Building on its 140-year legacy of traversing the world by train, Orient Express is now set to take to the seas with Corinthian, the largest yacht in the world. Reimagining the luxury cruise market and slated to set sail in 2026, reservations open for Orient Express Corinthian this week, with its early voyages expected to take place around the Mediterranean and Adriatic next summer.

Formerly project named Silenseas and making her debut from May to October next year, with sailings ranging from two to eight nights, the launch of Orient Express Corinthian comes among a flurry of yacht fleet announcements from luxury hotel groups, including Four Seasons, Aman, and Ritz Carlton. However, none match the sheer size of Corinthian, which measures a whopping 220 metres in length.

Spanning three masts with a vast 4,500 square metres of sails, Orient Express’ choice of a sailing yacht over a traditional motor yacht is, it says, a sign of its commitment to eco-conscious travel. The ability to sail under wind power will allow the Corinthian to run on half the fuel consumption of a similar-sized motor vessel while a marine mammal detection system has been installed to protect local wildlife.

Designed to follow a course shaped by wind, the vessel will call in at 35 of Europe’s most storied ports and glamorous enclaves, including Monte Carlo, Italy’s Portofino and Saint Tropez in France. Beyond these famous pitstops, she will also visit more discreet, picturesque harbours, such as Portoferraio, Napoleon’s secret island retreat, and Lerici: a jewel on the Gulf of La Spezia in the Tyrrhenian Sea, long known as the Gulf of Poets.

With just 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 950 square metres, interiors have been designed by architect Maxime d’Angea to hark back to the golden age of travel. Featuring multiple restaurants under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, the superyacht will also house several bars and lounges, including an intimate Art Deco-inspired speakeasy. Elsewhere, guests are encouraged to experience the 115-seat cabaret cinema, state-of-the-art recording studio, Guerlain spa, and two pools.

While there is plenty to marvel at on deck, Orient Express Corinthian also boasts a little black book of VIP experiences allowing guests to discover Europe at its very best. From exclusive access to archaeological wonders in Pompeii and a private tour and dinner atop the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, to the thrill of driving a race car on the Circuit Paul Ricard, Orient Express is pulling out all the stops to change perceptions of cruising.

So what is the price tag for this new horizon in luxury travel? While Orient Express hasn’t officially announced rates, those in the know predict all-inclusive stays will cost from €9,200 per cabin per week, climbing to around €43,000 for the most prestigious suites. This is roughly in line with the Orient Express’ train itineraries, which begin from €5,440 per person for a three-night trip. See you on board.

Visit orient-express.com

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