After departing from Saint-Nazaire, the Orient Express Corinthian sailed to the French Riviera before beginning its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea from May through October 2026. The sailboat will then cross the Atlantic to head to the Caribbean for the winter season. Docking on the Croisette during the Cannes Film Festival, the Orient Express Corinthian continues its event schedule with a stop in Monaco for the Grand Prix.
With the Corinthian Orient Express, travel takes on a whole new dimension, blending maritime innovation, French excellence, and an ultra-personalized experience. As it cruises the Mediterranean and particularly the French Riviera the yacht calls at iconic destinations favored by an international clientele seeking exceptional experiences and the art of living.
For more than 140 years, the Orient Express has been the epitome of excellence. A true European icon, this famous train has made history with its refined interiors and prestigious service. Conceived as a floating palace, this spectacular project illustrates the evolution of contemporary prestige, where the emotional experience becomes just as important as the destination itself. Combining Art Deco design, technological innovation, Michelin-starred cuisine, and a commitment to the environment, the Corinthian Orient Express aims to redefine the standards of international travel.
The result of a collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a world leader in naval engineering, the Orient Express Corinthian impresses as much with its size as with its technological capabilities. At 220 meters long, this giant of the seas is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail sail propulsion system.
For more than 160 years, Chantiers de l'Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. The Orient Express Corinthian is the latest example: 220 meters long, 15,000 metric tons, powered by the wind, and equipped with three SolidSail sails—the result of ten years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the challenges of decarbonizing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of men and women with a rare level of dedication and passion. I owe this humble sense of pride to them. But above all, I would like to thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very start of this incredible project.
Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l'Atlantique
The sailboat is equipped with three rigid sails, each measuring 1,500 m², that rise to a height of over 100 meters. Capable of rotating 360 degrees and controlled automatically, they enable the vessel to be propelled entirely by wind power when weather conditions permit. The carbon masts, designed and manufactured in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire region, can also tilt up to 70 degrees to allow the ship to pass under the world’s tallest maritime bridges.
Sea trials conducted in February 2026 confirmed the vessel’s exceptional capabilities. Powered solely by wind and in 20-knot conditions, this 15,000-metric-ton yacht reached a speed of 12 knots a world first for a vessel of this size.This revolutionary propulsion system is complemented by a liquefied natural gas hybrid engine and several energy optimization features.
This environmental approach is also reflected in the ship’s onboard technologies. An AI-powered detection system continuously monitors for marine mammals and floating objects to minimize the risk of collision. Dynamic positioning technology, meanwhile, helps protect the seafloor by eliminating the need to drop anchors during port calls.
Named a century after the launch of the legendary ocean liner Île de France, at the same shipyards that gave birth to the legendary Normandie, the Orient Express Corinthian pays tribute to French maritime history while reinventing its traditions. Entirely designed and built in France, the project involved nearly 200 companies led by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The entire ship was conceived under the direction of architect and designer Maxime d'Angeac, artistic director of Orient Express.
The interiors draw inspiration from the golden age of rail travel and grand transatlantic ocean liners. Art Deco lines, fine materials, precious woods, marble, and leather come together to create a refined atmosphere where tradition and modernity coexist with elegance.
Through this project, Orient Express aims to showcase French artisanal craftsmanship on the international stage and to place expertise at the heart of the contemporary luxury experience.
The Corinthian Orient Express accommodates only 110 passengers in 54 suites ranging from 45 to 230 m², spread across four decks. Each suite features huge panoramic windows offering exceptional views of the sea, as well as ceilings higher than standard to enhance the sense of space and light.
Refinement is evident in every detail. Marble, leather, and precious woods adorn the spaces, while a dedicated butler ensures fully personalized service for each cabin.
Gastronomy plays a central role in this immersive experience. The ship’s five restaurants and private dining rooms are led by multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno. His cuisine, which is both contemporary and inspired by the regions the ship travels through, extends the journey through a refined sensory experience.
The yacht also features eight bars, including an Art Deco-inspired speakeasy, a 115-seat theater, and a recording studio. Well-being is also a key focus, thanks to the Guerlain spa located within the renowned Cheval Blanc resort the 16.5-meter lap pool, the swimming pool, and the marina, all of which allow guests to fully enjoy the sea.
The entire experience is offered as an all-inclusive package to provide travelers with a complete immersion in the world of the Orient Express.
A Ceremony Worthy of a Legend
The ship’s naming ceremony took place in the legendary Joubert dry dock in Saint-Nazaire, an iconic site in French naval history. This historic site, which was previously used for the construction of the ocean liner Normandie, symbolizes the maritime heritage to which the Orient Express Corinthian is now linked.
The event began with a spectacular flyover by four Fouga Magister aircraft painted in blue, white, and red, paying tribute to Saint-Nazaire’s industrial history and French engineering expertise. The hoisting of the three SolidSail sails then preceded the official presentation of the French flag to the ship.
The representative from Chantiers de l’Atlantique officially handed over the Orient Express Corinthian to Sébastien Bazin and Philippe Heltland Brault before Captain Éric Saint Plancat raised the French flag and the Orient Express banner to the strains of “La Marseillaise.”
After departing from Saint-Nazaire, the Corinthian Orient Express will head to the French Riviera before beginning its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea from May through October 2026. The sailboat will then cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean for the winter season. With the Corinthian Orient Express, luxury travel enters a new dimension, blending maritime innovation, French excellence, and an ultra-personalized experience. As it sails across the Mediterranean and particularly along the French Riviera the yacht calls at iconic destinations prized by an international clientele seeking exceptional experiences and the art of living.
With a presence in the heart of these strategic locations, Magrey & Sons supports this discerning clientele in bringing their most exclusive real estate projects to life. From Cannes to Saint-Tropez, via Monaco and Cap d’Antibes, the firm has established itself as a key player in the luxury real estate market on the French Riviera, perfectly in tune with the refined and experiential world of the Orient Express.
In 2027, new itineraries will also allow guests to explore the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Each cruise, ranging from one to four nights, can be combined to create a fully customized trip. The itineraries highlight iconic ports and unspoiled destinations where culture, crafts, and nature offer an immersive experience far from traditional cruise routes.
