Royal Caribbean Group today announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, to secure the construction of its highly anticipated Discovery-class ships, designed to redefine how Royal Caribbean guests experience the world. The agreements include two firm orders, with options for four additional ships. The first ship in the class is scheduled to debut in 2029, while the second will be delivered in 2032.
“The Discovery class represents our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of vacations. These ships will be a showcase of what is possible when design meets purpose, 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 cutting-edge technologies to once again reinvent the industry for decades to come.”.
This alliance is based on a historic relationship that began in 1985, when Chantiers de l'Atlantique built the first Sovereign-class ships for Royal Caribbean Group —Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas— and continues today with revolutionary classes such as the Oasis Class, including the innovative Harmony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises' Edge series and, now, Royal Caribbean's new Discovery class.
“The Discovery Class introduces a bold concept that puts our guests at the center of everything. It will offer extraordinary and unique experiences—from cutting-edge design to immersive moments—with every detail carefully crafted to surprise and delight travelers in ways they never imagined, as they visit truly spectacular destinations around the world,” added Michael Bayley, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique, one of the world's most prestigious shipyards, boasts a long history of building industry-leading vessels. Over the past four decades, the shipyard has built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group and is currently constructing two more, including Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.
“Royal Caribbean Group has been firmly focused on transforming the vacation industry with innovative and bold proposals. Collaborating 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 vacations at sea that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future,” stated Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
With a differentiated ecosystem that includes a portfolio of multiple ocean and river ships over the next three years, plus eight land-based destinations by 2028, unique vacation experiences, an innovative loyalty program, and an integrated digital ecosystem, Royal Caribbean Group is in the midst of rolling out a multi-year portfolio of new vacation offerings encompassing sea, river, and land travel, consolidating its position as a leader in innovation in the vacation industry.
This collaboration strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's global shipbuilding network and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Ship orders are subject to customary terms and conditions.
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