The Orient Express Corinthian was christened on April 29, 2026, in Saint-Nazaire. Flying the French flag, this 220-meter sailing ship embodies a new era of travel, combining cutting-edge naval innovation with high-level French craftsmanship.
Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrated the christening of the Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing ship, today in the Joubert dock in Saint-Nazaire. A true technological marvel and a jewel of French craftsmanship, the vessel will depart from Saint-Nazaire on May 2, 2026, bound for the French Riviera before beginning its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.
Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, declared:
“For over 160 years, Chantiers de l'Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. The Orient Express Corinthian is the latest example: 220 meters long, 15,000 tons, propelled by the wind, with three SolidSail sails, the result of ten years of research and development. It is a concrete and technical response to the challenges of decarbonizing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of women and men with extraordinary dedication and passion. I owe this humble pride to them. And above all, I thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very beginning of this incredible project.”
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, added: “Taking the Orient Express to the sea is a natural part of the imagery of this legendary brand: a journey based on discovery, time, excellence, and elegance. The Orient Express Corinthian embodies this vision with majesty and audacity. Thanks to its sailing propulsion, its spaces enhanced by exceptional materials, and an experience designed for an international clientele, we have met a triple challenge: industrial, architectural, and artistic. This sailing ship, the result of two years of collaboration and trust built between Accor and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, represents the very best of French know-how and craftsmanship.”
The Orient Express Corinthian is the result of a collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a world leader in naval engineering. This 220-meter vessel symbolizes the convergence of French refinement and industrial excellence.
It is the first cruise ship equipped with the SolidSail wind propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Its three masts, each with 1,500 m² sails and over 100 meters in height, can operate automatically and, conditions permitting, provide 100% wind-powered propulsion. They rotate 360 degrees and tilt up to 70°, optimizing performance according to the ship's course and wind.
Sea trials conducted in February 2026 confirmed its performance: with winds of 20 knots, this 15,000-ton vessel reached 12 knots using only the force of the wind, something unprecedented in a ship of this size.
The system is complemented by hybrid propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and advanced energy efficiency systems, achieving the best EEDI rating in its class. It also incorporates artificial intelligence to detect marine mammals and avoid collisions, as well as dynamic positioning to protect the seabed without the need for anchoring.
The ship features 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 square meters, all with panoramic views and luxurious materials such as marble, wood, and leather. Each suite includes butler service.
The culinary offerings include five restaurants under the direction of chef Yannick Alléno, along with eight bars, a theater, a recording studio, a Guerlain spa, a swimming pool, a marina, and a lap pool. All under an all-inclusive concept.
Following its departure on May 2, the ship will begin its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Adriatic until October 2026, before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean in winter. In 2027, it will expand its routes to the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The itineraries, ranging from one to four nights, allow you to combine voyages and design tailor-made trips, with stops in iconic ports and less explored destinations.
The christening took place in the historic Joubert dock, which was also the site of the construction of the legendary Normandie.
The ceremony included an air show, the raising of the SolidSail sails, the official presentation of the French flag, and the traditional blessing of the ship.
A few meters away, the second ship in the series, Orient Express Olympian, continues its preparation after its launch on April 17, 2026.
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