The Orient Express may be synonymous with luxury train travel, but 140 years on from its revolutionary rail venture, the company is launching an opulent sailing yacht named the Orient Express Corinthian.
Making its maiden voyage at the beginning of May, the Corinthian will sail across the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic and reaching the Caribbean in winter.
It’s the first luxury yacht in the world to use SolidSail technology, which will help minimize the vessel’s carbon footprint. “For more than 160 years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era,” Laurent Castaing, CEO of the French shipyard, said in a statement. “Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of 10 years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonization challenges facing maritime transport.”
At over 700-feet long, the “floating sanctuary of refinement” is the world’s longest sailing yacht, with 54 suites offering sea views for each and every guest as it journeys through the Mediterranean.
The Corinthian has several restaurants on board, all overseen by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Passengers will find fine dining venues La Table and La Terrasse illuminated with natural light, featuring Art Deco design details that creates a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. There’s also a gorgeous oyster and Champagne bar, L’Encre, offering light refreshments and views of the ocean. What’s more, guests can indulge in a touch of pampering at the yacht’s wellness suite, complete with a hair salon and spa by Guerlain.
Orient Express already has plans to launch a second sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, which is expected to set sail in 2027 and is currently being fitted.
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
