A Legend Goes to Sea: The Orient Express Launches Its First Luxury Yacht

For 140 years, the name Orient Express has been shorthand for the golden age of rail travel. Now, the brand is trading tracks for tides with the launch of its first-ever luxury sailing yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian. Set to depart on its maiden voyage in early May, this 720-foot vessel will cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic before crossing the Atlantic to winter in the Caribbean.

What makes the Corinthian a true standout isn't just its size—it's the world's longest sailing yacht, with 54 suites offering ocean views. It's also the first luxury yacht equipped with SolidSail technology, a system of three rigid sails that harness the wind to cut carbon emissions. Laurent Castaing, CEO of the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, called it “a concrete, technical response to the decarbonization challenges facing maritime transport,” the result of a decade of research and development.

Onboard, Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno oversees several restaurants, including La Table and La Terrasse, both flooded with natural light and decorated in Art Deco style. For lighter fare, there's L'Encre, an oyster and Champagne bar with sweeping sea views. Guests can also unwind at a wellness suite featuring a spa by Guerlain and a hair salon.

A sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is already in the works and expected to debut in 2027. For now, the Corinthian offers a new chapter in luxury travel—one that lets the wind do the work.