Orient Express Corinthian, a luxurious sailing yacht with a gross tonnage of 26,200 GT, was officially launched on June 16 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This marks the debut of the Orient Express brand and Accor Group in the cruise industry, introducing what is now the largest sailing cruise yacht in the world.
The 220-meter vessel will accommodate up to 110 guests in 54 ultra-luxury suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet. Onboard amenities will include five restaurants and private dining spaces, all curated by Yannick Alléno, a Michelin-starred chef also behind the culinary experience on the iconic train.
Built from 14 modular blocks, the vessel features a pioneering three-mast rigid sail system. Each mast will reach 100 meters in height, supporting a total sail surface of 16,146 sq ft (1,500 m²). The masts can pivot and tilt for optimal performance, and the sails can fold when not in use. This innovative sail system is the result of years of development by the shipyard, now being used commercially for the first time.
The Corinthian’s propulsion is a hybrid system capable of operating entirely on renewable wind energy under ideal conditions. It also features LNG-powered engines as backup.
Advanced environmental and safety technologies include:
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An AI-based floating object detection system to avoid collisions with marine mammals
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Dynamic positioning technology to eliminate the need for anchoring, protecting sensitive seabeds
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The BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system from BIO-UV Group, using chemical-free UV treatment
This yacht marks Accor’s major expansion into luxury travel. Following the acquisition of the historic Orient Express brand in 2022, the group is preparing to open the first Orient Express hotels in 2025 and recently partnered with LVMH to accelerate development of premium experiences. The Corinthian enters the luxury cruise market alongside similar projects by Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
The maiden voyage of the French-flagged vessel is scheduled for June 2026, departing from Marseille and sailing through the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, before crossing the Atlantic for a Caribbean winter season.
