Orient Express Corinthian: A New Era of Ultra-Luxury Maritime Travel Dawns

The Orient Express Corinthian, a vessel already commanding superlatives as the world’s largest sailing ship, is poised to redefine ultra-luxury maritime experiences. As observers gaze skyward at its colossal masts, the sheer scale of the ship becomes apparent. Three masts soar an impressive 69 meters above the deck, reaching a breathtaking 100 meters from their apex to the water level, a testament to innovative engineering and ambitious design. This groundbreaking vessel, set to embark on its inaugural voyages, represents a significant expansion for the iconic Orient Express brand, venturing beyond its legendary train and hotel ventures into the realm of superyacht cruising.

A Fusion of Heritage and Cutting-Edge Technology

While the interior design of the Corinthian evokes the opulent Art Deco aesthetic of travel’s golden age, its technological underpinnings are resolutely modern. The vast expanse of its sails, covering an astonishing 4,500 square meters, is constructed from advanced carbon fiber and fiberglass, promising both performance and durability. The ship’s imposing dimensions, stretching 220 meters in length, are particularly striking given its intimate capacity for just 110 passengers, attended by a dedicated crew of 170. For comparative context, the highly regarded luxury vessel Scenic Eclipse, itself a benchmark in sophisticated cruising, measures 168 meters and accommodates 228 guests, highlighting the Corinthian’s exceptional passenger-to-space ratio.

The Corinthian is the first of two such yachts to be launched under the Orient Express banner, a brand now under the stewardship of the French hospitality giant Accor Group. Accor acquired the storied Orient Express name in 2022, distinguishing it from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, which remains under Belmond ownership. This strategic move into ultra-luxury maritime ventures follows a successful collaboration with luxury conglomerate LVMH, which has already seen the opening of two palatial hotels in Rome and Venice, situated within historic palaces. Furthermore, the glamorous 1960s-inspired La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, traversing the picturesque Italian countryside, underscores the brand’s commitment to reimagining iconic travel experiences. The introduction of these superyachts is therefore a logical and ambitious progression for the brand.

Joining an Elite Fleet of Maritime Luxury

The Orient Express Corinthian is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a prominent entrant in a growing wave of ultra-luxury yachts being launched by established high-end hotel groups. Names such as Ritz-Carlton, Aman, and Four Seasons are also venturing into this exclusive segment of the travel market. The Corinthian itself is described as extravagantly beautiful, replete with surprising and daring design elements. These are carefully interwoven with tributes to France’s own legendary ocean liners. For instance, the lobby features white bas-relief panels by sculptor Etienne Rayssac, a direct homage to the iconic designs of the S.S. Normandie, a celebrated vessel of a bygone era.

An Architect’s Vision: Redefining Onboard Living

Maxime d’Angeac, the architect and artistic director for Orient Express, has been instrumental in this bold reimagining of ship design. His philosophy centers on creating an immersive environment that transcends the typical perception of being on a boat. "We have used a lot of materials that we had to get certified for use on a ship – big pieces of marble and glass, a lot of varnished wood, carpets, certain fabrics," d’Angeac explained. "The first impression of people coming on the yacht is to forget they are on a boat and think they are in a hotel. We have designed the yacht for the kind of voyageur who would have chosen Orient Express at the beginning of the 20th century; people who are curious, elegant and looking for a different way to spend their time."

This dedication to creating a hotel-like experience is evident in the vessel’s exclusive accommodation. With only 54 suites, each attended by a dedicated butler, the emphasis is on unparalleled comfort and bespoke service. The suites boast sumptuous finishes, including marble, backlit onyx, hand-stitched leather, and polished wood, eschewing the term "cabin" for something far more evocative of luxury living. The entry-level Suite Panoramique, a generous 47 square meters, offers expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, complemented by two daybeds and a polished wooden box filled with classic games, providing an inviting space for relaxation. The bathrooms are equally divine, featuring red-veined marble and meticulously detailed Art Deco door handles, with delicate inlaid wood behind the headboards adding a final touch of artistry.

