Orient Express Corinthian

The 2026-built Orient Express Corinthian cruise ship (OE Corinthian) is a new-generation sailship currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique Shipyard (STX France) in Saint-Nazaire.

The vessel (IMO number 1050208) will be France-flagged (MMSI TBA).

When entering service in 2026, the vessel will become the world’s largest wind-powered sailing ship by volume/gross tonnage (26,600 GT). The first unit (OE Corinthian) is scheduled to debut in Q1 2026, followed by the sistership OE Olympian in 2027.

According to Accor, the two-ship order with Chantiers de l’Atlantique also includes an option for the construction of two additional vessels of the same design.

The fleet is owned by the French holding Accor Group/Accor SA (via its subsidiary Orient Express Silenseas) and operated under the new travel brand Accor Cruises.

Notably, Accor also owns the iconic long-distance luxury sleeper train Orient Express (built in 1883 and operated until 2009). In 2017, Accor acquired from SNCF (France’s state-owned national railway company) a 50% stake in the Orient Express brand to launch the luxury hotel chain Orient Express Hotels (four properties in two countries—Italy and Thailand—with a total of 282 rooms).

In 2022, Accor and SNCF announced plans to relaunch the renovated and reconstructed Orient Express train in 2025 on its historic Paris–Istanbul route, as well as to introduce the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service in 2024, featuring eight Italy-based routes. The revived Orient Express consists of 17 authentic carriages (discovered in 2015 at the Małaszewicze Station on the Poland–Belarus border), which were transported to France in 2018 and fully refurbished, including common areas (corridors, restaurant, bar) and accommodations (12 deluxe cabins and 19 suites).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Accor Cruises (founded in 2023) is a subsidiary and new cruise brand of Accor SA (founded in 1967), a Paris France-headquartered multinational hospitality company. Accor’s portfolio includes wholly owned and franchised hotels and resorts, as well as numerous vacation properties. By total assets (EUR 11.7 billion in 2022) and total equity (EUR 5.4 billion in 2022), Accor ranks as France’s largest and the world’s sixth-largest hospitality company, following Marriott International Inc, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), Four Seasons Hotels Ltd, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

As of 2022, Accor SA operates (owns or manages) approximately 5,300 properties across 5,445 locations worldwide in more than 110 countries, offering over 800,000 rooms. Additionally, Accor owns and manages around 10,000 food-and-beverage venues globally. Over the past decade, Accor has significantly expanded its business through the acquisition of numerous luxury and premium hospitality brands. Major acquisitions by year include: 2015 (Raffles, Fairmont, Swissôtel), 2017 (Banyan Tree, Rixos, 25hours, Angsana/Carlton), 2018 (Delano, SLS Hotels & Residences, 21c Museum Hotels, Mantis Collection/Zambezi Queen houseboat, Mövenpick/Nile River hotel ships, Mantra Group’s Art Series and Peppers), 2019 (Morgans Originals, Orient Express, Hyde Hotels & Residences), and 2021 (Emblems Collection, Faena).

Orient Express (established in 1884 as a luxury hotel brand of Compagnie Internationale des Grands Hotels) currently includes the Orient Express La Minerva (opened in 2024, Rome City) and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli (Venice City). Another Orient Express hotel is under construction in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

On January 12, 2023, Accor Group announced that its subsidiary Orient Express had signed a shipbuilding contract with STX France for two sisterships of the revolutionary Silenseas sailship design. The agreement was signed by Sébastien Bazin (born 1961, French businessman, Accor’s Chairman and CEO since 2013) and Laurent Castaing (Managing Director of STX France).

Decks and Cabins

Orient Express Corinthian staterooms (54 total) are all ocean-facing suites with double occupancy, for a maximum passenger capacity of 130 (plus 170 crew and staff).

The largest accommodation is the Presidential Suite, measuring 1,415 m2 (15,230 ft2), including 885 m2 (9,526 ft2) of interior space and a private sundeck/terrace of 530 m2 (5,700 ft2). Passenger cabins average approximately 70 m2 (750 ft2).

