Sail yacht cruise ship floated out in France
The vessel, built from 14 structural blocks, features three balestron rigs with pivoting and tilting bases supporting 100-meter masts and 16,146 square feet of rigid sails. Developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, this sail system, which folds when not in use, enables 100% renewable propulsion under optimal conditions, supplemented by a hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) system.
Advanced technologies include an AI-driven floating object detection system to reduce marine mammal collisions, dynamic positioning to avoid anchoring and protect seabeds, and a chemical-free BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system. A sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, is set to debut in summer 2027 with similar features.
Accor, a global hospitality leader with over 5,600 properties, acquired the Orient Express brand in 2022. The Corinthian, featuring 54 suites from 485 to 2,476 square feet, five restaurants, and private dining curated by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, aims to replicate the grandeur of the iconic Orient Express train. Accor’s strategic partnership with LVMH, announced last year, supports the brand’s expansion, including Orient Express hotels opening in 2025.
A spokesperson for Orient Express stated: “The launch of the cruise ships leverages the brand name while introducing a new element to the luxury segment.” The Corinthian will sail the Mediterranean and Adriatic in summer 2026 before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean for the winter, registered in France.
This venture follows other luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons entering the cruise market, positioning the Corinthian as a unique offering with its sail-powered design and eco-conscious technologies, enhancing the luxury cruise experience.
