At Saint-Nazaire on April 29, 2026, Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique officially christened Orient Express Corinthian, presented as the world’s largest sailing yacht. The 220-metre vessel, flying the French flag, marks the entry of the iconic brand into maritime hospitality, combining wind propulsion technologies with a high-end cruise positioning.
The ceremony took place in the historic Joubert dry dock, a site closely linked to France’s shipbuilding legacy. The vessel is scheduled to depart Saint-Nazaire on May 2, before repositioning to the French Riviera and beginning its inaugural Mediterranean season.
A ceremony rooted in industrial and maritime heritage
The christening unfolded in a setting associated with some of France’s most emblematic ocean liners, including Normandie and Île-de-France, positioning the project within a longer industrial and cultural continuity.
The event opened with an aerial display of four Fouga Magister jets in the French national colours, recalling Saint-Nazaire’s historical links between shipbuilding and aeronautics.
Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, officially presented the French flag, authorising the vessel to sail under the national registry.
A key moment of the ceremony was the formal transfer of ownership, during which Laurent Castaing handed over the vessel to Sébastien Bazin and Philippe Hetland Brault, President of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The command was then entrusted to Captain Éric Saint-Plancat, followed by the raising of the French flag and the Orient Express pennant.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional blessing and the symbolic breaking of a Balthazar bottle.
Wind propulsion at the core of the project
Orient Express Corinthian is described as the first cruise vessel equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The ship features three rigid sails of 1,500 m² each, mounted on masts exceeding 100 metres in height and capable of automated operation.
Under favourable conditions, this configuration can enable 100% wind propulsion. During sea trials conducted in February 2026, the vessel reportedly reached 12 knots using wind power alone in 20-knot wind conditions — a first for a vessel of this size.
The system is complemented by hybrid propulsion based on liquefied natural gas, alongside a range of energy efficiency technologies. According to the communiqué, the vessel achieves a high Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) performance compared to ships of similar size.
Additional onboard systems include AI-assisted detection to monitor marine life and floating objects, as well as dynamic positioning technology designed to limit seabed impact by avoiding anchoring.
For Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the project reflects both technological ambition and environmental positioning.
“For more than 160 years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest example : 220 metres long, 15,000 tonnes powered by the wind, with three SolidSail rigs resulting from ten years of research and development. It provides a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport.” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. He added : “But above all, it is the result of the dedication and passion of exceptional teams. I am deeply proud of their work, and I would like to thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very beginning of this remarkable project.”
A showcase of French craftsmanship and design
Beyond its engineering, the vessel is presented as a showcase of French craftsmanship. Nearly 200 companies contributed to the project, coordinated by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and guided by the artistic vision of Maxime d’Angeac.
The interiors draw inspiration from the golden age of travel, referencing both the original Orient Express trains and historic ocean liners, while integrating contemporary design elements. Materials such as leather, precious woods and marble are used throughout the vessel.
This positioning suggests an effort to combine industrial production with bespoke design and heritage-driven aesthetics.
A hybrid model between cruise and ultra-luxury hospitality
Orient Express Corinthian accommodates 110 passengers across 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 m², each featuring panoramic windows and increased ceiling height compared to standard cruise designs. A dedicated butler service is assigned to each suite.
The onboard offering includes five restaurants and private dining spaces under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, as well as eight bars — including an Art Deco speakeasy — a 115-seat theatre and a recording studio.
Wellness and leisure facilities include a Guerlain spa, a 16.5-metre swimming lane, a pool and a marina, with the entire experience structured around an all-inclusive model.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, highlighted the brand dimension of the project:
“Extending Orient Express to the sea naturally fits within the vision of this iconic brand: a journey shaped by discovery, a sense of time, excellence and elegance. Orient Express Corinthian embodies this vision with both grandeur and boldness. Through its wind propulsion, its refined spaces enhanced by rare materials, and a unique experience designed for an international clientele, we have met a triple challenge: industrial, architectural and artistic. This sailing yacht, born from two years of collaboration and trust between Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, now stands as a confident expression of the finest French expertise and craftsmanship.”
Mediterranean launch and Caribbean deployment
Following its departure from Saint-Nazaire, the vessel is expected to operate in the Mediterranean and Adriatic between May and October 2026. It will then cross the Atlantic in autumn to begin a winter season in the Caribbean.
The itineraries, ranging from one to four nights, are designed to be combined, offering flexibility in travel planning.
In 2027, new routes are expected to extend operations to the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
A second vessel, Orient Express Olympian, is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire following its float-out in April 2026, with entry into service scheduled for 2027.
A broader brand and partnership strategy
The project forms part of a wider development strategy for Orient Express, which now spans trains, hotels and maritime operations. Since 2022, the brand has been integrated into Accor’s luxury portfolio, with a strategic partnership with LVMH announced in 2024 to accelerate its global expansion.
The sailing yacht initiative, developed in partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, reflects an extension of this positioning into the maritime sector, combining hospitality, engineering and brand heritage.
The christening of Orient Express Corinthian highlights a model that brings together alternative propulsion, reduced passenger capacity and high-end service standards. The project suggests a convergence between industrial innovation, environmental considerations and premium hospitality positioning, reflecting ongoing developments within parts of the cruise sector.
