The first of the two Accor Group-owned/Orient Express Silenseas-operated newbuild ships is scheduled to launch in June 2026, charting courses through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas.
According to Sebastien Bazin (Accor Group's Chairman and CEO), the megayacht Orient Express Corinthian represents a major expansion of the Orient Express brand's legacy. He described the vessel as an innovation in luxury cruising that combines the adventure of travel with modern sustainability. OE Corinthian will revive the classic era of luxury ship cruises while addressing the environmental demands of the present and future. Bazin added that the project reflects a deep sense of pride among all involved.
Constructed by the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique/STX France (Saint-Nazaire), Orient Express Corinthian will be the world's ever-largest sailing yacht, with LOA length 220 m/722 ft and 4500 m2/48440 ft2 of sails on 3 tilting masts (height 100+ m/~330 ft). The sails will enable it to reach a speed of 17 knots (8.75 m/s) using wind power alone.
Maxime d’Angeac, the yacht’s designer and Orient Express Artistic Director, explained that the vessel’s design takes inspiration from the original Orient Express while introducing a modern aesthetic that reinterprets the brand’s signature elements. He highlighted that each suite and aspect of the yacht's decor is crafted as a distinctive space, blending tradition with a bold new design that speaks to the values of excellence and innovation.
Orient Express Corinthian combines the skilled craftsmanship of French artisans with advanced shipbuilding expertise, creating a travel experience that d’Angeac describes as immersive and unparalleled. The yacht will encourage guests to explore iconic coastlines from a new perspective, offering memorable experiences around noteworthy moorings and ports.
The vessel houses 54 suites ranging from 45 to 230 m2. 48 of these suites are situated on decks 4, 5, and 6, with 6 premium suites on deck 7, all featuring panoramic bay windows designed to connect passengers with the sea. The suites, designed with wood, leather, and marble crafted by specially selected artisans, provide a serene environment for reading, dining, and enjoying the view.
Orient Express Corinthian also offers 5 unique dining venues, each featuring distinct decor, alongside eight bars, including a speakeasy styled after the 1930s. Entertainment options include a Parisian-inspired cabaret, a recording studio, a cinema, and a spa. At the yacht’s stern, a marina offers guests direct access to water activities and dining by the sea. For relaxation, a 16.6-meter swimming pool on deck 6 serves as a dedicated space for leisure and fitness.