Orient Express Corinthian: The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht Embarks on Maiden Voyage
The luxury travel world is buzzing this week as the Orient Express Corinthian — the world’s largest sailing yacht — officially embarks on its inaugural passenger season in June 2026. This 721-foot (220-meter) vessel is a result of a visionary partnership between Accor and the renowned French shipyard, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The Corinthian is making waves across the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, offering two- to eight-night voyages calling at glamorous ports along the French and Italian Rivieras.
The ship accommodates just 110 guests across 54 ultra-luxury suites, supported by a crew of over 170 — a ratio better than 1.5:1. Suites start at a minimum of 47 square meters, all featuring panoramic sea views. The 900-square-meter presidential suite sets a new benchmark in onboard opulence. Guests can indulge in:
- Five restaurants
- Eight bars (including a 1930s speakeasy)
- A Guerlain Spa spanning 5,380 square feet
- Two pools
- A 115-seat Parisian Art Deco cabaret
Beyond glamour, the Corinthian is a sustainability pioneer. It is the first sailing yacht equipped with the revolutionary SolidSail propulsion system. This system includes three 328-foot tilting, rotating carbon-fiber masts supporting 16,145 square feet of rigid sails, designed to power the vessel via wind up to 80% of the time. A hybrid LNG propulsion system and an AI-driven marine mammal detection system further underscore its green credentials. Pricing for entry-level suites starts at around €36,400 per suite for a seven-night European cruise.
Source: One Mile at a Time – Orient Express Sailing Yachts