With a length of 220 metres, the "Orient Express Corinthian" sets new standards in the luxury cruise sector. After only four and a half months of construction, the Keel laid at the end of January 2025she left the dock of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and headed for the fitting-out dock.
The "Orient Express Corinthian" was assembled from 14 structural blocks. When the dock was flooded, the ship floated up for the first time and tugs manoeuvred the colossus along a fixed route to the quay. The final outfitting now begins there.
Clean drive
The three masts will later carry fixed sails with a surface area of 1,500 square metres each, so-called SolidSails. This should enable speeds of up to 17 knots to be achieved. In addition, a hybrid propulsion system with liquefied natural gas (LNG) will enable virtually emission-free cruising.
The ship has an AI-controlled system for detecting objects in the water to minimise the risk of collisions with marine mammals. Dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring and thus protects sensitive seabeds.
Luxury interior à la Orient Express
140 years after the first Orient Express trains started rolling, the "Orient Express Corinthian" is set to offer a similar experience at sea. Interior designer Maxime d'Angeac, artistic director of the Orient Express brand, has designed a sophisticated interior that reinterprets the golden age of railway travel. It is also reminiscent of the grandeur of legendary ocean liners.
The sailing cruise ship has 54 suites ranging in size from 45 to 230 square metres. The five restaurants and private dining rooms are under the direction of multiple Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Guests can work off the calories in the 16.6 metre long pool on deck six.
"Orient Express Corinthian" to depart in mid-2026
The French hotel group Accor is marketing the exclusive trips. From May to October 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will sail on 27 different routes through the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Always following the most favourable winds in order to minimise the environmental impact and offer an authentic sailing experience.
The maiden voyage of the Orient Express Corinthian is planned for June 2026. Following the Mediterranean season, an Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean is on the programme. A sister ship, the "Orient Express Olympian", is due to set sail in 2027.
Technical data:
- Length: 220 metres
- Propulsion: SolidSails plus LNG hybrid drive
- Sailing area: 3 times 1,500 square metres
- Maximum speed under sail: 17 knots
- Masts: 3 Balestron rigs
- Mast height: 100 metres
- Suites: 54 (45-230 square metres)
- Average suite size: 70 square metres
- Size of the Presidential Suite: 1,415 square metres
- Restaurants: 5
- AI-controlled object recognition for the protection of marine mammals
- Dynamic positioning to protect the seabed
