Hello everyone,
While in recent years all eyes have been $RCL (-0,43 %) on the giants of the Icon Class giants, there is now extremely exciting news for all those who like things a little more "classic". There are increasing indications that Royal Caribbean is about to order a completely new class of ship: the so-called "Discovery Class" (Project Discovery).
🌊 The concept: class instead of mass
Instead of building even larger ships, RCL appears to be making a strategic U-turn. The new ships are to be significantly smaller than the Icon or Oasis Class class. They are the designated successor to the ageing ships of the Vision and Radiance classwhich will soon have to retire.
The hard facts (rumors & leaks as of Jan. 2026):
- Shipyard: Probably Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France (not Meyer Turku).
- Propulsion: LNG with hybrid technology (fuel cells) for emission-free port lay times.
- Design: Lots of glass ("Ocean Views") and probably a retractable glass roof for the pool (all-weather suitability for Alaska/Norway).
- Schedule: Order expected in Q1/2026, entry into service approx. 2029/2030.
📐 Digression: What does this mean for the size? (GT comparison)
To categorize this, you have to understand what GT (gross tonnage) actually is. Briefly explained: The GT does not measure the weight, but the volume (the enclosed space) of the ship.
A direct comparison shows that the Discovery Class is basically "half an Icon" - and that is intentional:
BRZ (volume): The Discovery Class has approx. 120,000 GTwhile the Icon of the Seas with 250,800 GT has more than twice as much volume.
Passengers: The Discovery can accommodate approx. 2,500 - 3,000 people, on the Icon up to up to 7,600.
Focus: The concept of the Discovery is Sea View & Destinationwhile the focus of the Icon is entertainment & "city at sea".
While the Icon is a floating resort where you often forget the sea, the Discovery will be more like a modern grand hotel: Large enough for variety, but uncluttered enough not to get lost.
🗺️ Why is Royal Caribbean doing this?
The reason is "Port Accessibility". The Icon of the Seas is simply too fat or too high for many ports. The Discovery Class closes this strategic gap:
The bridge problem: In ports like Tampa or Baltimore ships have to pass under bridges. The new giants do not fit through - the Discovery Class is designed to be "flatter" in order to serve these profitable markets.
The Panama Canal: The Icon is "trapped" in the Atlantic. The Discovery will fit through the locks again, enabling worldwide routes (e.g. switching between the Caribbean and Alaska).
Exotic destinations: Smaller islands or narrow fjords are often closed to 250,000 GT.
🏁 Conclusion
Royal Caribbean is closing an important strategic gap here. The Discovery Class is not a step backwards, but a smart evolution: it brings the luxury, environmental technology and modern design of the Icon era to a format that can actually travel the world. For those who love cruising for the destinations and not just because of the ship.