Royal Caribbean’s New Ship Class: What We Know About “Project Discovery”

Royal Caribbean is setting the stage for its next evolution at sea. While the spotlight remains on the record-breaking Icon Class, a new generation of cruise ships is quietly in the works — and it’s unlike anything the line has built before.

Known internally as Project Discovery, this upcoming class represents a strategic shift away from “bigger is better” and toward something more agile, more intimate, and more destination-focused. Here’s everything we know so far about Royal Caribbean’s newest ship class, unofficially referred to as the Discovery Class.

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A New Vision: What Is the Discovery Class?

Royal Caribbean executives have confirmed that a new ship class is currently in the design phase. Unlike the 250,000+ gross ton Icon-class giants, the Discovery Class will be smaller, more versatile, and purpose-built for ports that can’t accommodate today’s mega-ships.

Vicki Freed, SVP of Sales and Trade Support, confirmed in 2025 that “Discovery is our next new class of ships... and we’re in the design process now.” President and CEO Michael Bayley echoed this, noting it would arrive within the next 3–4 years — placing its debut around 2027 or 2028.

Likely Name: Discovery of the Seas?

If tradition holds, the first ship in the new class may be called Discovery of the Seas, following the pattern of naming ship classes after their lead vessel (e.g. Icon of the Seas → Icon Class). No official name has been confirmed yet, but insiders are watching Royal Caribbean’s trademark filings closely.

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Size, Specs and Sustainability

While we’re still waiting on full technical specs, early hints suggest the Discovery Class will be:

• Around 70,000–100,000 gross tons

• Carrying 2,000–3,000 guests

• Lower in height, to navigate bridges like those in Baltimore and Sydney

• Powered by LNG or dual-fuel engines, with improved efficiency and lower emissions

These ships will likely include next-generation sustainability features such as shore power connectivity, fuel cells, and waste heat recovery systems, building on green tech introduced in the Icon Class.

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Designed for Smaller, Hard-to-Reach Ports

The Discovery Class is all about accessibility. Royal Caribbean has made it clear: these new ships are designed to reach ports that larger vessels simply can’t. That includes destinations with:

• Height-restricted bridges (e.g. Tampa, Sydney)

• Smaller harbours and docks (e.g. Greek islands, Alaskan towns)

• Shallow drafts and narrow waterways

With advanced manoeuvrability and a more compact footprint, Discovery ships will be ideal for itineraries off the beaten path — opening new possibilities in regions like the South Pacific, South America, and Northern Europe.

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Onboard Features: What to Expect

Though official details remain under wraps, the Discovery Class is expected to deliver a full Royal Caribbean experience, scaled for a smaller ship:

• Signature features like rock climbing walls, Vitality at Sea Spa, and the Windjammer Café

• A more intimate theatre with high-tech effects

• 3–5 speciality restaurants (think Chops Grille, Giovanni’s, and a possible new concept)

• Smart tech throughout: keyless cabins, interactive apps, and fast onboard Wi-Fi

• Family-friendly design: Adventure Ocean kids’ club, teen lounges, and creative new stateroom layouts

Expect multi-use venues, flexible lounges, and inventive outdoor spaces — potentially including an infinity pool, observation lounges, and interactive entertainment that makes the most of every square metre.

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When Will the Discovery Class Launch?

As of mid-2025, Royal Caribbean is still finalising the design. No official shipyard has been announced yet, but Meyer Werft (Germany), Meyer Turku (Finland), or even Fincantieri (Italy) are top contenders.

If steel-cutting begins by 2026, we could see the first Discovery-class ship by late 2027 or early 2028 — just in time to follow the final Icon-class deliveries.

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Why It Matters

This new ship class is more than just a fresh design. It’s a strategic shift that positions Royal Caribbean to:

• Replace its ageing Vision and Radiance-class ships

• Enter new markets and ports

• Offer cruisers an alternative to mega-ship sailing

• Continue pushing innovation in sustainability and guest experience

While Icon of the Seas made headlines for being the biggest ship ever built, Discovery will make its mark by going where others can’t — and doing so with style, smarts, and the spirit of exploration.

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Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s new ship class is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated developments in the cruise world. It won’t be about breaking size records. It will be about breaking boundaries — exploring more destinations, delivering a fresh onboard experience, and expanding what a Royal Caribbean cruise can be.

Stay tuned, because when Royal finally unveils Discovery Class to the world, it’s bound to be a game-changer.