Exclusive Penthouses and Heritage Touches

The Corinthian features six opulent penthouses, strategically located on deck seven. Three of these boast private outdoor hot tubs, offering an exclusive sanctuary for guests. The decor in these top-tier suites adopts a more masculine and bold aesthetic, characterized by decadent cream sofas and ottomans in rich burnt orange, offset by polished chrome fittings. Vast living spaces are cleverly segmented by polished eucalyptus cocoons, creating distinct areas for entertainment and dining. A particularly captivating surprise lies within two of these suites, Meltem and Zephyr: they conceal miniature "heritage" cabins, meticulously recreated replicas of the sleeping compartments found on the legendary 1927 Orient Express train. These nostalgic spaces feature fold-down bunks, a washbasin discreetly housed within a cabinet, and the original luggage racks, offering a unique journey back in time.

A Culinary Journey of Michelin-Starred Excellence

The onboard dining experience on the Orient Express Corinthian is designed to be as exceptional as the vessel itself, eschewing a single main dining room in favor of multiple distinct restaurants. La Terrasse offers a refined setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while L’Encre presents a sophisticated ambiance with a striking black, white, and gold color scheme, featuring generous pours of Veuve Clicquot and Petrossian caviar. L’Ecrin provides a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience. All these culinary venues, along with free-flowing drinks, are included in the overall package.

However, the undisputed culinary jewel in the crown is La Table de L’Orient-Express, curated by the renowned Chef Yannick Alléno. With an impressive 18 Michelin stars across his various establishments, Alléno oversees all onboard dining, promising an extraordinary gastronomic journey. This intimate space, accommodating only 20 guests, is breathtakingly appointed with soaring ceilings, panoramic ocean views, intricately carved columns of warm wood, and textured panels of black glass crafted by master glassmaker Emmanuel Barrois. While Orient Express has not yet disclosed the supplementary charge for dining at La Table, given the starting price of upwards of AU$9,250 per cabin per night for the voyage, the cost of this exclusive experience is unlikely to be a deterrent for its discerning clientele.

A Symphony of Bars and Ample Leisure Facilities

The Corinthian offers a diverse array of bars, catering to every mood and preference. The Marina Bar provides captivating views of the ship’s wake and, when conditions permit, the impressive fold-out watersports platform. Le Speakeasy, discreetly located behind a hidden door in the barber’s salon, offers a decadent escape with gold-upholstered bar stools encircling a crimson marble bar. A particularly charming addition is Le Wagon, a faithful recreation of the eponymous bar from the original Orient Express train, complete with authentic Lalique Art Deco lamps and emerald velvet banquettes, transporting guests to a bygone era of glamour.

Beyond the bars, the Corinthian boasts a comprehensive array of leisure facilities. These include a cabaret lounge, a cinema, a card room, and a library housing an impressive collection of 1,500 books, including rare editions. A unique feature is the ship’s recording studio, the utilization of which will be interesting to observe. The expansive spa marks the maiden seagoing venture for the prestigious French brand Guerlain, promising an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. The vessel’s swimming pools, however, present a curious design choice. The black mosaic pool adjacent to La Terrasse, while pleasant, is notably modest in size. Le Couloir de Nage, a slender 16-meter lap pool, runs along the center of deck seven beneath the sails. Its design, however, where the water level is situated at the base of four-meter walls on deck six, creates a somewhat claustrophobic sensation, a departure from the otherwise open and airy aesthetic of the ship.

Curated Adventures Ashore and a New Golden Age

The Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to spend its initial months navigating the picturesque waters of the Mediterranean before embarking on a transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean. While shore excursions represent an additional cost, the vessel offers several creatively curated included experiences. These include a classic car rally through the Provençal countryside, culminating in a truffle tasting at an 18th-century farmhouse. In the Caribbean, guests can anticipate an exclusive gala night, an espionage-themed extravaganza hosted on Sir Richard Branson’s Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands. For those with the foresight and resources, working with a discerning travel agent will facilitate the seamless integration of extended itineraries, connecting the yacht experience with the Orient Express trains and hotels, thereby ushering in what can only be described as a new golden age of travel.