Since its debut in the late 19th century, the name “Orient Express” has become synonymous with luxury, intrigue, and timeless romance. The legendary train that once glided from Paris to Istanbul not only connected continents but also stitched together the grandeur of an era. Passengers marveled at polished wood paneling, velvet-upholstered seats, sparkling silverware, and fine porcelain, each journey a celebration of elegance and refinement.
Over time, the train became immortalized in literature and film. Agatha Christie’s mysteries cemented its status as a vessel of suspense, while filmmakers repeatedly recreated its corridors and dining cars on screen, elevating it into a cultural icon that transcended mere transportation and entered the realm of legend.
More than 140 years after its inception, the Orient Express is poised to leave the tracks behind and sail across the open sea, transforming into one of the world’s largest, most technologically advanced luxury sailing yachts. In 2026, the first of these remarkable vessels—the Orient Express Corinthian—will embark on its inaugural voyage along the French Riviera, with its sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, following in 2027.
The Orient Express Corinthian represents a collaboration between the French hospitality group Accor and the esteemed shipbuilders at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Unlike conventional cruise ships powered by diesel engines, the Corinthian is propelled by an innovative “SolidSail” system: three colossal rigid sails spanning a combined area of more than 16,000 square feet, harnessing the wind to glide across the sea with graceful efficiency. For travelers accustomed to the roar of engines and the relentless motion of modern cruise ships, this will be a near-poetic return to a slower, more harmonious rhythm. Imagine the gentle creaking of sails and the whisper of the waves under a starlit sky, the yacht moving steadily forward powered entirely by the wind. This fusion of traditional maritime elegance with cutting-edge technology offers not only a sustainable approach to travel but also a profoundly serene way to experience the ocean. In an era where sustainability increasingly defines luxury, the Corinthian represents a new model of responsible indulgence.
While the innovative sail technology points to the future, the interior design of the Corinthian pays homage to the golden age of travel. Maxime d’Angeac, the Orient Express’ artistic director, has reinterpreted the iconic train’s Art Deco style while drawing inspiration from the legendary ocean liners of the 1930s, such as the SS Normandie, which was once the largest and fastest passenger ship afloat. Gold accents, marble flooring, and exquisitely polished walnut woodwork intertwine with jewel-toned fabrics, creating an atmosphere that is both opulent and contemporary. The yacht’s 54 suites range from 485 to 2,476 square feet, some featuring private terraces where guests can enjoy morning coffee under the sun or gaze at the endless horizon at night. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the sea, ensuring that the ocean is an ever-present companion throughout the journey.
Yet, a luxury yacht is about more than lavish accommodations. The Corinthian boasts two swimming pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the vast blue expanse, giving the illusion that the pool water merges seamlessly with the ocean. Its 115-seat cabaret offers nightly live performances, jazz ensembles, and grand vintage-style dances. A professional recording studio onboard provides creative opportunities for musicians, offering a unique space where new compositions might be conceived amidst the gentle rocking of the waves. The yacht also houses wellness and spa facilities, offering treatments ranging from Ayurvedic therapies to Mediterranean seaweed rituals, all designed to soothe body and mind. Quiet nooks, libraries, and intimate galleries create contemplative spaces, reminding passengers that travel is not only a sensory indulgence but also a mental and emotional journey.
The culinary experience aboard the Orient Express Corinthian promises to be nothing short of legendary. Historically, the dining cars of the Orient Express were renowned for offering some of Europe’s finest cuisine; aboard the Corinthian, that tradition continues under the guidance of three-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno. Five main restaurants, each with its own character, offer guests a spectrum of flavors. Some may choose an elegant French restaurant to savor foie gras and champagne, while others may prefer a Mediterranean-inspired al fresco setting to enjoy freshly caught seafood. There is even a fusion restaurant blending Asian and European culinary traditions. For more private occasions, bespoke dining experiences can be arranged in intimate, custom-designed spaces. Evening cocktails on the deck or a casual barbecue under the stars create moments of relaxed camaraderie, rounding out a journey where each meal is more than sustenance—it is a meticulously crafted ritual.
The Corinthian’s maiden voyage is scheduled for June 6, 2026, departing from Marseille for a six-night journey along the French Riviera. Stops will include Saint-Tropez and Cannes, towns synonymous with sun-drenched luxury, artistic flair, and the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle. From there, the yacht will cruise Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with its cliffside villages awash in pastel hues, offering travelers the scent of citrus groves and the charm of cobblestone streets. Sicily follows, where Palermo’s bustling markets, Mount Etna’s volcanic majesty, and the island’s distinct culinary heritage await. Later, the Corinthian will explore the Adriatic, visiting Dubrovnik in Croatia and the fjord-like bays of Montenegro, where medieval stone towns meet turquoise waters. Each destination is meticulously chosen, offering both iconic beauty and intimate, immersive experiences.
As autumn approaches, the Corinthian will leave the Mediterranean behind to embark on a transatlantic voyage. Days at sea offer passengers the chance to reflect, to savor the rhythm of wind and waves, and to experience a “slow travel” philosophy rarely attainable in modern life. Days are spent under the sun, watching the ever-changing palette of the ocean, while nights are filled with starlit dinners, music, and dancing. Once across the Atlantic, the Corinthian will explore the Caribbean, navigating from Barbados through the Tobago Cays to the glamorous harbors of St. Barts. Winter itineraries include stops at world-famous beaches, secluded bays, and exclusive marinas, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and encounters with local music and culture. Each island becomes a chapter in an unfolding narrative of beauty, leisure, and discovery.
Compared to conventional luxury cruise ships, the Orient Express Corinthian emphasizes intimacy and refinement. With just 54 suites, each guest receives highly personalized service, free from the congestion and crowds that often characterize larger vessels. The focus is not merely on reaching destinations but on creating a journey where every moment is an experience in itself. The Corinthian exemplifies a growing trend in high-end travel: the pursuit of narrative, ritual, and personal enrichment over sheer spectacle. The ship is not a floating city but a moving sanctuary, where the journey becomes the destination.
The Orient Express brand’s expansion to the sea is more than a marketing venture—it is a continuation of a cultural legacy. From its origins on iron tracks to its future on open waters, it has consistently embodied elegance, sophistication, and romance. As the Corinthian glides across the waves, passengers will encounter moments of quiet reflection, exhilarating adventure, and unforgettable spectacle. Standing on deck, feeling the wind in one’s hair, watching the sails catch the sun, and listening to the gentle rhythm of waves against the hull, one may experience a rare connection with nature. This is not travel in its conventional sense—it is an immersion into the poetry of motion, the dialogue between human ingenuity and the eternal sea.
The Orient Express Corinthian is poised to redefine the idea of luxury travel in the 21st century. Whether savoring fine wine on the French Riviera, attending a glamorous ball under a Caribbean moon, or simply watching the endless horizon from a private terrace, passengers will be creating memories that endure long after the journey ends. The Corinthian is more than a yacht; it is a bridge between past and present, a vessel that transforms travel into art, and a floating testament to the enduring allure of adventure. Each traveler stepping aboard will not only witness history being made but will become part of a continuing legacy—a living story of elegance, culture, and the human desire to explore.
In a world where speed often defines progress, the Orient Express Corinthian invites travelers to slow down, to savor, and to rediscover the art of journeying. It is a reminder that luxury is not merely measured in material wealth or comfort but in the depth of experience, the quality of human connection, and the intimacy of encounters with the natural world. Here, at sea, the Orient Express continues its century-old mission: to offer journeys that are at once grand, enchanting, and profoundly human.