Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, hinted at a new series of cruise ships called the Discovery class during a preview sailing of the Utopia of the Seas. The brand’s chief marketing officer, Kara Wallace, revealed that the project is currently in the brainstorming stage. The team is asking open-ended questions like “what if” and “what’s missing” to determine the unique features they want to incorporate into these new ships.
While Bayley mentioned that the Discovery class is being developed in response to the need for ships to reach ports that larger vessels cannot, Wallace did not comment on the size of the ships. With Royal Caribbean’s older vessels approaching their 30th birthdays, there is a need for newer, more accessible ships. Three of the Vision class ships currently sail out of Tampa, where ships must be small enough to pass under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has also raised questions about the size of ships that can cross under it.
Wallace emphasized that, in the early phases of development, the focus is on the overall guest experience rather than the size of the ships. By identifying what guests are looking for that is currently unavailable, the Royal team aims to deliver these desires through their product offerings. While Royal’s current largest ships meet many needs, there is a gap in accessibility to smaller ports and unique experiences, which the Discovery class aims to address.
Royal Caribbean International prides itself on developing innovative products, such as Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the Icon of the Seas. According to Wallace, naming a product “Perfect” or “Icon” sets a high standard that the team strives to uphold. The challenge lies in ensuring that the product lives up to its name and delivers an exceptional experience. The same high standards are likely to be applied to the Discovery class ships.
The name “Discovery” evokes thoughts of exploring new and unique destinations that may be challenging for larger ships to access. By focusing on the guest experience and incorporating innovative features, the Discovery class ships have the potential to redefine the cruise industry and offer travelers exciting new opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Royal Caribbean International’s upcoming Discovery class ships represent a new chapter in the company’s history. By prioritizing the guest experience, accessibility to smaller ports, and innovative features, these ships have the potential to revolutionize the cruise industry and provide unforgettable experiences for travelers around the world.