Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed where the new Discovery Class ships are likely to sail.
While the cruise line is still being tight lipped on just about every detail, it's becoming clearer the Discovery Class ships likely won't be doing traditional Caribbean voyages to the usual places.
Royal Caribbean has ordered two ships so far, with the first one ready to sail sometime in 2029. But beyond that, there hasn't been much additional information divulged.
While sailing on Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley answered a question about this new ship class and gave us a better idea of where these new ships are headed.
A new ship with exotic experiences
Mr. Bayley was keen to not share any significant news about the Discovery Class ships yet, but he elaborated on where they are headed.
There's been rampant speculation as to what Royal Caribbean's plans are for these ships, especially since they won't be as large as the Icon Class ships.
Mr. Bayley specifically called out three parts of the world we will see Discovery Class ships: Asia, Alaska, and Europe.
"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia, it will go to Alaska, it will go to European itineraries," he said.
"That ship will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences."
Previously, he had only alluded to the fact there would be more exotic destinations. Now we know more precisely which of those markets these ships are headed towards.
In September 2025, he confirmed the ships wouldn't be doing the same routes as the Icon and Oasis Class ships.
Part of that decision to send Discovery on more exotic routes is because of guest feedback, "We've learned about the segment of guests who want to go on these different types of itineraries. And we've packaged and built it into Discovery."
At Wednesday's meeting, he also repeated the fact Discovery Class ships will be able to fit in the Panama Canal, which will allow them to get from one part of the world to the other with less time.
"We'll be able to go through the Panama Canal... which changes access to more exotic destinations."
He explained having to go around South America is a 60 day journey, but going through the Panama Canal reduces that time to just about two weeks. That allows the ship to move around more efficiently.
One more small detail mentioned was these ships are sourcing the best ideas from Royal Caribbean's other ships.
"We've literally taken everything we've learned from all of the classes that have preceded Discovery, including this class, which is, we think, phenomenal class."
When we can expect to hear more details
I know what you're thinking: enough of the speculation, when will Royal Caribbean actually reveal everything about the Discovery Class?
According to Bayley, that should occur in late 2027.
"We'll be super happy to talk about Discovery about typically 18 to 24 months before the ship first sails."
What we know so far
The comments shared today reflect a new ship that is very much still in development, and that's part of why so few details are known.
Royal Caribbean announced they placed an order for two cruise ships earlier this year.
Both are being built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The first will debut in 2029 and the second in 2032.
There are options for four additional ships to be built, should the cruise line exercise those options at a later date.
Thanks to filings with the U.S. government, we also have an idea of how big the ships are.
According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the new ship will have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.
That's about 1,300 passengers less than the Icon Class ships.
