Royal Caribbean’s Big Reveal: Everything We Know About the New "Discovery Class"

Just when we thought Royal Caribbean couldn’t possibly have any more tricks up their sleeve after the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, they’ve gone and changed the game again.

Today, January 29, 2026, the cruise world is buzzing with the official confirmation of a brand-new category of ships: The Discovery Class.

If you’ve been following our blog, you know we are a huge fan of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty perks, but even we’ll admit that their recent ships have become "floating cities." The Discovery Class is the answer to the one question many fans have been asking: “Can we have the high-tech features we love, but on a ship that can actually fit into the world’s most beautiful small ports?”

Here is the breakdown of why this is the biggest cruise news of 2026.

The Goal: "Big Features, Boutique Access"

For the last decade, the trend has been "bigger is better." But the Discovery Class is taking a sharp turn. Royal Caribbean is building these ships to be mid-sized, specifically designed to navigate the tight spots that the massive Oasis and Icon class ships simply can't reach.

• The Blueprint: Two ships are officially on order from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, with an option for four more.

• The Timeline: The first ship is set to debut in 2029, followed by a second in 2032.

• The Locations: These ships are being built to conquer the Panama Canal, sail right into the heart of Venice, and navigate the narrowest, most scenic fjords in Alaska and Norway.

What Makes it "Discovery"?

While the full deck plans are still under wraps, Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley has promised a "bold new concept." We expect the focus to shift from "theme park thrills" to destination immersion.

Imagine the floor-to-ceiling glass and "Edge-style" views of a modern luxury ship, but with the Royal Caribbean energy.

Expect more outdoor viewing spaces, cutting-edge environmental tech, and a design that prioritises the scenery outside the window as much as the entertainment inside.

Why This is a Win for Loyalists

As a Crown & Anchor member, this news is music to our ears. One of the dilemmas for many Diamond or Emerald members is choosing between a big ship with great perks or a smaller ship with a better itinerary.

With the Discovery Class, you won’t have to choose. You can keep racking up those points and enjoying your daily free drink vouchers and priority boarding, all while visiting boutique ports that were previously off-limits to the Royal fleet.

Is the Discovery Class for You?

This class of ship is aimed at the traveler who:

• Wants the best-in-class service and loyalty rewards of Royal Caribbean.

• Prefers a more intimate atmosphere over a 7,000-passenger mega-ship.

• Is driven by the itinerary, wanting to see the hidden gems of the Mediterranean or the Far East.

Our Hot Take: The Discovery Class is going to be the "Goldilocks" of the cruise world. Not too big, not too small, just right for the modern explorer.

Get on the Inside Track

2029 might feel like a long way off, but the hype starts now, and the best cabins on these inaugural sailings will be gone in seconds. Whether you’re looking to book a 2026 adventure on the current fleet or want to be the first to hear when the Discovery Class bookings open, we have got you covered.

Are you excited about a "smaller" Royal Caribbean ship, or are you a "bigger is better" fan? Reach out and let’s chat about which ship in the 2026/2027 lineup is actually your perfect match!