The name Orient Express may forever be linked to legendary rail journeys, but the brand has now taken to the water with the launch of the Corinthian. This is not a cruise ship in the conventional sense. It is a 220 meter long sailing yacht, currently the largest of its kind in the world. With a gross tonnage of roughly 26,600, the vessel carries no more than 130 guests, a deliberate choice to preserve an intimate, hotel like atmosphere. Its maiden voyage began in May 2026, and a sister ship, the Olympian, is expected to follow in 2027.
Accommodation aboard the Corinthian consists of just 54 suites, each with floor to ceiling panoramic windows and higher than usual ceilings. Every suite comes with a dedicated butler, and the largest residence, a penthouse named after Agatha Christie, spans 230 square meters. The interior design draws heavily from the golden age of travel, using leather, precious wood, and marble throughout. There are eight decks in total, four of which contain guest suites, and the overall ambiance is closer to a private members’ club than a typical passenger vessel.
The most striking innovation on the Corinthian is its SolidSail wind propulsion system. Three carbon fiber masts, each over 100 meters tall, carry rigid sails made from carbon reinforced glass panels. This setup allows the yacht to sail entirely under wind power, reaching up to 12 knots in sea trials. The masts can tilt up to 70 degrees, enabling the ship to pass under low bridges such as the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon. For maneuvering in ports and as a reliable backup, the vessel also uses LNG hybrid engines. Together these technologies are estimated to save 9,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually compared to conventional cruise ships of similar size.
Life on board is defined by exceptional dining and a wide range of amenities. A multi Michelin starred chef oversees five different restaurants, and there are eight bars including an Art Deco speakeasy. The Guerlain spa, a central swimming lane, a marina, and even a professional recording studio are available to guests. Itineraries for the inaugural season cover the Mediterranean and Adriatic, calling at Monte Carlo, Portofino, and Saint Tropez, along with less frequented harbors. In winter 2026 the yacht will cross the Atlantic for a Caribbean season, followed by Northern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in 2027. A three night all inclusive voyage for two guests in a Panoramique suite starts at approximately 17,770 euros, placing the Corinthian firmly in the ultra luxury segment.
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