Royal Caribbean Expands Portfolio with New “Discovery” Ship Class

(eap) Cruise line Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will have its new “Discovery Class” built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique(CdA) shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The agreement includes two newbuild orders with options for four additional ships. The first ship of the new class is set to debut in 2029, while the second 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,” explains 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.”

The partnership between the Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique is built on a long tradition that began in 1985 with the construction of the first ships of the “Sovereign Class” and continues today with ship classes such as the “Oasis Class” and now the Discovery Class. Over the past four decades, the French shipyard has built a total of 21 ships for Royal Caribbean. Currently, two more ships, “Oasis 7” and “Celebrity Xcite”, are under construction.

“Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with their innovative and bold vacation offerings. […] Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future,” emphasizes Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Most recently, Royal Caribbean opened its latest exclusive destination: the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas. ■