Passenger staterooms (excluding the Presidential Suite) range in size from 45 to 230 m2 (480–2,475 ft2). A total of 48 cabins are located on decks 4, 5, and 6, while six premium suites are situated on deck 7. All accommodations feature panoramic bay windows and interiors finished with premium wood, natural leather, and marble, crafted by specially selected artisans.

The ship has seven passenger-accessible decks, four of which include cabins.

Ship review (onboard facilities and amenities)

The superyacht features a spacious Sundeck/Lido Deck with three swimming pools (including a lap pool), an Orient Express Club Lounge & Bar, an Amphitheatre/Cabaret Lounge (115 seats), two upscale restaurants, a private recording studio, a contemporary wellness complex (gym, spa, hair studio), and a Marina Platform at the stern.

OE Corinthian offers five dining venues and eight bars and lounges. Entertainment includes a Parisian-inspired cabaret show, a recording studio, a cinema, and a comprehensive wellness complex. The aft Marina Platform provides direct access to water sports and also serves as an alfresco dining venue.

Surrounding the 17 m (56 ft) long swimming pool on deck 6 is a sundeck area dedicated to leisure and fitness.

The restaurants’ menus were developed in collaboration with Yannick Alléno (born 1968), a renowned French chef and restaurateur.

Below is an overview of the superyacht’s facilities and amenities by deck.

3rd Floor

La Marina is the watersports platform located at the stern. When the ship is at anchor, the platform gently unfolds and settles just inches above the water’s surface, giving guests direct access to the sea for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other marine activities.

The Marina Bar is positioned adjacent to La Marina and is described as an ideal spot to relax or enjoy sea views before or after water activities, featuring “tables that appear to float above the water.”

Forward on deck 3 are all crew and staff cabins and service facilities.

4th Floor

Les Mousses is the children’s venue (youth club), offering organized, family-friendly activities for younger guests. The space provides age-appropriate programming and supervised sessions, allowing children and teens to play, socialize, and participate in activities while parents enjoy other onboard amenities.

La Salle des Cartes is the game and card room, designed for leisure or competitive play such as chess, backgammon, poker, and blackjack. It provides a relaxed and convivial environment for socializing or friendly competition.

Le Speakeasy is a vintage-inspired cocktail bar styled after the 1930s, evoking the glamour and discreet charm of the Roaring Twenties. The atmosphere is intimate and elegant, ideal for expertly crafted cocktails and refined light bites.

Le Gymnase is the fitness and wellness center, featuring a fully equipped gym and a yoga studio with sea views.

The SPA Treatment Room is part of the Guerlain-branded wellness sanctuary, offering full-service spa and beauty treatments.

Le SPA is a 500 m2 (5,380 ft2) full-service wellness complex developed in partnership with Guerlain. Facilities include four treatment suites (one VIP double suite), a sauna, relaxation lounge, beauty salon, barber studio, fitness area, and an open-air lap pool. Treatments are inspired by the ocean and nature and designed to rejuvenate body and mind.

Le Barbier is the men’s grooming salon, providing haircuts, beard grooming, and related services as part of the broader wellness offering.

Le Salon de Beauté is the beauty salon within the wellness complex, offering hair styling, cutting, and blow-dry services in an elegant setting with panoramic sea views.

Le Tailleur provides tailoring and personal shopper services, offering custom-made garments and exclusive Orient Express-branded apparel.

La Bibliothèque is an elegant library and quiet lounge with a curated collection of approximately 1,500 books. It is served by its own bar, Le Bar de la Bibliothèque.

Le Lobby serves as the ship’s main entrance and central gathering space, setting the tone for the vessel’s refined elegance and luxury.

Le Cinéma is an intimate onboard movie theater with 24 seats, offering film screenings with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.

Le Salon de Musique is the live-music lounge, hosting concerts, recitals, and cultural events with a resident trio of musicians.

