Royal Caribbean Group has placed an order for two new Discovery-class ships with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and they also have options to order four more. This move secures long-term building capacity as the company prepares for its next major ocean-going ship platform. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is committing to 10 more river cruise ships for its Celebrity brand, aiming for rapid growth in Europe that will increase its river fleet to 20 vessels by 2031.

The first of the Discovery-class ships is expected to launch in 2029, followed by the second in 2032. This order continues Royal Caribbean's long-standing partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which has built 21 ships for the cruise line since they began working together in 1985.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's chairman and CEO, emphasized the significance of these new ships, stating, “These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose.”

The Discovery class will be a new type of vessel for Royal Caribbean International, although specific details regarding their size and capacity have not yet been shared. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, mentioned that “The Discovery class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the centre,” in a statement to The Independent.

Celebrity River Cruises will welcome new vessels to expand its fleet to 20 ships by 2031, starting with the launch of Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker in 2027, and followed by Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless in 2028.