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March 26, 2026

Few names in the world of travel carry the weight, charm, and poetic resonance of Orient Express. A brand that stands not only for luxury, but for a philosophy of travel — one that values culture, rhythm, and reflection as much as destination. Born from the legendary train that once linked Paris and Istanbul, the Orient Express became a timeless symbol of elegance, adventure, and refinement.

Now, that spirit is preparing to take to the sea. With Orient Express Sailing Yachts, a division of the Accor Group, the brand is extending its legacy of slow, meaningful travel beyond the rails and onto the waves. Its first vessel, the Orient Express Corinthian, is both a feat of engineering and a work of art: a 220-meter hybrid sailing yacht, featuring three rigid-wing SolidSail masts and 54 spacious suites, imagined not simply as cabins but as floating private residences.

Set to debut in summer 2026, the Corinthian is being built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, where progress continues on schedule and with no reported delays. A collaboration between Accor, naval engineers, and some of France’s leading designers, the project represents a declaration of intent: to restore to the traveler the poetry, quiet, and grace of the journey itself.

When we ask Vianney Vautier, Chief Operating Officer of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, what inspired such an ambitious vision, his answer is immediate: “When we began, we didn’t want to build just another luxury yacht. We wanted to create a new category of experience — one that embodies the art of travel in its purest form. The Corinthian is our way of redefining what a sailing vessel can be: sustainable, emotional, deeply human. For us, the sea is not a route — it’s a rhythm. This project reflects that philosophy: the sails, the silence, the sense of continuity between heritage and innovation. It’s a return to what travel once was — a balance between motion and meaning.”

One of Orient Express’s most evocative ideas — “the ship is a retreat from the shore” — perfectly captures the mood the Corinthian seeks to offer. “In today’s world,” Vautier says, “we are constantly connected, constantly rushed. The Corinthian will be the opposite of that — a place where time expands, where you can breathe, feel, and reflect. It’s not about isolation, but about rediscovery.

The interiors designed by Maxime d’Angeac are fluid, warm, and tactile. Every element — from the textures of the fabrics to the play of light — invites calm. Each suite is a private haven of serenity, designed not to impress, but to soothe. Guests won’t simply stay on board; they’ll inhabit a world built around stillness, beauty, and contemplation.” The yacht will welcome just over one hundred guests in 54 suites — a deliberate decision that privileges space, intimacy, and privacy.

“The Orient Express has always stood for elegance without excess,” Vautier explains. “Our design philosophy mirrors that. Every material, every line has meaning. The yacht’s interiors echo the legacy of the original carriages — their sophistication, their craftsmanship — but reinterpreted in a modern architectural language.

Luxury today is about presence, not opulence. It’s about attention that feels natural, not rehearsed. That’s why our crew training program is as ambitious as the yacht itself. The team will be selected and trained to embody the brand’s standards — to understand discretion, empathy, and artistry. In this, Accor is a fundamental partner, bringing its expertise in hospitality, its network, and its philosophy of human-centered service. The crew will be the soul of the yacht — the element that transforms excellence into emotion.”

The Corinthian combines SolidSail technology with hybrid propulsion, uniting performance, silence, and sustainability. “These rigid sails are a revolution,” says Vautier. “They allow us to harness the wind with precision, to navigate under sail for most of the voyage. The hybrid system complements it, ensuring energy efficiency and autonomy. But beyond the technology itself, what matters is the experience it creates: a profound silence, a connection to nature. You hear only the wind and the water — no vibration, no mechanical pulse. That’s what makes the Corinthian unique. It’s innovation that disappears, leaving only the emotion of travel behind.”

The yacht will follow the rhythm of the seasons, alternating between Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries — two worlds, two moods, two ways of living the sea. “In the Mediterranean, the experience will be steeped in heritage and culture,” explains Vautier. “We’re designing itineraries that connect guests with art, architecture, and history — from Venice to Monaco, from the Aegean islands to the Amalfi coast. There will be exclusive private retreats, curated events, and collaborations with local institutions that bring the spirit of each destination to life.

In the Caribbean, the atmosphere will shift to something more vibrant and festive — a mix of beaches, private celebrations, and relaxing sea days. Guests will move between rhythm and rest, discovery and escape. It’s about contrasts: from candlelit dinners on secluded shores to long afternoons sailing under full wind. Every voyage will have its own tempo, its own color palette.”

On board, the culinary experience will play a central role in the overall atmosphere. “Gastronomy has always been part of the Orient Express DNA,” says Vautier. “We’ll have five restaurants, each with its own personality, guided by a chef holding seventeen Michelin stars. The cuisine will merge French precision with Mediterranean inspiration, celebrating local flavors wherever we sail.

We’ll also feature a fine dining venue for just twenty guests — the only restaurant on board with a supplementary charge — designed as an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience with a bespoke tasting menu and curated wine pairing. The cellar will be exceptional, overseen by some of France’s finest sommeliers. Dining, for us, is not only about excellence — it’s about storytelling through taste.” Beyond design and cuisine, Orient Express knows that true distinction lies in people. “The recruitment and training of the crew is one of our highest priorities,” Vautier emphasizes. “We’re building a service culture that blends precision and warmth. Every team member will be an ambassador of the brand — confident, cultured, and discreet. Accor’s role here is essential. Their decades of experience in luxury hospitality give us the framework and know-how to ensure consistency across every touchpoint. The goal is to create a team that doesn’t just serve guests — they accompany them, intuitively and gracefully. That’s where the magic happens.”

When it comes to the market, the brand’s initial focus is clear. “Our primary audience is the United States, particularly travelers who are new to cruising,” Vautier explains. “Many know Orient Express through our trains and hotels, but they’ve never considered a voyage at sea. The Corinthian will be their first — and we want it to be extraordinary.

At the same time, we’re seeing growing interest from Europe and Asia, especially from travelers who already appreciate the Orient Express aesthetic and are eager to see it reinterpreted on water. But it’s in the U.S. that the idea resonates most — the romance of the name, the promise of exclusivity, the power of design. They recognize the magic instantly.” As the project moves steadily toward launch, excitement builds within the team and beyond. “We’re not simply creating a yacht,” says Vautier. “We’re continuing a legend — one that began in the golden age of travel and is now reborn on the sea. Every decision — from design to gastronomy, from itineraries to service — serves one purpose: to deliver an experience that moves the heart as much as it pleases the senses. The Corinthian is not about spectacle; it’s about emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless grace. It’s about rediscovering the power of quiet luxury in a noisy world.”

With the Orient Express Corinthian, a new chapter in travel is about to unfold — one that blends innovation with romance, technology with tranquility, and heritage with modern art de vivre. The yacht will be a refuge for the senses, a stage for cultural encounters, and a vessel for reflection and delight. Its Mediterranean routes will celebrate heritage, art, and intimacy, while its Caribbean journeys will offer joy, light, and leisure. On board, world-class gastronomy, intuitive service, and an atmosphere of calm luxury will invite guests to rediscover what it truly means to travel. And perhaps most of all, the Corinthian will remind the world that elegance is not about speed or excess — it’s about grace. As anticipation builds, one can almost hear the wind catching the sails, the whisper of the sea around the hull, and the quiet realization that the art of travel has found a new home — carried by the grace of the sea.

We at Cruising Journal can’t wait to step on board and witness this masterpiece of vision, design, and emotion — to experience, firsthand, how Orient Express will once again redefine the art of traveling beautifully.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of the Orient Express Corinthian on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Gabriele Bassi

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