A New Era of Luxury Travel
Luxury travel brand Orient Express has taken a bold step into the world of maritime adventures by launching sailings on the world’s largest sailing yacht. This new venture marks a significant shift from its traditional rail journeys, offering an opulent way to explore the globe.
Orient Express, which is owned by Accor, has gained recognition for its recent luxury rail journeys across Italy. These trips evoke the nostalgia of the ‘Golden Age’ of travel, inspired by the legendary train that once connected Paris and Istanbul in the 19th century. Now, the brand is expanding its horizons with the introduction of yachts into its fleet.
The Orient Express Corinthian is set to make its debut in June 2026, embarking on a summer of Mediterranean voyages. These trips will range from two-night getaways to fourteen-day escapes, covering destinations such as the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Coast, and the Iberic Peninsula. In October 2026, the yacht will cross the Atlantic to Barbados, marking the start of a Caribbean season that will continue through March 2027.
The Orient Express Corinthian will offer a unique experience, featuring stops at small islands like Saint-Barthélemy Island, Moskito Island, the cays and islands of Barbados’ Exuma, and the Tobago Cays. The yacht, measuring 722 feet in length, holds the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht. Its interiors are designed to reflect the legacy of the original Orient Express train, using elegant French craftsmanship.
Architect Maxime d’Angeac has created a refined design that blends historic grandeur with a contemporary approach. This design echoes the splendor of legendary ocean liners like the 20th-century French ship Normandie. The yacht features 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet, each equipped with expansive picture windows or terraces, as well as elevated ceilings that provide a sense of space rarely found on vessels.
Onboard, guests can enjoy five restaurants and private dining spaces, with multi-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno overseeing the gastronomy. Additional amenities include a 115-seat cabaret theatre, cinema, state-of-the-art recording studio, and games room to keep guests entertained. Wellness experiences are available through the salon, barber, spa, and gym. Two pools and a marina platform dangling over the edge of the boat allow for swimming and water sports.
Bookings for the Caribbean sailings are now open, with a sister-ship, the Orient Express Olympian, set to embark on its summer voyage in 2027. Alongside yachts and trains, the brand also owns hotels in Italian cities such as Rome and Venice. Accor plans to revive and reengineer 17 original Orient Express cars by mid-2026, inviting guests to relive the legendary journey.
This expansion into the world of yachts represents a new chapter for Orient Express, offering travelers an unparalleled blend of luxury, history, and adventure. Whether traveling by train, yacht, or staying at one of the brand’s hotels, guests can expect an experience that captures the essence of the Golden Age of travel.
