Royal Caribbean could be getting close to finalizing an order for a new kind of cruise ship, according to a French media outlet.
According to the report, Royal Caribbean Group is on the verge of ordering a new class of cruise ships from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shi[yard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The report claims the new order is for a class of medium to large tonnage ships for Royal Caribbean International — more specifically, the cruise line's long-awaited Discovery Class.
The cruise line has been silent on an official announcement, but there have been rumors of the Discovery Class for years.
(Credit: Le Marin)
Royal Caribbean began hinting at a new, smaller ship class in July 2023. During a sailing on Allure of the Seas, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, shared that the company was "deeply considering" expanding its fleet with smaller vessels.
Over the years, Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class has been one of the most intriguing rumors in the industry. Although the cruise line is known for building giants like Utopia and Icon of the Seas, many claim that the older ships are outdated and don't meet the standards of modern travelers.
In September, Bayley seemed to confirm that the Discovery Class project was moving forward, revealing tidbits like where the cruise line expected to deploy the ships and their estimated size. However, he was firm in emphasizing that no formal announcement could be made at that time.
For example, although he didn't give exact measurements, Bayley said that Discovery Class ships would be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal.
To date, the largest cruise ship to successfully sail through the Panama Canal was the Norwegian Bliss. Based on this fact, it's fairly safe to assume that the Discovery Class ships won't be larger than 168,000 gross tons and 1,094 feet long.
Additionally, instead of offering voyages to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, markets that are heavily dominated by Oasis and Icon Class ships, Discovery vessels will likely sail to exotic ports in regions like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific.
While details still have not been confirmed, the promise of a smaller class of ships that combines innovation with access to smaller ports has generated significant excitement among loyal Royal Caribbean fans.
Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO talks rumored new ship size and where it could sail
What would the order of the Discovery Class ships mean?
If the French article is correct and an official Discovery Class order is in the foreseeable future, it would mean that Royal Caribbean is moving forward with a highly-anticipated project to modernize its offerings by phasing out its older ships.
It would also mark a strategic shift in Royal Caribbean’s fleet composition, as the older ships would likely be replaced with vessels that are smaller but still packed with upgraded features and amenities, such as modern staterooms, new dining concepts, innovative entertainment options, and more.
That said, based on past projects, even if the Discovery Class is ordered soon, passengers won’t see the first ship for several years.
Royal Caribbean, for example, placed an order for the first Icon Class ships in Oct. 2016. Steel-cutting Icon of the Seas didn't begin until June 2021, with Icon's maiden voyage commencing in Jan. 2024.
Similarly, in Feb. 2024, Royal Caribbean ordered the seventh Oasis Class ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. This unnamed vessel isn't expected to enter service until 2028.
Another ship class too?
In addition to this possible ship class in France, there's another project on the horizon.
In September, Royal Caribbean confirmed the order of the fifth Icon Class ship with Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. However, the announcement also alluded to the possibility of another ship class.
"This multi-year agreement strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku, one of the world's largest and most modern shipyards specializing in cruise ships, and readies Royal Caribbean Group for a new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon," the press release said.
This could possibly mean, because again, this is all speculation, that Royal Caribbean is actively planning more than one new class of ships.
Even as the company looks forward to welcoming at least three more Icon Class vessels to the fleet, it appears that they're also focusing on long-term investment in innovation and fleet diversification.
Additionally, the mention of the "game-changing" class emphasizes that Royal Caribbean wants to maintain an edge in the cruise industry, a position it has held for well over a decade since the launch of Freedom of the Seas in 2006.
Since then, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, entertainment, and technology — both on board and ashore at private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
To be very clear: We can’t confirm whether Royal Caribbean is planning a class larger than Icon or is on the verge of officially ordering Discovery Class ships. However, it's clear that Royal Caribbean’s ambitions are helping to shape the future of cruising for decades to come.
