Royal Caribbean orders two Discovery Class ships
The approximately 4,300-guest vessels are planned for delivery in 2029 and 2032, with dimensions designed to permit Panama Canal transits.
Royal Caribbean Group confirmed an order for its new Discovery Class in January 2026. The initial class will comprise two ships built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The vessels are designed to accommodate about 4,300 guests at double occupancy. Their planned size will remain below 168,000 gross registered tonnage, allowing them to transit the Panama Canal. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2029, followed by its sister ship in 2032.
According to the report, the deployment strategy will emphasize Alaska, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The ships’ size is intended to provide access beyond that available to the larger Icon Class.
The report places Icon Class capacity at roughly 5,600 guests at double occupancy and more than 7,500 at maximum capacity. It also states that Icon Class ships cannot pass through the Panama Canal or call at many historic or environmentally protected European ports.