Inside the world’s largest sailing yacht from Orient Express

Orient Express, the legendary brand synonymous with golden-age rail travel, has officially set its sights on the sea. In its first move beyond land-based journeys, the company is launching the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian – a 220-metre masterpiece that brings the romance of historic ocean travel into a new era of ultra-luxury cruising.

Developed through a collaboration between three French heavyweights – Accor, LVMH and shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique – Orient Express Corinthian is no longer just a bold concept. With reservations now open and its maiden season confirmed for 2026, the yacht will sail the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean before expanding into Northern Europe in 2027.

Here’s everything we know so far.

Designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Orient Express Corinthian will span an impressive 220m in length (almost 100m longer than the current largest sailing yacht in the world), sporting 4,500 m² of sails. The yacht’s refined decor is said to be inspired by the Orient Express’s golden age, paired with a spirit of innovation and prioritisation of comfort. 

Orient Express Corinthian houses 54 spacious suites, each one set to offer a seriously luxurious hideaway that will offer guests every comfort you could wish for, and then some. 48 of the suites are located on decks four to six, while six premium class suites are situated on deck seven. Cabin sizes range from a generous 45 to 230 square meters.

Featuring panoramic bay windows to guarantee stunning views, Orient Express Corinthian’s suites have all been designed specifically to open out onto the sea. All rooms are decked out with lavish materials including wood, leather and marble fashioned by talented craftsmen and women across Europe.

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When it comes to dining, five restaurants each possessing a “warm and timeless decor” are found onboard, yet each one said to have its own unique personality. Multi-Michelin-starred Michelin chef Yannick Alléno, will be at the helm of the ship’s culinary direction. A further eight bars will serve as the ideal pre and post-dinner settings. 

Elsewhere on Orient Express Corinthian, a 1930s-style speakeasy, 115-seat cabaret (with a distinct Parisian air, no less), a recording studio, a cinema, and an indulgent spa are sure to provide endless hours of entertainment for guests while at sea. 

A marina at the stern of the boat will offer a glorious setting to enjoy dinners and sea activities right at the water’s edge. Up on deck six, a lengthy swimming pool provides yet another idyllic spot to relax in, and get those all-important lengths in before an evening of revelry ensues.

Off the yacht, a world of exclusive exploration awaits. Whether it’s premium access to archaeological wonders in Pompeii, a private tour and dinner atop the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, or driving a race car on the legendary Circuit Paul Ricard, Orient Express Corinthian’s excursions certainly go the extra mile.

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Orient Express has now revealed its first wave of sailing itineraries beyond the yacht’s inaugural 2026 season, confirming that the brand’s move into cruising will extend far beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

In 2027, Orient Express will operate two sailing yachts — Corinthian and the newly announced Orient Express Olympian — opening up routes across Northern Europe as well as southern waters.

New destinations for 2027

For 2027, Orient Express will introduce voyages through Greece and Türkiye, alongside entirely new Northern European routes including the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Standout sailings include journeys from London along the English Channel, routes linking London and Copenhagen via Scotland and Norway, and Mediterranean itineraries sailing between Piraeus and Istanbul.

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Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman & CEO said of the sailing yacht’s development: “Harnessing its boundless imagination, Orient Express has conjured up a dreamworld of discoveries, meetings, motion and emotions. With Orient Express Corinthian, the Orient Express legend is now preparing to sail the world’s finest seas offering an unprecedented experience of travel and adventure.

“Drawing inspiration from the golden age of luxury cruises, the yacht reinvents movement and comfort on the water and is designed to meet the sustainability challenges of the future. It’s a great source of pride for all of us.”

Reservations for the inaugural 2026 season are now open, with 2027 itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe also available to register interest.

The expansion also marks the debut of Orient Express Olympian, a sister yacht to Corinthian, offering the same ultra-luxury, sail-powered concept with just 54 suites onboard – so watch this space!

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