Orient Express Welcomes First Ever Cruise Yacht with Official Naming Ceremony

Orient Express welcomed its first-ever cruise yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian during a naming ceremony held in Saint-Nazaire, France. In attendance were dignitaries from the shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Accor, the parent company of Orient Express.

“Bringing Orient Express to the sea fits naturally within the imagination of this legendary brand: a journey rooted in discovery, unhurried time, excellence, and elegance,” said Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor. “Orient Express Corinthian embodies this vision with majesty and boldness. Thanks to its sail-powered propulsion, its spaces enhanced by rare materials, and by offering a unique experience designed for an international clientele, we have met a threefold challenge: industrial, architectural, and artistic.”

The vessel, the largest sailing yacht in the world at nearly 720 feet long, was designed through the collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. It features 54 suites, ranging from 484 square feet to 2,475 square feet, distributed across four decks. Each suite features panoramic views, dedicated butler service, and the finest materials.

Five restaurants and private dining rooms are under the direction of multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Eight bars, including an Art Deco speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret, the Guerlain Spa, 54-foot swimming lane, marina, and a recording studio complete the offering.

It is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system, featuring three fully automated rigs capable of delivering 100% wind-powered propulsion in favorable conditions. This revolutionary system is complemented by hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion. The ship also features an AI-assisted detection system that continuously monitors for marine mammals to reduce collision risk. Dynamic positioning preserves the seabed by doing away with the need for an anchor.

Orient Express Corinthian will set sail on May 2 to head to the French Riviera where it will launch its inaugural Mediterranean season. From May to October 2026, the ship will sail the Mediterranean and the Adriatic before crossing the Atlantic to winter in the Caribbean. In 2027, the ship returns to Europe for a range of eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages.

Itineraries of one to four nights, most of which can be combined for longer cruises without repeat stops, give guests the flexibility to build the voyage they want.

A second ship, Orient Express Olympian, is currently under construction at the Penhoët quay in Saint-Nazaire.