A major moment for Orient Express Sailing Yachts arrived late last month with the christening of the Corinthian at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The launch marks the brand’s formal step into luxury sailing, introducing a vessel designed on a scale rarely seen in this segment.
At 721 feet in length, the yacht sets a new benchmark for space at sea. According to Orient Express Sailing Yachts, it offers more room per guest than any comparable vessel. Capacity remains limited to 110 guests across 54 suites, supported by a crew of 170, which translates to roughly 1.6 crew members per guest.
The experience focuses on measured travel, with attention placed on design detail, service structure, and onboard atmosphere rather than speed or volume.
Interiors Inspired by Classic Travel Eras
The design direction of the Corinthian draws clear inspiration from the golden age of ocean liners and historic rail journeys. Art deco influences appear throughout, shaped with restraint rather than excess. Beige tones blend with deeper burgundy shades, creating a warm but structured visual rhythm across public areas and private spaces.
Materials and finishes reflect a focus on craftsmanship. Public lounges, corridors, and suites maintain consistent detailing that connects the ship’s identity with early 20th-century travel aesthetics.
A notable influence comes from the SS Normandie, the French transatlantic liner built at the same shipyard in the 1930s. That reference appears most clearly in the dining architecture and ceiling heights of select spaces.
Suites Designed with Character
Accommodations on board the Corinthian are divided into several categories, each with distinct design cues and layouts.
The entry-level Panoramic Suites span 506 square feet. These rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural daylight across the interior. Unlike other suite types, they do not include balconies, allowing uninterrupted glass views instead.
The Duplex Suites introduce a more residential layout with two levels. Design details include carpeted spiral staircases, XL daybeds, and nautical rope accents integrated into ceilings and door hardware. Hidden technology keeps the environment visually clean, with televisions concealed behind cabinet panels and speakers embedded within bed headboards.
Bathrooms use freestanding bathtubs and dual sinks carved from single blocks of white onyx. Toiletries are provided by Maison D’Orsay. These suites take inspiration from a villa setting along the French Riviera.
At the upper tier, the Penthouse Suites offer large terraces and separate dining areas. Some units include sleeping spaces influenced by early Orient Express train design, including bunk-style compartments and vintage-style washbasins. Dedicated butler service supports all suites, aligning with the ship’s high service ratio.
Dining Led by Michelin Expertise
Culinary direction onboard comes from chef Yannick Alléno, who holds 18 Michelin stars. The ship features eight restaurants, each shaped around a different dining style and atmosphere.
The signature venue, La Table de l’Orient Express, contains just six tables and a high-ceiling design influenced by the SS Normandie. The setting prioritizes exclusivity and architectural openness, combining dining with spatial drama.
Most dining venues are included in the fare, with the exception of La Table. Across the ship, cuisine forms a central part of daily life rather than an optional feature.
A range of bars and lounges continues the same design language, with geometric patterns and art deco structure. One standout space, Le Wagon Bar, recreates a historic train carriage bar with circular seating and turquoise velvet upholstery.
Spaces for Culture and Leisure
Beyond dining and accommodation, the Corinthian includes multiple cultural and leisure areas designed for extended onboard stays.
Key spaces include:
– A 115-seat cabaret-style theater for live performances
– A cinema fitted with seating modeled after original Orient Express train chairs
– An onboard recording studio used for guest sessions and private charter events
– A library featuring works by Agatha Christie, Jules Verne, and Ian Fleming
Wellness facilities sit under the Guerlain Spa name, offering four treatment suites, a VIP double suite, and a sauna with a relaxation lounge and terrace. The sauna area remains open to all guests, regardless of treatment bookings.
Outdoor areas include multiple pool settings. Le Couloir de Nage, a 54-foot lap pool located under the sails on Deck Six, provides a structured swimming space. Additional areas include Le Piscine, designed for sun lounging, and an aft marina deck that supports water-based activities and casual relaxation.
Engineering and Sailing Performance
The Corinthian is positioned as the world’s largest sailing yacht, using Solid Sail technology. Three 226-foot masts support fiberglass and carbon sails designed for modern performance standards.
Under sail alone, the yacht can reach speeds up to 15 knots, close to 17 mph. When required, propulsion shifts to liquefied natural gas (LNG), allowing operational flexibility depending on route and conditions.
A sister vessel, Orient Express Olympian, is currently under construction at the same shipyard and is scheduled for a 2027 launch. One planned difference includes a lap pool that can convert into a dance floor through a rising platform system.
Voyage Plans and Future Fleet
The Corinthian begins its scheduled voyages on July 19 following an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Initial routes cover the Mediterranean and Adriatic during the warmer months. Later in the year, the vessel is set to cross the Atlantic and operate in the Caribbean for the winter season.
At the shipyard, Accor chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin described the expansion into sea travel as a natural extension of the brand’s identity. He noted that the experience is centered on “journeys rooted in discovery, unhurried time, excellence and elegance.”
The Orient Express Corinthian introduces a maritime experience shaped by heritage design, structured luxury, and advanced sailing engineering.
With interiors influenced by historic travel eras, curated dining led by a Michelin-decorated chef, and a strong focus on space and service, the vessel sets a distinct tone for modern sailing yachts.
Its upcoming voyages mark the start of a broader shift in how long-form sea travel is being reimagined through design precision and controlled scale.