Royal Caribbean Group to Build New Discovery Class Cruise Ships at French Shipyard

Royal Caribbean Group Expands Cruise Portfolio With New Discovery Class Ships Built in France

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today announced a series of agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, securing construction of its highly anticipated new Discovery Class ships at the renowned shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

The agreements include two firm ship orders with options for four additional vessels, further expanding the company’s long-term fleet growth strategy. The first Discovery Class ship is scheduled to debut in 2029, followed by a second delivery in 2032.

The Discovery Class is designed to redefine how guests experience global travel, introducing a bold new approach to ship design, onboard experiences, and destination immersion. The new class reflects Royal Caribbean Group’s continued focus on innovation, scale, and delivering differentiated vacation experiences across its portfolio.

“The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests. Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world-class shipbuilding ecosystem and advanced technology to once again reimagine the cruise industry for decades to come.”

The announcement builds on a longstanding relationship between Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique that dates back to 1985, when the shipyard constructed the company’s original Sovereign Class vessels, including Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas, and Majesty of the Seas. That partnership has since produced multiple industry-defining ship classes, including the Oasis Class—highlighted by Harmony of the Seas—as well as ships for Celebrity Cruises, including the Edge Series. The Discovery Class represents the next chapter in that shared legacy.

“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center of it all,” said Michael Bayley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean. “From cutting-edge design to immersive moments, every detail is being crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they’ve never imagined, while visiting truly breathtaking destinations around the world.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier shipbuilders, with more than four decades of experience delivering technologically advanced cruise ships. Over that time, the shipyard has built 21 vessels for Royal Caribbean Group and is currently constructing additional ships, including Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.

“Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with innovative and bold offerings,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “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 help lead the industry toward a more innovative future.”

The Discovery Class agreements come as Royal Caribbean Group continues to reveal a multiyear pipeline of new vacation offerings across ocean, river, and land-based experiences. The company’s differentiated ecosystem includes a growing portfolio of ships, exclusive private destinations, an expanding loyalty program, and a seamless digital platform designed to connect every aspect of the guest journey. By 2028, Royal Caribbean Group plans to operate eight land-based destinations worldwide, while also entering the river cruise market in 2027.

The collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique further strengthens Royal Caribbean Group’s global shipbuilding network and reinforces its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and next-generation maritime technology. The ship orders remain subject to customary conditions.

Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company operating 69 ships that sail to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents. Its wholly owned brands include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, along with a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, operator of the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brands. The company is expanding its portfolio of private destinations through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections and continues to invest in advanced technology and an industry-leading loyalty program.

Named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list and Forbes’ Best American Companies list, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. More information is available at royalcaribbeangroup.com.