Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, was named on 29 April 2026 in Saint-Nazaire. Flying the French flag, this 220-metre, three-sail sailing ship heralds a new era of travel, uniting French decorative craftsmanship with cutting-edge naval innovation.
Following the ceremony, the 15,000-tonne, 720-foot vessel ship will sail from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, bound for the French Riviera ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season.
A technological feat
Orient Express Corinthian is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Her three rigs can deliver 100% wind-powered propulsion in favourable conditions, which can rotate through 360 degrees, enabling the ship to clear the world’s great bridges without difficulty.
The ship is also equipped with hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and numerous energy efficiency features, earning her the best EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) rating in her class, far ahead of any other vessel of comparable size.
An AI-assisted detection system continuously monitors for marine mammals and objects in the water to reduce collision risk. Dynamic positioning preserves the seabed by doing away with the need to anchor.
The art of living aboard
Orient Express Corinthian accommodates 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 sqm, distributed across four decks. Each suite features a 3.60-metre panoramic window and deckhead heights raised by 25 cm above current industry standards. Leathers, precious wood veneers and marbles compose an interior of quiet refinement. A dedicated butler attends each cabin.
Five restaurants and private dining rooms are placed under the culinary direction of multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Eight bars, including an Art Deco speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret and a recording studio complete the offering.
The Guerlain spa, a 16.5-metre swimming lane, a pool and a marina are at passengers’ disposal throughout the voyage. Located within the 500-square-meter spa, it offers four treatment suites, including a VIP double suite, along with a sauna, relaxation lounge, barber studio, beauty salon, fitness area, and open-sky lap lane.
The yacht also features cultural amenities such as a library, cinema and musical salon.
All are offered on a fully inclusive basis.
Itineraries
Following her departure from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May, the ship will make for the French Riviera before beginning her inaugural season. From May to October 2026, Orient Express Corinthian will sail the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic in autumn to winter in the Caribbean
In 2027, a new collection of itineraries extends her range to the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Each route leads to carefully chosen ports of call, storied harbours and quieter shores alike, where culture, craftsmanship and landscape compose an open invitation.
Itineraries of one to four nights offer a freedom of pace rare in luxury cruising: each passage
can be combined with another to build an entirely bespoke voyage.
Sister Yacht Orient Express Olympian being fitted out
At the Penhoët quay in Saint-Nazaire, Orient Express Corinthian’s sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, is currently being fitted out following her launch on 17 April 2026.
