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Orient Express Returns to Travel’s Golden Age—This Time by Sea. Orient Express, long synonymous with romance, refinement, and railway prestige, is preparing to unfurl its sails. The Orient Express Corinthian, expected to launch in June 2026, is the first of two anticipated sailing yachts from the brand and will mark a significant expansion of its storied legacy into the world of ultra-luxury maritime travel.
Currently advancing from structural build into the final systems-integration and finishing phases, Corinthian is being billed as the world’s largest sailing yacht—a 722-foot vessel powered in part by cutting-edge SolidSail technology. This revolutionary system uses three rigid sails, each spanning 1,500 square metres, mounted on inclinable masts that tower over 100 metres high. Under favourable weather conditions, the vessel will be capable of sailing with 100% wind propulsion—a nod to sustainability, performance, and the old-world romance of the sea.
The project is a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s leaders in naval engineering. Aboard, architect Maxime d’Angeac—also Artistic Director of Orient Express—has envisioned interiors that fuse the golden age of ocean liners with modern Parisian elegance. Think Normandie-era grandeur reinterpreted for today’s traveller: refined, tactile, and unmistakably French.
Inside, 54 suites will range from 485 to 2,476 square feet, while the ship’s culinary offering will be helmed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, who will oversee five restaurants onboard. Comfort, curated style, and Orient Express’ legendary attention to detail will be the cornerstones of the guest experience.
From May to October 2026, the Corinthian is expected to operate 27 Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries, ranging from two-night coastal escapes to immersive 14-day voyages. Navigation will follow wind patterns to reduce fuel dependency and enhance the authentic sailing experience. The itineraries are designed to be combinable, allowing for a level of customization not often seen in large-scale cruising.
This launch comes amid a growing wave of hospitality brands entering luxury yachting. From The Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara, Evrima and Ilma, to Aman’s Sama, Ponant’s elegant Le Ponant and Silversea’s Silver Endeavour, the field is evolving fast—favouring smaller ships, bespoke journeys, and a deeper sense of place.
With the Orient Express Olympian also announced for 2027, it’s clear that the sea will be the next great chapter in Orient Express’ century-long pursuit of the art of travel. ◼
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© This article was first published online in Jul 2025 – World Travel Magazine.
