Orient Express Heads Out To Sea
…with the launch of the world’s largest sailing yacht: The Corinthian
A historic new chapter for the iconic Orient Express brand is unfolding as the company sets sail into uncharted waters with its ambitious new venture: the Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht. After 140 years of redefining rail travel, Orient Express is now bringing its renowned luxury and refinement to the seas with a ship that embodies the same elegance, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence for which the brand is globally celebrated. We catch up with the team to find out just what’s in store…
The Vision Behind the Orient Express Corinthian
At the heart of the Orient Express Corinthian lies a singular vision — to create what they call “a floating palace”, embodying the finest French craftsmanship and drawing inspiration from the world’s most iconic cultures. From intricately crafted glasswork to curated art collections, each space is meticulously designed to surprise and delight, ensuring that every moment spent aboard the yacht is an exploration of both style and culture.
“Aboard Orient Express Corinthian, every detail tells a story. Luxury here is more than an aesthetic, it is an experience. The soft glow of vintage-inspired lighting, the tactile beauty of handcrafted materials, the sculptural refinement of bespoke furnishings: every element reflects a devotion to the art of living well.”
From bespoke interiors to meticulously curated cultural experiences, it’s clear, Orient Express intend to carry forward the brand’s tradition of wonder and excellence as they get ready to embark on their new maritime venture.
Creating the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Designing the Orient Express Corinthian and “the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht” posed a unique set of challenges, particularly in the realm of engineering. While traditional sailing ships are crafted with different standards and materials, creating a modern sailing yacht of this scale required an innovative approach. And with a sail that stretches an impressive 1,500 square meters (something initially deemed impossible), the Corinthian has certainly done just that - setting new standards in the sailing world and raising the bar in the luxury travel sphere.
‘When designing the sail many sailmakers abandoned the idea due to the immense forces involved. Yet, the engineers at Chantiers de l’Atlantique embraced the challenge, creating a patented sail using carbon fibre-reinforced glass panels instead of standard woven cloth. This innovative sail plan, paired with powerful hull lines, endows Orient Express Corinthian with its unmistakable silhouette and remarkable performance on the open sea.”
Key Features and Facts
Capacity: 54 luxury suites, accommodating up to 110 guests. (View full breakdown of suites here)
Exclusive Experience: From intimate gatherings to high-profile incentive programs, the yacht offers curated group experiences designed to balance productivity and indulgence (e.g.private dining salons and an all-inclusive service)
Duration of Voyages: Journeys range from 2 to 8 nights, offering flexibility for guests with varying schedules.
Privatisation Option: The yacht features an exclusive penthouse experience on Deck 7, where six bespoke suites can be reserved as a private retreat. The entire deck can be transformed into a luxurious sanctuary for up to 22 guests, complete with personalized service and curated amenities.
Routes: The Orient Express Corinthian will sail across several iconic Mediterranean and European ports, offering guests the chance to visit some of the most breathtaking destinations on the globe, including: Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Rome, Valetta, Venice and Lisbon. For the full list of routes, please click here
So, what can you expect?
As with all Orient Express ventures, the experience on board is designed to indulge all the senses. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno will offer his culinary masterpieces, which guests can savour in several exclusive restaurants onboard. From sophisticated lounges to state-of-the-art entertainment, every moment aboard the Orient Express Corinthian is designed to elevate the luxury travel experience. Guests can unwind in La SPA, indulge in water sports from the onboard marina, enjoy live entertainment, or even record their own music in the yacht’s onboard recording studio.
Beyond the yacht’s luxury amenities, each journey is also a deeply immersive cultural experience. Whether guests are enjoying a private beach dinner under the stars, exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, or savouring a truffle-infused lunch in Provence, the Orient Express Corinthian offers a rare opportunity to explore some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and hidden gems, all while indulging in the finest food, luxury accommodations, and thoughtful service.
“Embark on a voyage through the vibrant hues, breathtaking vistas, and enduring allure of the Mediterranean's most storied shores. From breathtaking landmarks to authentic local encounters, each moment is thoughtfully curated for the discerning traveller seeking depth and meaning in their explorations.”
The yacht’s itineraries are crafted with a focus on slow sailing and exclusive anchorages, ensuring that guests experience each destination at a leisurely pace, allowing time for meaningful connections, reflection, and personal exploration.
A New Era for Orient Express
This exciting new chapter for Orient Express marks the brand’s continued commitment to redefining the art of travel—whether by rail or sea—and promises to offer an unforgettable journey for those fortunate enough to embark on it.
Want to meet the team behind this iconic new launch?
Orient Express are joining us at inVOYAGE x Abu Dhabi. Find out more or sign up today. Alternatively if you have a brief and would like to be connected now, email us here