Published on January 29, 2026
Royal Caribbean Group, one of the world’s biggest cruise vacation companies, has signed a major agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the renowned shipyard in Saint‑Nazaire, France, to build its new Discovery Class cruise ships. The firm deal includes two confirmed ships with options for four additional vessels. The first of these brand‑new cruise ships is set to debut in 2029, with the second delivered in 2032. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the cruise industry and opens exciting prospects for travellers worldwide seeking fresh ocean adventures.

What the Discovery Class Agreement Means

Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class represents the next era of cruise innovation. The agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique builds on a long‑standing shipbuilding partnership that dates back to 1985 when the shipyard constructed Royal Caribbean’s original Sovereign class vessels. The new Discovery Class ships are designed to offer innovative vacation experiences that combine advanced design, immersive onboard amenities, and broader access to breathtaking global destinations.

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Two Discovery Class ships are officially ordered, with four additional ships available as options depending on future demand and business conditions. The first vessel is expected to launch in 2029, and the second is scheduled for delivery in 2032. These timelines give cruise enthusiasts plenty to look forward to in the coming decade.

Where These Ships Will Be Built

The new vessels will be constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the cruise industry’s most respected shipyards located in Saint‑Nazaire, France. This shipyard has decades of experience in producing major cruise ships for Royal Caribbean and other global brands. Its expertise in ship design, integration, testing and delivery helps ensure high quality and reliability for each newbuild.

Advantages for Travellers

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For the global travel community, this major announcement brings several advantages:
Improved Vacation Options
The Discovery Class ships are expected to offer fresh concepts in cruise design, giving travellers new ways to explore the world by sea. While details about onboard features are still limited, Royal Caribbean promises immersive experiences and cutting‑edge design that will delight passengers and expand itinerary possibilities.

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More Destinations and Routes
Having more ships in the fleet — with options to build up to six Discovery Class vessels — means Royal Caribbean will be able to offer more sailings, potentially including less frequented or exotic destinations. This expands choices for travellers who want to see the world beyond well‑trodden cruise ports.
Build Confidence and Stability
The multi‑ship agreement demonstrates the cruise line’s confidence in long‑term travel demand. For travellers, this signals stability and growth in cruising options, even as the industry continues to evolve after pandemic‑era disruptions.

Potential Disadvantages to Consider

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Despite the exciting prospects, some challenges and limitations may affect travellers:
Timeline Delays and Cost Impact
Ships arriving in 2029 and 2032 mean travellers must wait several years before enjoying the Discovery Class experience. Building such advanced vessels is complex and can face delays — common in shipbuilding — which might impact projected launch dates.
Limited Early Details
At this stage, specific information about Discovery Class amenities, capacity, pricing or route networks remains limited. Travellers eager for new experiences may find early planning difficult until more details are released.
Environmental and Sustainability Questions
While modern cruise ships increasingly integrate sustainable technologies, large cruise vessels often face scrutiny for their environmental footprint. Details on environmental performance, fuel type, energy sources or emissions are still unclear for Discovery Class.

What It Means for the Cruise Industry

The Discovery Class announcement is more than just new ships on order. It underscores Royal Caribbean’s long‑term commitment to growing its fleet and expanding travel experiences. By selecting a major European shipyard with a strong history of building world‑class cruise vessels, the company signals optimism for future global travel growth and innovation.
This move also highlights continued demand for cruise travel as a popular vacation choice for a wide range of travellers, from families to couples and solo explorers. Having options for a total of six Discovery Class ships offers flexibility for Royal Caribbean to tailor routes, ship sizes and features according to evolving travel trends.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean Group’s agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build the new Discovery Class cruise ships offers exciting prospects for the future of ocean travel. With the first ship set to debut in 2029 and a second in 2032 — plus options for four more — travellers can look forward to innovative ship design, broader itinerary choices and fresh vacation experiences. While some details remain under wraps and wait times are long, this announcement strengthens confidence in the cruise industry’s long‑term growth and gives global travellers something thrilling to anticipate in the decade ahead.

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Tags: Chantiers de l’Atlantique France, Cruise Travel News, new cruise ships 2029, ocean vacation future, Royal Caribbean Discovery Class

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