Royal Caribbean Group is officially moving ahead with its next new ship concept. The company announced it has signed agreements with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique to build a brand-new ship class called Discovery Class. The deal includes two confirmed ships, with options for up to four more.

The first Discovery Class ship is scheduled to enter service in 2029, with a second ship expected to follow in the early 2030s.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley called the announcement a major step forward for the brand, describing Discovery Class as a completely new type of ship designed to offer immersive experiences and travel to standout destinations around the world. According to Bayley, this won’t be an evolution of existing ships, but something entirely different.

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said the new class reflects the company’s long-term vision for vacations, combining purpose-driven design with new technology. He added that working again with Chantiers de l’Atlantique allows Royal Caribbean to tap into one of the world’s most advanced shipbuilding ecosystems.

The partnership between Royal Caribbean and the French shipyard goes back nearly 40 years. Chantiers de l’Atlantique built Royal Caribbean’s original Sovereign Class ships in the mid-1980s and has since delivered many of the company’s most important vessels, including Oasis-class ships and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-series. In total, the yard has built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group and is currently working on additional projects.

Chantiers de l’Atlantique CEO Laurent Castaing said the Discovery Class project is a chance to showcase the future of shipbuilding, highlighting innovation, new technology, and evolving guest expectations.

The Discovery Class announcement also fits into Royal Caribbean Group’s broader expansion plans, which include new ocean and river ships, additional private destinations, and a growing focus on digital experiences and sustainability.