The legendary Orient Express—a name once synonymous with opulent train journeys across Europe—is about to conquer a new frontier: the sea. With the upcoming launch of the Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, this iconic brand is preparing to deliver a sailing experience unlike any other—where timeless elegance meets futuristic innovation.
A New Chapter in Luxury Travel
For over a century, Orient Express has represented sophistication and adventure. From royal passengers to world explorers, its trains carried the elite across continents in unmatched comfort. Now, under the global hospitality group Accor, the brand is setting sail to create the same heritage of refinement on water.
The Orient Express Corinthian isn’t just another cruise ship—it’s a floating palace powered by wind, design, and imagination. Crafted to be the world’s largest sailing yacht, this vessel will set a new benchmark in ultra-luxury sea voyages.
The Vision Behind the Corinthian
Accor’s vision with the Corinthian is clear — to merge heritage craftsmanship with modern sustainability. Designed by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht brings together art, architecture, and advanced engineering to create a seamless blend of classic beauty and contemporary comfort.
The project pays homage to the spirit of the original Orient Express trains, translating their polished wood, golden details, and refined hospitality into a new maritime form.
Ship’s Highlights & Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approx. 220 meters (721 feet) |
| Type | Hybrid sailing yacht (wind + LNG propulsion) |
| Guest Capacity | Around 108 guests |
| Suites | 54 ultra-luxury suites |
| Crew | 100+ |
| Launch Year | 2026 |
| Builder | Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France |
The yacht will feature three towering masts equipped with rigid sails covering over 4,500 square meters, capable of harnessing wind power for fuel-efficient travel. This engineering marvel promises a balance between elegance and environmental responsibility.
Interiors: A Floating Palace
Inside, the Orient Express Corinthian resembles a luxury boutique hotel at sea. Each suite will feature panoramic windows, high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and bespoke French furnishings. The grandest suite—spanning over 2,000 square feet—is expected to rival the world’s finest penthouse accommodations.
Every corner reflects French artistry, from hand-carved wood panels to crystal lighting and handwoven fabrics. Even the corridors will echo the nostalgic charm of Orient Express trains—intimate, elegant, and deeply atmospheric.
Dining & Entertainment
Orient Express has partnered with Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno to curate its onboard dining. Passengers can indulge in five distinct restaurants offering fine French cuisine, Mediterranean flavors, and global specialties.
Highlights include:
- The Grand Restaurant – Signature fine dining venue
- The Speakeasy Bar – 1930s-style cocktail lounge
- The Cabaret Theatre – 115-seat entertainment venue
- Onboard Recording Studio & Cinema – For private music and film sessions
Evenings onboard will blend the glamour of old-world Paris with the intimacy of a private yacht gathering.
Wellness & Leisure
The Corinthian is designed not only for indulgence but also for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy:
- A large 16-meter swimming pool
- Full-service spa and wellness deck
- Yoga pavilion with ocean views
- Private marina for water sports such as diving, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing
Everything from lighting to temperature is customizable via smart cabin technology, ensuring that every guest experiences personalized comfort.
Eco-Luxury: Sailing with Purpose
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the Orient Express Corinthian stands as a pioneer. The yacht’s hybrid propulsion combines wind-assisted sailing with low-emission LNG engines, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Future upgrades will include green hydrogen technology, making it one of the cleanest vessels in its category. Additionally, it will use dynamic positioning systems to avoid anchoring damage to fragile marine ecosystems.
Planned Itineraries
Upon launch in June 2026, the Corinthian will begin its inaugural voyages through:
- The Mediterranean – visiting France, Italy, Greece, and Croatia
- The Adriatic & Aegean Seas – boutique coastal ports and heritage islands
- The Caribbean – winter itineraries in St. Barts, the Grenadines, and Antigua
Each journey is curated to offer immersive experiences—private island dinners, guided art tours, and oceanic wellness retreats.
A Class Apart
Unlike mainstream cruises that host thousands of passengers, the Corinthian’s exclusive guest list of just over 100 people ensures privacy, intimacy, and bespoke service. It’s less about mass tourism and more about crafted journeys that echo the sophistication of a bygone era.
The Future of the Orient Express Legacy
With its fleet now spanning trains, hotels, and yachts, Orient Express is transforming from a nostalgic brand into a symbol of timeless travel reimagined. The Corinthian represents the evolution of that dream — a bridge between the romantic past and a sustainable future.
As CEO Sébastien Bazin of Accor put it, “Orient Express has always been a journey between the extraordinary and the timeless — and now, that journey continues on the open sea.”
Conclusion
The Orient Express Corinthian is not merely a yacht—it’s a statement. A statement of art, engineering, sustainability, and pure human imagination. With its launch, Orient Express invites the world to rediscover travel as it was meant to be—slow, luxurious, and full of wonder.
If the original Orient Express train defined the golden age of rail travel, the Corinthian is set to define the golden age of sea travel.
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