Orient Express Corinthian’s Maiden Voyages Begin May 2026: Ultra-Luxury Mediterranean Sailing Reimagined

A new era of grand travel is about to set sail. From May 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian—an ultra‑luxury sailing yacht with just 54 suites—will embark on its maiden voyages across the Mediterranean, blending the legendary heritage of Orient Express with cutting‑edge sailing technology and intimate, yacht‑style itineraries. You can explore the full programme at the official site: orient-express.com.

A floating sanctuary with just 54 suites

Agatha Christie Penthouse Suite

Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest luxury sailing yacht, yet it carries only around 110 guests in 54 exquisitely appointed suites, each with panoramic sea views. Inspired by 140 years of Orient Express glamour, the ship is conceived as a floating sanctuary of refinement, where spacious suites, refined dining and curated experiences replace crowds and formality.

At 220 metres in length and 16,000 gross tons, the yacht offers an exceptional space‑to‑guest ratio, two pools, multiple restaurants and lounges, a cabaret, recording studio and expansive outdoor decks—yet keeps the ambience intimate and residential rather than “cruise‑ship” in feel.

Italian elegance, French Riviera glamour and Adriatic charm

The maiden season focuses on some of Europe’s most coveted coastlines, approached at a gentler, more personal pace than mainstream cruising.

Highlighted itineraries include:

• Italian Elegance – Sail to Portofino, Porto Cervo, Capri, Rome, Taormina and Palermo, tracing a route of pastel harbours, cliff‑top villages and glamorous beach clubs along the Italian and Sardinian coasts.
• French Riviera – Explore Monaco, Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Cassis, Porto Vecchio and Calvi, combining iconic Riviera hotspots with Corsican bays and smaller ports that larger ships can’t access as easily.
• Adriatic Coast – Discover Venice, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Trieste and Hvar on sailings that link Venetian, Croatian and Slovenian ports with time to wander marble streets, walled cities and harbourfront promenades.

Most voyages run between two and eight nights and can be combined for longer, back‑to‑back experiences, making it easy to design a tailored grand tour of the Med and Adriatic.

Revolutionary SolidSail design and performance

Beyond the interiors, Orient Express Corinthian stands at the forefront of modern naval architecture. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, it is the first sailing yacht to deploy the yard’s patented SolidSail wind‑propulsion system: three approximately 100‑metre‑tall masts supporting rigid, carbon‑reinforced glass sails of about 1,500 square metres each.

Unlike traditional textile sails, these “solid sails” deliver powerful, efficient propulsion with greater durability and a projected lifespan of around 25 years, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining high performance at sea. Under optimal conditions, the yacht can reach sailing speeds that rival or exceed those under engine power, giving guests an authentic, wind‑driven experience rarely seen at this level of luxury.

The art of sailing, reimagined

Corinthian’s design harmoniously blends advanced technology with timeless artistry, from its powerful hull lines and sleek profile to interiors that showcase rich fabrics, warm wood and cinematic sea views. Suites, many averaging around 70 square metres and some extending to expansive terraces, are significantly larger than those on most ships, offering space for private dining, lounging and quiet reflection between ports.

On board, guests can expect fine dining curated by top culinary talent, intimate entertainment in a 115‑seat cabaret, and a relaxed yet polished service style that channels the spirit of the original Orient Express trains into a contemporary, sea‑going context.

With bookings open and maiden voyages starting May–June 2026, early guests have a rare chance to be among the first to experience Orient Express Corinthian as she glides along the French Riviera, Italian and Adriatic coasts. Itineraries and voyage dates are available on the official website: orient-express.com.