Legendary luxury train operator Orient Express is set to make waves in the high-end cruise market with the announcement that reservations are now open for its first two yachts, Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian.
The first mention of Orient Express’s diversification into sailing on the high seas came back in 2023, when they shared details to launch a luxury super yacht, Orient Express Silenseas. At the time, it was claimed that at 220 metres, the flagship vessel would be the world’s ‘largest sailing yacht’ and provide 54 luxurious suites (including an expansive Presidential Suite), two swimming pools and an interior designed by Maxime d’Angeac, who had also previously worked on Orient Express train interiors.
Fast forward to 2025, and Orient Express announced inaugural sailings for Orient Express Corinthian (renamed from Orient Express Silenseas) in 2026 and Orient Express Olympian in 2027. Corinthian will make its debut in the Mediterranean, with two eight-night itineraries taking in destinations including Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, and Elba.
Orient Express Corinthian Suite
Orient Express – Forthcoming Highlights
Dining promises to be a highlight aboard the new Orient Express yachts, with multiple venues serving Michelin-inspired cuisine crafted under the guidance of renowned chef Yannick Alléno. Guests can also unwind in a selection of elegant bars and lounges, including a 115-seat cabaret and an Art Deco-style speakeasy. Perhaps most intriguingly, the yacht will feature a cutting-edge recording studio – an unexpected touch of creativity at sea.
The exclusive world of Orient Express will extend beyond the yacht, offering VIP-style experiences designed to immerse guests more deeply in Europe’s cultural and historical riches. Early highlights include the adrenaline rush of driving a race car at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard, a private dinner atop Venice’s iconic Peggy Guggenheim Museum, and expert-led tours of archaeological wonders such as Pompeii.
La Table de l’Orient-Express by Yannick Alléno
Sustainability & SolidSail Technology
Sustainability will be at the heart of the Orient Express sailing yachts, thanks to pioneering SolidSail technology designed to reduce their environmental impact. Developed in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, these rigid sails are crafted from advanced composite materials, offering enhanced efficiency and durability. The system is further elevated by 66-metre-high masts capable of rotating a full 360 degrees to optimise wind capture. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system and cutting-edge engineering, this innovative approach is expected to halve emissions and significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Orient Express Corinthian
To learn more about Orient Express’s sailing yachts, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677.
