Royal Caribbean Orders New Discovery Class Ships in France

Royal Caribbean Group has announced a new set of agreements with Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) in Saint-Nazaire, France, securing the construction of its upcoming Discovery Class ships.

The agreements include two confirmed ship orders, along with options for four additional vessels. The first ship in the new class is expected to enter service in 2029, with the second scheduled for delivery 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 of 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.”

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said the new class will introduce an entirely new guest-focused concept.

“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,” Bayley added.

Chantiers de l’Atlantique is one of the world’s best-known shipbuilders, with decades of experience delivering some of the industry’s most advanced vessels. Over the past 40 years, the yard has constructed 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group and is currently building two additional vessels, Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.

“Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with their 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,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.