Speaking to journalists during a press conference aboard Legend of the Seas on July 1, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley confirmed that the line's upcoming Discovery Class ships are being purpose-built for three regions: Asia, Alaska, and Europe. Bayley was explicit that the ships will skip the traditional Caribbean routes sailed by Icon and Oasis Class vessels, telling reporters the class is designed for "more exotic experiences."
The ships will also be sized to transit the Panama Canal, a capability that Bayley said changes the calculus for itinerary planning entirely. Without Panama Canal access, he noted, repositioning from Alaska back to the Caribbean alone takes roughly 60 days. That flexibility is central to how Royal Caribbean plans to use the class.
Two Discovery Class ships are on order with Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France. The first is scheduled to debut in 2029, followed by a second in 2032, with options for four additional hulls. Government filings indicate each ship will carry approximately 4,300 passengers at double occupancy, meaningfully smaller than Icon Class. Bayley said full details will be released roughly 18 to 24 months before the first ship sails, pointing to late 2027 for a proper reveal.