Accor's Orient Express brand to enter cruise market with two yachts
Orient Express will launch the first of two new yachts in June 2026, as part of the Accor brand’s long term strategy to pivot into the luxury cruise market.
Designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the first one will be Orient Express Corinthian, set to operate in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean and offer a range of ‘unforgettable experiences and unique stopovers’.
At 220 metres in length, it is set to take the title of world’s largest sailing yacht. It will also feature 4,500 m² of sails mounted on three inclinable masts, enabling the vessel to reach a speed of 17 knots propelled solely by the wind.
Designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac, artistic director of Orient Express, the yacht will boast decor inspired by the golden age of the legendary railway brand. Guests can expect 54 elegant suites, 48 of which are located on decks 4, 5 and 6. Six premium class suites are situated on the seventh deck.
The announcement comes shortly after the brand’s recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, pitched as Italy’s first luxury sleeper train.
All cabins aboard Orient Express Corinthian offer panoramic views, creating “cocoons opening onto the sea.” The expansive ocean vistas are complemented by the cozy interiors of the suites, which are decorated with wood, leather, and marble, crafted by selected artisans. As a homage to the Orient Express legend, two original cabins from the famous Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express have been installed on board.
“All the suites and the entire design of the yacht have been conceived as unique spaces that break the boundaries of Orient Express’s classic decorative style while remaining true to its distinctive codes,” said d’Angeac. “A contemporary vision of Orient Express, one that aligns with an era where high quality is synonymous with excellence and demands a true aesthetic revolution.”
The yacht will also feature five restaurants and eight bars, including a speakeasy that recalls the brand’s ‘Golden Era’ of the 1930s. Other amenities include a Parisian-style cabaret with 115 seats, art deco accents, a recording studio, a cinema, a 16-meter swimming pool, and a spa. Guests can also explore the marina at the stern, where they can partake in water activities or enjoy a waterside dinner.
Orient Express’s second yacht, the name of which is yet to be revealed, is expected to launch in 2027.
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Company number 08723341.
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