Orient Express has unveiled designs for its first luxury sailing yacht, which will launch in June 2026.
The Orient Express Corinthian will be the world’s largest sailing yacht, at 220 metres long.
“Drawing inspiration from the golden age of luxury cruises, the yacht reinvents movement and comfort on the water and is designed to meet the sustainability challenges of the future. It’s a great source of pride for all of us,” according to Accor Group CEO Sébastien Bazin. Orient Express is an Accor subsidiary.
The Corinthian, designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, will feature 54 suites sized between 45 and 230 square metres, including six premium class suites.
The yacht boasts five restaurants and eight bars, as well as a cinema, a spa, and a 16.6 metre swimming pool.
“All the suites and the entire design of the yacht have been conceived as unique spaces that break the boundaries of Orient Express’s classic decorative grammar while remaining true to its very particular codes,” said Orient Express Artistic Director and architect Maxime d’Angeac.
The Corinthian has three rigid sails, and can be propelled at speeds up to 17 knots solely by the wind. Its sails were built by French company SolidSail, and total 4,500 square metres.
“Wind technology is the future of cruising, everyone knows that,” said d’Angeac. “Using less gasoline is really important to us, so we will adapt our routes to ensure we follow the wind, which will all be part of the experience.”
Orient Express also plans to add an LNG engine capable of processing green hydrogen once the technology is approved for passenger ships.
The Corinthian’s first voyages will focus on the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas.
