The Orient Express, synonymous with opulence and adventure, is stepping off the rails and onto the open seas with the launch of its newest marvel: the Orient Express Corinthian. Slated for a 2026 debut, this 220-metre yacht, crafted by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, will traverse the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas. The yacht combines state-of-the-art technology with the lavish flair and elegance that have defined the Orient Express brand for over a century.
The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht Set to Debut in 2026
This vessel, equipped with 4,500 m² of sails spread across three towering, inclinable masts, will be the largest sailing yacht in the world. Its impressive design isn’t just about grandeur—under favourable conditions, these sails can generate speeds of up to 17 knots, powered entirely by wind. This marks a new era of luxurious yet eco-conscious travel, addressing the modern challenges of sustainability.
“With the Orient Express Corinthian, we’re redefining the Orient Express legend. It’s a journey back to the golden age of luxury cruises, blending comfort, innovation, and a deep respect for the planet.”
— Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman & CEO
A Vision of Exquisite Craftsmanship and Design
Architect Maxime d’Angeac, the Artistic Director for Orient Express, has brought a contemporary touch to the yacht’s design, blending historic luxury with modern sensibilities. Drawing from the aesthetics of the original Orient Express trains, d’Angeac’s vision is one of elegance, sophistication, and bespoke artistry. Inside, the Corinthian’s interiors are crafted from wood, leather, and marble, meticulously fashioned by some of France’s finest artisans. Every suite, bar, and lounge is designed to evoke both the thrill of adventure and the luxury of a private retreat.
“This yacht reimagines the Orient Express for a new generation, honouring its legacy while pushing the boundaries of design. It’s about crafting an experience as unique as the vessel itself.”
— Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express
Suite Dreams: Luxurious Accommodations on the High Seas
The Orient Express Corinthian boasts 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 square metres. These private retreats, positioned on decks 4, 5, and 6, are designed as “cocoons opening onto the sea,” with panoramic bay windows offering breathtaking views. In keeping with the Orient Express ethos, the suites are sanctuaries of peace and relaxation, furnished with hand-crafted wood, leather, and marble details. These are rooms designed for reflection, leisure, and savouring the art of slow travel.
The six premium suites on deck 7 elevate luxury to new heights, each designed to offer an exclusive experience of privacy, comfort, and unobstructed sea views. In every suite, guests will find intimate spaces that invite them to unwind, read, write, or simply gaze out at the endless horizon.
Dining and Entertainment: A World of Elegance and Choice
Orient Express Corinthian has redefined onboard dining with five distinctive restaurants, each adorned with timeless decor and a unique personality. Guests will find everything from formal fine dining to more casual yet stylish options. Complementing these dining venues are eight bars, including a 1930s-style speakeasy, offering a taste of old-world glamour. In addition to these spaces, the yacht boasts a 115-seat cabaret inspired by the lively art deco atmosphere of Paris, complete with a recording studio and cinema for those who seek further entertainment.
For those in search of relaxation and rejuvenation, the onboard spa promises a serene retreat, while the 16.6-metre swimming pool on deck 6 offers ample space for fitness and leisure. At the stern, the Corinthian’s marina allows guests to dine and participate in sea-based activities right by the water’s edge—a setting that adds yet another layer of indulgence to the voyage.
Sustainable Innovation: A Commitment to Eco-Conscious Luxury
With sustainability at its core, the Orient Express Corinthian is powered by Accor’s revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ technology, featuring three massive 1,500 m² rigid sails designed to harness up to 100% wind propulsion. These sails, mounted on spritsail rigging over masts towering more than 100 metres high, are backed up by an LNG-powered engine that has been designed with the future of green hydrogen in mind.
This dual-propulsion system aligns with Orient Express’s commitment to sustainable luxury travel. The use of wind energy, combined with LNG, will drastically reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint. When future advancements permit, the yacht’s LNG engine will be capable of running on green hydrogen, making the Orient Express Corinthian a true pioneer in sustainable marine travel.
Writing a New Chapter in the Orient Express Legacy
The Orient Express Corinthian is more than just a yacht; it’s a floating masterpiece of French craftsmanship and design that honours a 140-year legacy while breaking new ground. Just as the Orient Express trains redefined rail travel, this yacht aims to redefine luxury cruising, bringing with it a maritime chapter that marries sustainability, elegance, and a sense of timeless adventure.
When it sets sail in 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will carry with it the spirit of the golden age of travel, offering its passengers a truly unique experience of luxury, comfort, and unbridled discovery.
Yacht Key Specifications
| Length | 220m (721ft) |
| Air Draft | 1105m (344ft) |
| Number of Suites | 54 |
| Suite Sizes | 47 to 950m2(505 to 10,255ft2) |
Hashtags
#OrientExpress #LuxuryTravel #SailingYacht #EcoLuxury #SustainableTravel #LuxuryCruise #OrientExpressCorinthian #TravelInStyle #Accor
