With the "Orient Express Corintihan", the French hotel group Accor is planning the world's largest cruise ship in collaboration with the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard. The futuristic-looking three-master was presented two years ago and is expected to reach a length of 220 metres. The 194 metre long "Club Med 2", which was also launched in northern France in 1996, recently caused a stir in this segment.
On 30 January 2025, the keel-laying ceremony for the first ship took place at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, just ten months after the first steel plate was cut. The ship's maiden voyage is planned for 2026, with a trip to the Caribbean. Construction of a sister ship, the "Orient Express Olympic", has also begun. This is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Luxurious fittings and innovative technology
The "Orient Express Corinthian", previously known as the "Orient Express Silenseas", will have 54 suites with an average size of 70 square metres, although the presidential suite will have 1,415 square metres. Accor promises its guests "the quintessence of luxury, absolute comfort and dreams". In addition to exclusive accommodation, there are also wellness areas, restaurants and a dedicated amphitheatre on board.
The ship will be equipped with so-called solid sails - fixed sail profiles on three masts around 100 metres high, which provide a sail area of 1,500 square metres. This rigging should enable the ship to generate 100 per cent of its propulsion from wind power under optimum conditions. Nevertheless, the "Orient Express Corinthian" is, strictly speaking, a hybrid.
The hybrid propulsion system will combine wind power with a power plant fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). There will also be an advanced AI detection system designed to protect marine mammals by avoiding collisions and minimising underwater noise pollution, or dynamic positioning technology designed to reduce the yacht's impact on the seabed by eliminating the need for anchoring in shallow, sensitive areas.
Record-breaking dimensions
With its planned length of 220 metres, the "Orient Express Corinthian" will break all previous records in the sailing yacht sector, although its commercial orientation means that it is not actually a yacht according to our definition. A distinction is made here as to whether the yacht belongs to just one owner or several privately owned owners or to a group. This is why the "Orient Express Corinthian" is referred to as a cruise yacht, as is the 194 metre long "Club Med 2". By comparison, the world's largest sailing yacht (by definition), the "A", measures just over 142 metres. The second largest, Jeff Bezos' "Koru", is "only" 127 metres long, in third place in the world's largest superyachts The "Black Pearl" ranks first with a length of 106 metres. All other sailing yachts worldwide are under the 100 metre mark.
Exclusive Mediterranean cruises from 2026
According to the latest information from Orient Express Sailing Yachts bookings for the maiden season of the "Orient Express Corinthian" are now open. The first season will take place from May to October 2026, with voyages in the Mediterranean on offer in addition to the maiden voyage. The cruises have a duration of two to eight nights and can be combined for longer experiences. The routes of the "Orient Express Corinthian" are determined by the wind and promise an authentic sailing experience. The ship will call at 35 harbours, including well-known luxury destinations such as Monte Carlo, Portofino and Saint-Tropez, but also smaller towns such as Portoferraio on Elba, Saint-Florent on Corsica and Lerici on the Italian Riviera.
Luxurious life on board
The "Orient Express Corinthian" offers 54 suites ranging in size from 45 to 230 square metres. The service on board is all-inclusive and is designed to meet the highest standards. Culinary delights are provided by the multiple Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, who oversees various restaurants, lounges and bars, including an elegant Art Deco-style speakeasy bar. Entertainment options include a 115-seat cabaret, a state-of-the-art recording studio, two swimming pools and a private marina. In addition, Orient Express offers exclusive shore excursions, such as privileged access to the archaeological sites of Pompeii or a private dinner on the terrace of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice.
