Orient Express Corinthian: Luxury à la Orient Express – Under Sail Teaser:

Orient Express Corinthian: Luxury Yacht Sailing Under Wind Power

The Orient Express Corinthian is not a conventional cruise ship. At 220 metres in length, she has the technical facilities required for extended voyages, but her capacity of just 110 guests creates an unusual ratio between ship size and passenger numbers. 

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, the yacht entered service in 2026 and is the first vessel of the new Orient Express Sailing Yachts brand.

The most distinctive feature is her three large rigid sails. Developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the SolidSail system differs significantly from conventional sails. Each of the three sails covers around 1,500 square metres and is mounted on a mast reaching up to 100 metres. The sails can be automatically positioned and adjusted according to the wind. Under suitable conditions, Corinthian can operate entirely under sail. When wind conditions are insufficient, the yacht also has conventional mechanical propulsion.

The combination of sail and engine power is a central element of the concept. Corinthian is not intended to be a traditional sailing vessel whose operation and itinerary depend entirely on the wind. Instead, wind power is integrated into the normal operation of the yacht. During sea trials, the vessel reached speeds of up to 12 knots under sail alone in winds of around 20 knots.

Orient Express is also taking a different approach with the passenger capacity. The 54 suites accommodate a maximum of 110 guests, supported by around 170 crew members. Restaurants, bars, lounges, a cabaret, wellness facilities and other public areas therefore occupy a considerable amount of space. French chef Yannick Alléno is involved in the culinary concept, while Guerlain operates the spa.

With Corinthian, Orient Express is attempting to transfer its established brand concept to the sea. The brand belongs to French hospitality group Accor, which has expanded Orient Express beyond its original association with historic train travel in recent years. Alongside hotels and the well-known train projects, the maritime sector has now become part of the company's expansion strategy.

The aim is not simply to put the Orient Express name on another cruise ship. Corinthian was conceived from the outset as a separate product within the brand. Her interior design incorporates elements associated with the historic Orient Express trains and French travel culture without turning the yacht into a historical replica. The focus is on a limited number of guests, generous space per passenger and a style of travel in which the yacht itself forms a central part of the experience.

Corinthian's first voyages are taking her through the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Destinations include Italy, France, Greece and Croatia. As the season progresses, the itinerary includes Atlantic crossings followed by voyages in the Caribbean. Further destinations are planned for the coming years.

The project is also intended to grow beyond a single vessel. A second yacht, Orient Express Olympian, is already under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. She is scheduled to enter service in 2027 and will expand the offering of the new brand.

Whether this concept can establish itself in the luxury cruise market will only become clear after the fleet has been expanded and the first full seasons have been completed. With Corinthian, however, Orient Express has already introduced a distinctive combination to the market: a limited passenger capacity, a luxury-focused onboard concept and an unusual sailing propulsion system for a vessel of this size.