Le Cabaret is a 115-seat amphitheater inspired by classic Parisian cabarets with Art Deco elements. It hosts live performances, enrichment lectures, and also functions as a cinema.

Deck 4 also houses cabins in the Panoramique Suites category.

5th Floor

Le Wagon Bar is a sophisticated lounge inspired by the golden age of the Orient Express, serving aperitifs, cocktails, and after-dinner drinks in a luxurious setting.

La Table de l’Orient Express by Yannick Alléno is the ship’s signature fine-dining venue, offering exclusive menus that combine innovative techniques with refined French culinary traditions.

L’Encre is a seafood restaurant featuring counter seating and panoramic views, serving seafood dishes paired with wine or champagne.

Le Yacht Club is a casual bar lounge inspired by East Coast pubs, offering a relaxed atmosphere for drinks, snacks, and games.

La Piscine is the main swimming pool and sundeck area, designed for relaxation and socializing, and complemented by a 1930s-inspired staircase.

Deck 5 houses cabins in the Panoramique Suites, Panoramique Prestige Suites, Duplex Suites, Terrasse Prestige Suites, Appartement Prestige Suites, Appartement Supérieur Suites, and Appartement Suites categories.

6th Floor

Le Couloir de Nage is a 17 m (56 ft) long lap pool, offering swimming and exercise with views of the mast structure above.

Le Cellier is a reservation-only venue featuring a glass-enclosed wine cellar and curated tea counter, designed for private tastings and workshops.

L’Écrin is a seafood and ocean-inspired restaurant with panoramic ocean views, emphasizing refined Mediterranean flavors.

La Terrasse is a main fine-dining restaurant accessed via a grand double staircase, blending Art Deco and contemporary design under the culinary direction of Yannick Alléno.

L’Étrave is an open-area lounge located aft of the navigation bridge, offering cocktails and panoramic views.

Deck 6 houses cabins in the Terrasse Suites, Duplex Suites, Appartement Prestige Suites, Appartement Supérieur Suites, and Appartement Suites categories.

7th Floor

Le Flybridge is an open-air sundeck lounge with sunbeds and panoramic sea views.

La Perle is an exclusive, single-table dining venue offering highly personalized gourmet experiences and bespoke menus.

Deck 7 houses the Penthouse Suites named Zephyr, Meltem, Libeccio, Scirocco, Mistral, and the ship’s largest accommodation, the Agatha Christie Suite.

Itineraries

OE Corinthian’s itinerary program is scheduled to begin with her maiden voyage on October 12, 2026 (initially planned for June 6). The inaugural cruise is a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Lisbon (Portugal) to Bridgetown (Barbados).

From Barbados, the ship will operate mostly 2- to 9-night roundtrip itineraries between October 2026 and March 2027, visiting St Barths, Moskito Island (BVI), the Exumas (Bahamas), and Tobago Cays (Grenadines).

In line with its French heritage, Accor Cruises plans itineraries in the Mediterranean (French and Italian/Ligurian Rivieras) and the Caribbean.

European “yacht cruise” destinations are expected to include the French Riviera/Côte d’Azur ports of Marseille, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer/Nice, Monte Carlo, Saint-Florent (Corsica), as well as Italian ports such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and La Spezia (Lerici).

The sailships are also expected to call at major Greek islands (Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini) and ports in Turkey, including Istanbul.

Caribbean destinations are expected to include The Bahamas, the Netherlands Antilles, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the US and British Virgin Islands.

Accor cruise fares will be fully inclusive, covering onboard dining and beverages, crew service, gratuities, taxes, port fees, and land transfers. The company will also offer pre- and post-cruise packages combining luxury sea voyages with stays at Accor-owned hotels and resorts.

OE Corinthian cruises opened for booking in late March 2025. During the inaugural season (May through October 2026), the ship will operate itineraries in Southern Europe (Mediterranean and Adriatic) ranging from two to eight nights, with back-to-back booking options available to extend voyages.