For more than a century, the name Orient Express has conjured images of lacquered wood, polished brass, white tablecloths and journeys where the experience of travelling mattered just as much as the destination itself. Now, that legacy is heading out to sea.
Officially christened in France on 29 April 2026, the new Orient Express Corinthian marks the brand’s first move into ultra-luxury sailing yachts – and not quietly, either. At 220 metres long, it will become the largest sailing yacht in the world, ahead of its maiden voyage in June 2026.
The timing feels perfect.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand for slower, more immersive styles of travel. Clients are increasingly leaning towards journeys that feel experiential – whether that’s luxury rail, private yacht charters, expedition cruising, or the new wave of hotel-branded ships from names like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts and Amangati.
The launch of Orient Express Corinthian feels like the next step in that evolution.
A New Chapter for Orient Express
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and designed by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht takes inspiration from the golden age of transatlantic travel and the Art Deco glamour long associated with the Orient Express story. But this isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake.
The yacht has been designed around a far more contemporary way of travelling – one that balances indulgence with a gentler pace and a stronger focus on sustainability. Three enormous rigid sails powered by revolutionary “SolidSail” technology allow the yacht to operate using wind propulsion when conditions allow, supported by hybrid LNG systems designed to reduce emissions.
The numbers are impressive, but it’s the atmosphere that really sets it apart.
Unlike larger cruise ships, Corinthian will carry just 110 guests across 54 suites, all with panoramic sea views and butler service. The intention is clear: this is yachting on a grand scale, but still deeply intimate.
What’s On Board?
From the early renderings and announcements, the interiors look extraordinary – all curved lines, smoked wood, marble, mirrored finishes and rich textures that nod to the spirit of the original Orient Express trains without feeling theatrical or overdone.
What we’re particularly excited about is how residential the yacht feels. Rather than endless decks and oversized public spaces, everything appears intentionally designed to encourage a slower rhythm onboard – long breakfasts, quiet corners to read, and open-air spaces that make the most of being under sail in the Mediterranean.
The accommodation itself looks especially strong. With just 54 suites for 110 guests, the atmosphere should feel far more private and considered than a traditional cruise experience, while every suite will feature panoramic sea views and butler service. At the top end, the enormous duplex owner’s suite is already attracting attention, with expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces that feel closer to a private yacht residence than a ship cabin.
Dining is expected to be a huge part of the experience, too. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno has been announced as Executive Chef for the yacht, with menus inspired by the destinations visited along the route – exactly the kind of locally influenced, destination-led dining we love seeing in luxury travel right now.
And then there are the details that make the whole thing feel wonderfully cinematic. A private onboard cinema, for one, and perhaps most impressively, a 54-foot lap pool positioned with views framed by the yacht’s towering sail masts – the sort of setting that feels less like a cruise ship and more like a design-led boutique hotel that just happens to be sailing through the Med.
Beyond that, the yacht will also feature a Guerlain spa, a marina platform for direct sea access and water sports, numerous bars and lounges, and a cabaret-style theatre. But overall, Corinthian feels less focused on packed schedules and constant entertainment, and far more centred around atmosphere – which, in our opinion, is exactly what this style of travel should be about.
The First Itineraries
The inaugural season begins in the Mediterranean and Adriatic from June to October 2026, before repositioning to the Caribbean for winter (we’ve got our eyes on Saint-Barth).
What stands out immediately is the structure of the itineraries themselves.
These are deliberately short sailings – often just two to five nights – designed to be taken individually or combined into longer journeys. The idea is less about long, continuous cruising and more about modular travel across some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic coastlines.
One of the most compelling combinations is the Mediterranean, Corsica & Rome itinerary – a route that moves from the Riviera through Corsica’s wilder coastline before ending in Rome.
It works particularly well because of its natural pairing potential at both ends. When the sailing finishes in Rome, we would strongly recommend extending the journey with a stay at Orient Express La Minerva – the brand’s newly opened Roman hotel, which feels like a natural continuation of the experience.
Book With RASK Travel
Orient Express Corinthian is part of the Accor Group portfolio, with whom we are proud partners and recognised among their top 30 travel advisors globally.
Booking through RASK Travel means access to additional privileges across the Accor luxury portfolio, including potential upgrades, hotel credit, and VIP recognition where available.
With demand for the inaugural season already building, early enquiries are strongly recommended.
To begin planning a sailing aboard Orient Express Corinthian, or to combine it with a wider Mediterranean itinerary, get in touch with the RASK Travel team.
