Royal Caribbean Announces NEW Cruise Ship Class

Royal Caribbean just announced its new Discover ship class, which will launch in 2029. The new ship class will be smaller than its current ships, so it can fit into smaller ports and can reportedly even sail through the Panama Canal.

©Royal Caribbean via The Orlando Sentinel

Royal Caribbean’s new Discover line has two confirmed ships and options for four additional ships. The first ship is set to debut in 2029 in France, and the second ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2032.

“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. “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.”

©Royal Caribbean

Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built many cruise ships for Royal Caribbean since its partnership started in 1985. The highlights include their Sovereign Class ships, Oasis Class ships, Edge Series ships, and their newest Harmony of the Seas ship. The Harmony of the Seas is the sixth-largest passenger ship in the world and has some of Royal Caribbean’s first water slides.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center 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 of Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean has other new releases, including the third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, debuting this year, and an unnamed fourth ship in 2027. There’s also a seventh Oasis Class ship coming in 2028. Stay tuned to AllEars for more cruise news!