"Orient Express Corinthian" has left her dock. The 220-metre-long cruise ship with three sailing masts and hybrid propulsion will embark on exclusive Mediterranean voyages from summer 2026.
With a length of 220 metres, the "Orient Express Corinthian" sets new standards in the luxury cruise sector. After just four and a half months of construction, she left the dock at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and set course for the fitting-out dock.
The "Orient Express Corinthian" was assembled from 14 structural blocks. When the dock was flooded, the ship floated up for the first time and tugs manoeuvred the colossus along a fixed route to the quay. The final outfitting now begins there.
Clean drive
The three masts will later carry sails with a total surface area of 4,500 square metres, which are fixed, so-called SolidSails. These are supplemented by a hybrid propulsion system with liquefied natural gas (LNG) to enable virtually emission-free cruising.
The ship has an AI-controlled system for detecting objects in the water to minimise the risk of collisions with marine mammals. Dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring and thus protects sensitive seabeds.
Luxury interior à la Orient Express
140 years after the first Orient Express trains started rolling, the "Orient Express Corinthian" is set to offer a similar experience at sea. Interior designer Maxime d'Angeac, artistic director of the Orient Express brand, has designed a sophisticated interior that reinterprets the golden age of railway travel. It is also reminiscent of the grandeur of legendary ocean liners.
The cruise ship has 54 suites ranging in size from 45 to 230 square metres. Five restaurants and private dining rooms are under the direction of chef Yannick Alléno, who has been awarded several Michelin stars. Guests can work off the calories in the 16.6 metre long pool.
"Orient Express Corinthian" to depart in mid-2026
The French hotel group Accor is marketing the exclusive trips. From May to October 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will sail on 27 different routes through the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Always following the most favourable winds in order to minimise the environmental impact and offer an authentic sailing experience.
The maiden voyage of the Orient Express Corinthian is planned for June 2026. Following the Mediterranean season, an Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean is on the programme. A sister ship, the "Orient Express Olympian", is due to set sail in 2027.
Technical data:
- Length: 220 metres
- Sailing area: 4,500 square metres
- Propulsion: SolidSails plus LNG hybrid drive
- Masts: 3 Balestron rigs
- Mast height: 100 metres
- Suites: 54 (45-230 square metres)
- Average suite size: 70 square metres
- Size of the Presidential Suite: 1,415 square metres
- Restaurants: 5
- AI-controlled object recognition for the protection of marine mammals
- Dynamic positioning to protect the seabed
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
