Royal Caribbean has announced plans for a new class of cruise ships known as the “Discovery Class,” which will feature smaller, more intimate vessels compared to their larger Oasis and Quantum Class ships. The key details include:
The Discovery Class ships are expected to be smaller, with a guest capacity around 3,000-4,000, compared to the 4,500-6,000 on larger Royal Caribbean ships. These ships are designed to offer a more personalized and immersive experience. They will likely include enhanced amenities and more intimate spaces, focusing on luxurious and unique experiences. Royal Caribbean executives have vaguely commented on smaller ships on multiple occasions.
The cruise company’s CEO Jason Liberty made very direct comments on the topic during the cruise line’s second-quarter earnings call. “And of course, the other thing I think that’s important when you think about ship classes, whether they could be small, they could be larger, is kind of also a consideration that we also have ships that are reaching 30, 35 years. So, some of this is not just about we want to build same size ships, smaller ships, it’s also replacing ships that will eventually kind of reach their end of life,” he said.
With their smaller size, Discovery Class ships will have the flexibility to access more diverse and exclusive ports that larger ships cannot reach. This allows for new and exciting itineraries. Royal Caribbean has emphasized sustainability and environmental responsibility in their new ship designs, so the Discovery Class is expected to incorporate advanced eco-friendly technologies.
The first of these ships is anticipated to be delivered in the late 2020s, although specific dates may vary.
These ships aim to offer a blend of Royal Caribbean’s signature features with a more intimate and personalized cruising experience.
