Orient Express has officially entered the cruise sector with the christening of its first sailing yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian, during a ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.

The launch marks a major milestone for the brand as it prepares to begin its inaugural sailing season, expanding beyond its historic rail heritage into luxury maritime travel.

Ceremony Marks Transfer Of Ownership

The 110-passenger yacht was formally welcomed into service in a high-profile event that included a flyover by four jets trailing the colors of the French flag. During the ceremony, shipyard leadership officially handed over the vessel to Orient Express executives, completing the build phase.

The Corinthian is now scheduled to depart the French shipyard on May 2, heading toward the Mediterranean for its debut itineraries.

Mediterranean And Caribbean Deployment Planned

Following its departure, the yacht will operate across the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas through October, focusing on high-end, small-capacity voyages.

Later in the year, the vessel will reposition to the Caribbean for the fall and winter season, reflecting a dual-region deployment strategy aimed at capturing peak luxury travel demand in both markets.

A New Benchmark In Sailing Yachts

According to Orient Express, the Corinthian is the largest sailing yacht in the world, equipped with advanced solid sail technology designed to combine performance with sustainability.

The ship’s relatively intimate capacity of 110 guests positions it firmly in the ultra-luxury segment, prioritising space, exclusivity and bespoke service.

Expansion Already Underway

The launch is only the beginning of a broader fleet strategy. A sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is currently being fitted out and is expected to enter service next year.

With Corinthian now ready to sail, Orient Express is setting the foundation for a new chapter, translating its iconic brand into a maritime experience aimed at redefining luxury cruising.