ships.
The Order: Two firm ships confirmed, with options for four more.
The Timeline: The first Discovery Class ship is set to debut in 2029, with the second following in 2032.
What Is the "Discovery Class"?
While Royal Caribbean is keeping the specific deck plans and amenities under wraps for now, the clues are in the name. This class seems to be shifting the focus from just the ship itself to the destinations it can visit.
Unlike the massive Icon and Oasis Class giants, hints from Royal Caribbean leadership suggest these ships will be designed to fit through the Panama Canal. This is a game-changer! It opens up the possibility for modern, top-tier Royal hardware to sail to bucket-list destinations that the mega-ships just can't reach—think more exotic routes, expanded Alaska itineraries, and deeper global exploration.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, teased the vision:
"The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center of it all... every detail crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they've never imagined, all while visiting truly breathtaking destinations around the world."
Why We Are Hype
We love the massive floating resorts of the Icon Class, but the idea of a "smaller" (likely still huge by normal standards, but under 170k tons), distinctively designed ship focused on immersion and discovery is exactly what the fleet needs.
It sounds like Royal is aiming to blend the high-tech, entertainment-focused vibe we love with a vessel capable of getting us closer to the action in ports around the globe.
The Countdown Begins
2029 might feel like a long way off, but with the Legend of the Seas coming in 2026, and more Icon and Oasis ships in the pipeline, we have plenty to keep us busy until the Discovery era begins.
What do you guys think? Are you excited for a ship class focused on new destinations, or are you strictly team "Bigger is Better"? Let us know in the comments!