For almost 150 years the Orient Express has epitomised the height of glamour and decadence, the most fabulous and stylish way to see Europe. But from next summer, lovers of luxury will be able to swap the grandeur of railway for life on the azure waters of the French Riviera. Welcome aboard the Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht.
A triumph of engineering and artistry, Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in naval innovation. Designed with both grandeur and purpose, the vessel represents a seamless convergence of ultimate refinement and cutting-edge innovation: two hallmarks of French excellence. The company say “she is set to redefine standards in luxury cruising.” The world’s largest sailing yacht sets sail in June 2026, cruising first in the Mediterranean and Adriatic that summer, before a transatlantic to the Caribbean. Joining behind her will be sister-ship, Orient Express Olympian, setting sail summer of 2027.
The first cruise begins in Marseille in Provence and takes in the glitzy resorts Cannes and St Tropez on the Riviera before returning to France’s oldest city of the south.
The company’s website states: “Exceptional truly defines this journey, where every stop unveils a legendary city along the dazzling French Riviera. Your adventure begins in Marseille, now a coveted destination for discerning travelers from around the world. The following day, you’ll arrive in Cannes, a city renowned for its cinematic glamour and the iconic Croisette. Here, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary soirée at the Palais Bulles. Evoking the magic of New York’s Studio 54, this architecturally unique bubble-shaped villa will pulsate with the vibrant disco rhythms of the 1970s.
“Next, immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Saint-Tropez. This city of yachts and effortless sophistication invites you to cruise along the scenic Provençal roads in a classic car to a truffle haven, returning just in time to bask in the golden hues of sunset. When you return to Marseille, let the city’s myriad facets seduce and captivate you, offering a final flourish to an unforgettable journey.”
Aboard Orient Express Corinthian, there are Art Deco influences and beauty at every turn. Architect Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, has conceived a refined interior that reinterprets the golden age of rail travel with a contemporary and elevated sensibility, echoing the grandeur of legendary ocean liners such as Normandie, calling upon the finest French artisans of art and craftsmanship.
The sailing yacht features 54 suites, ranging from 485 ft² to 2,476 ft². Each one is framed by expansive picture windows or terraces and elevated ceilings, offering a rare sense of spaciousness at sea.
The Agatha Christie, for example, is a two-bedroom suite with king-sized beds, a marble bath, literary artwork, its own fitness room and a jacuzzi on the terrace and like the other suites can house four guests.
With five restaurants and private dining spaces, Orient Express Corinthian elevates the art of dining at sea under the direction of multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno, Executive Chef of both The Orient Express train and the sailing yacht.
But how much does all this hedonism cost you ask? Well, it certainly isn’t cheap. Setting sail from June 6, 2026 to June 12,prices start from £52,870 per person for a suite.