Royal Caribbean Group expands its vacation portfolio with the new discovery class of ships to be built at chantiers de l’atlantique shipyard in france
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP EXPANDS ITS VACATION PORTFOLIO WITH THE NEW DISCOVERY CLASS OF SHIPS TO BE BUILT AT CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE SHIPYARD IN FRANCE
Miami & Saint-Nazaire, France (January 29, 2026) – Royal Caribbean Group today announced the execution of a series of agreements with Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) in Saint-Nazaire, France, securing the construction of its highly anticipated new Discovery Class of ships, set to redefine the cruise experience. The agreement includes two firm ship orders, with options for up to four additional vessels. The first ship of the class is scheduled to debut in 2029, followed by a second vessel expected to be delivered in 2032.
“The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations. These ships will serve as a showcase of what is possible when design meets purpose—ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests,” said Jason Liberty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world-class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technologies to once again redefine the industry for decades to come.”
This collaboration builds on a legacy that began in 1985, when Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed Royal Caribbean Group’s first Sovereign Class ships—Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas. That legacy continues today through groundbreaking ship classes such as the Oasis Class (beginning with the innovative Harmony of the Seas), the Edge Series of Celebrity Cruises, and now the new Discovery Class for Royal Caribbean.
“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new philosophy that places guests at the very center of the experience. It will deliver one-of-a-kind, unforgettable moments—from pioneering design to immersive experiences—with every detail thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they have never imagined, while sailing to truly breathtaking destinations around the world,” added Michael Bayley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s most renowned shipyards, has a long-standing history of building industry-leading vessels. Over recent decades, the shipyard has delivered a total of 21 cruise ships for Royal Caribbean Group and is currently constructing two additional vessels: Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.
“Royal Caribbean Group has made a strong commitment to reshaping the vacation industry through innovative and bold travel propositions. Collaborating with Jason and Michael on the Discovery Class represents an opportunity to showcase the future of shipbuilding,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “Together, we are creating a new generation of sea-based vacations that will drive the industry toward a more innovative future.”
With a diversified and integrated ecosystem that includes a multi-ship construction program for ocean and river cruising over the next three years, as well as eight land-based destinations by 2028, Royal Caribbean Group promises exceptional travel experiences, an innovative loyalty program, and a fully integrated digital environment. Through this approach, Royal Caribbean Group presents a multi-layered portfolio of new vacation offerings spanning ocean, river and land experiences, reinforcing its position as a global leader in vacation innovation.
This partnership further strengthens Royal Caribbean Group’s global shipbuilding network and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Ship orders remain subject to customary terms and conditions.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is one of the world’s leading vacation companies, offering cruises, exclusive destinations and land-based travel experiences. The company operates 69 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents, through its three wholly owned brands—Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea—as well as its 50% joint venture stake in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations from three to eight by 2028, and in 2027 will enter the river cruise segment with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has created a connected vacation ecosystem—turning a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Royal Caribbean Group was named to the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 list and the Forbes Best American Companies 2026 list. The company is guided by its mission to deliver the world’s best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.
About Navigator Travel
Navigator Travel & Tourist Services stands out as the most specialized cruise-focused travel organization in Greece. Navigator is the exclusive sales representative in Greece and Bulgaria, and a selected partner in Cyprus.