Two Discovery Class Ships Slated for Saint‑Nazaire: Royal Caribbean’s Next Chapter

Two firm Discovery Class vessels will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint‑Nazaire, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in 2029 and the second in 2032, and options for four additional hulls exist under the shipyard agreement.

At a glance: timeline, capacity expectations and logistics

The announced schedule places the first Discovery Class debut in 2029 and a follow‑up delivery three years later. While Royal Caribbean Group did not publish exact dimensions or passenger capacity, the contract structure—two firm orders plus four options—signals a multi‑year production ramp-up at the Saint‑Nazaire yard and predictable berth occupation at major cruise ports.

Key contract facts

• Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint‑Nazaire, France
• Buyer: Royal Caribbean Group
• Firm ships: 2 (deliveries 2029, 2032)
• Options: 4 additional ships
• Conditions: subject to customary shipbuilding conditions

Shipyard capacity and slot planning

Chantiers de l’Atlantique currently has a pipeline that includes Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite, meaning dock and workforce scheduling will be critical to meet the Discovery Class timeline. From a port and logistics perspective, early notification of delivery windows helps terminals plan berth allocation, pilotage and tug availability, plus customs and provisioning schedules.

Operational ripple effects for ports and transfers

When large cruise vessels enter service, they immediately affect ground transport demand. Ports expecting Discovery Class calls should anticipate increased requirements for:

• airport-to-ship transfers during turnarounds
• private car and group transfers for shore excursions
• expanded baggage handling and meet‑and‑greet services
• last‑mile shuttle coordination to city centers

What taxi and transfer providers need to have in mind

Operators and dispatch platforms should plan for surge capacity during embarkation windows. That means having an accurate forecast of passenger volumes, ready availability of private cars, minibuses, and 7‑ to 15‑seater vehicles, plus clear communication with cruise planners about exact arrival and departure hours.

Practical recommendations for drivers and fleets

• Confirm licences and insurance ahead of peak season.
• Offer fixed‑fare airport transfers to appeal to cruise travelers.
• Provide vehicle details (make, model, seat count) and driver ratings in advance to build trust.
• Prepare luggage racks and assistance options for groups and families.

How this order changes ground transport dynamics

Discovery Class deployments will concentrate passengers on specific itineraries and ports. Transfer companies that have a mind to capitalize should refine booking windows, offer flexible vehicle sizing (from sedans to private minibuses), and provide transparent fare estimates so travelers know how much transfers will cost before arrival.

Traveler expectations

• Exact pickup times and clear meeting points at the terminal
• Information on vehicle type, driver name and licence details
• Options for group bookings, private shuttles and limousine services

The industry partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique—dating back to 1985 and 21 ships built—underscores long‑term planning in both maritime construction and shore services. Ports, taxi companies and transfer platforms should begin aligning capacity forecasts, driver rosters and vehicle allocations to ensure reliable service when the new vessels start sailing.

Highlights: this project increases port throughput expectations, calls for tighter coordination between cruise planners and local transport providers, and creates new opportunities for private transfer services to offer tailored pick‑ups and drop‑offs. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and a wide range of additional options provided by LocalsRide.com — Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

Provide a short forecast: the order reinforces growth in cruise capacity that will modestly reshape the global tourism map by concentrating more passengers on longer, high‑capacity itineraries; the effect is regional rather than game‑changing worldwide. However, it is relevant to us because LocalsRide aims to stay abreast of developments and keep pace with a changing travel market. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.

To wrap up, the Royal Caribbean–Chantiers deal signals multi‑year investments that will affect port operations, increase demand for timely airport and shore transfers, and push transfer companies to offer precise, transparent services. For travelers looking to get an exact fare, compare driver ratings or book a specific car and seat in advance, platforms like LocalsRide.com provide a global, user‑friendly solution for booking personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries. The site’s transparency on vehicle make, model and driver ratings helps you decide the best private or shared option for your destination, airport pickup or city transfer, while keeping tabs on prices, how much you will pay and the time to get moving.