Royal Caribbean Is Building a New Class of Ships And They’re Going Smaller

When you think of Royal Caribbean, chances are you picture sky-high waterslides, sprawling promenades, and ships so massive they’re practically floating cities. But in a surprising twist, the cruise giant is heading in a different direction for its next big move, and it involves going smaller.

That’s right. Royal Caribbean is currently working on a brand-new class of ships, and unlike the mega-liners it’s famous for, these new vessels are set to scale things down. Why? The answer might surprise you.

What Is Project Discovery?

Codenamed Project Discovery, this upcoming ship class hasn’t been officially unveiled by Royal Caribbean, but over the past year, executives have dropped hints.

During a Q&A session aboard Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President Vicki Freed confirmed that the Discovery Class is well underway and still in the design phase. While the cruise line hasn’t shared many specifics yet, one thing’s certain — this isn’t just a rumour.

Inside the Design Process

According to Freed, teams across architecture, operations, and hospitality are already deep into planning. “We meet on a regular basis with the architects, with the designers… the ops team and the hotel operations, food and beverage,” she said.

She described the project as “top secret” but promised that in true Royal Caribbean style, it will be “special, innovative,” and likely a “home run from the beginning.” While details remain tightly under wraps, it’s clear this isn’t just a smaller ship — it’s a complete reimagining of what a Royal Caribbean cruise could look like.

Why Smaller Ships?

So, why the shift away from mega-ships? It’s all about flexibility. Royal Caribbean’s CEO, Jason Liberty, recently acknowledged that many of the line’s smaller vessels, like the Vision Class, launched in the 1990s, are reaching the end of their lifespan.

Rather than retire these ships without replacement, the plan is to build smaller, modern alternatives that can access ports the mega-ships simply can’t. This opens up more unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations and helps Royal Caribbean diversify its global footprint, while offering something new to loyal cruisers.

What We Know (And Don’t Know)

At this stage, details about Project Discovery are scarce — and deliberately so. Royal Caribbean hasn’t revealed specs, launch dates, or even how many ships are planned. What we do know is that this will be an entirely new class, following the Icon, Star, and Legend of the Seas.

The only confirmed detail so far? It’ll be smaller than the Icon Class. Vicki Freed made that clear but remained tight-lipped on just how much smaller. While some speculate it could mirror the size of the Vision Class, others believe it may be larger, but more nimble in design.

What This Could Mean for Cruisers

A smaller Royal Caribbean ship doesn’t mean less excitement — it could mean a different kind of experience altogether. Think fewer crowds, a more intimate onboard atmosphere, and access to ports that larger ships simply can’t reach.

For cruisers who’ve felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale of ships like Icon of the Seas, this could be a welcome change. It may also appeal to those who’ve considered boutique or expedition cruising but still want that signature Royal Caribbean energy.

Final Thoughts: A Bold (and Unexpected) Move

Royal Caribbean has built its brand on going big, but with Project Discovery, it’s proving that sometimes, going smaller is the boldest move of all. While we’re still waiting on official details, the hints so far suggest a ship that’s innovative, nimble, and perfectly suited for a new era of cruising.

As the cruise line rethinks what its future looks like, one question remains: would you trade the thrills of a mega-ship for the charm of something more intimate?

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