Orient Express Olympian

The 2027-built Orient Express Olympian cruise ship (OE Olympian) is a new-generation sailship currently under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard (STX France) in Saint-Nazaire.

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

When launched in 2027, the vessel will be the world's largest wind-powered sailing ship by volume/gross tonnage (26600 GT-tons). The first boat (OE Corinthian) debuts in 2026-Q1, to be followed by the sistership OE Olympian (2027).

According to Accor, the 2-ship order with Chantiers de l'Atlantique includes an option for building two more units of the same design.

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

Curiously, Accor also owns the famous long-distance sleeper train Orient Express (1883-built, operated until 2009). In 2017, Accor bought from SNCF (France's national state-owned railway company) a 50% stake in the Orient Express brand to launch the new luxury hotel chain Orient Express Hotels (4 properties in 2 countries/Italy and Thailand) with 282 rooms total.

In 2022, Accor and SNCF announced plans to relaunch (in 2025) the renovated/reconstructed Orient Express train (on its historical Paris-Istanbul route) as well as to introduce (in 2024) the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service (8 different Italy-based train routes). The Orient Express comprises of 17 authentic carriages (discovered in 2015 at the Małaszewicze Station/Poland-Belarus border) which in 2018 were transported to France and fully renovated as common areas (corridors, restaurant, bar) and accommodations (12 deluxe cabins plus 19 suites).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Accor Cruises (2023-founded) is a subsidiary and new cruise brand owned by Accor SA (1967-founded, Paris France-headquartered multinational hospitality company). Accor's portfolio includes fully 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 is ranked France's biggest and the world's 6th-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/manages) ~5300 properties in 5445 locations worldwide/110+ countries) with 800,000+ rooms. Additionally, Accor owns and manages ~10,000 F&B venues globally. In the last decade, Accor hugely invested to expand its business by acquiring numerous luxury and premium hospitality brands. Next are listed Accor's largest subsidiaries/hotel brands by the year of acquisition - 2015 (Raffles, Fairmont, Swissotel), 2017 (Banyan Tree, Rixos, 25 Hours, Angsana/Carlton), 2018 (Delano, SLS Hotels & Residences, 21c Museum Hotels, Mantis Collection/Zambezi Queen houseboat, Movenpick/Nile RIver hotel ships, Mantra Group's Art Series and Peppers), 2019 (Morgans Originals, Orient Express, Hyde Hotels & Residences), 2021 (Emblems Collection, Faena).

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

On January 12, 2023, was announced that the Acoor Group's subsidiary Orient Express has signed a shipbuilding order with STX France for two units/sisterships of the revolutionary Silenseas sailship design. The order was signed by Sebastien Bazin (1961-born French businessman, Accor's CEO Chairman and CEO since 2013) and Laurent Castaing (STX France's Managing Director).

Decks and Cabins

Orient Express Olympian staterooms (54 total) are all outside, in Suite categories and with double occupancy, for max passenger capacity 130 (plus the 170 crew/staff).

The largest accommodation is the Presidential Suite, sized 1415 m2 (15230 ft2), including interior space sized 885 m2 (9526 ft2) and a private sundeck/terrace sized 530 m2 (5700 ft2). Passenger cabins are average-sized at 70 m2 (750 ft2).

The passenger staterooms (except the Presidential Suite) range in size from 45 to 230 m2 (480-2475 ft2). A total of 48 cabins are situated on decks 4-5-6, and 6 premium suites are on deck 7. All feature panoramic bay windows and interior design based on premium wood, natural leather, and marble crafted by specially selected artisans.

The ship has 7 passenger-accessible decks, of which 4 have cabins.

Ship review (onboard facilities and amenities)

The superyacht has 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 Olympian has 5 dining venues and 8 bars/lounges. Entertainment includes a Parisian-inspired cabaret show, a Recording Studio, a Cinema, and a wellness complex/spa. The stern Marina Platform provides direct access to water sports activities and also doubles as an alfresco dining venue.

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

Next are reviewed the superyacht's facilities and amenities by deck.

3rd Floor

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

The Marina Bar sits right next to La Marina. It is described as the ideal spot to relax or enjoy sea views before or after water activities — with “tables that appear to float above the water.”

Forward on Deck 3 are located all staff and crew cabins and facilities.

4th Floor

Les Mousses is the children's venue (youth club) hosting organized family‑friendly activities for younger guests. It offers age‑appropriate programming and supervised activities so that kids and teens can play, socialize, or participate in fun organized sessions - giving parents a chance to explore, relax or enjoy adult‑oriented amenities on board.

La Salle des Cartes is the gameroom/card room, designed for leisurely or competitive games like chess, backgammon, poker, and blackjack. It offers a relaxed, convivial environment where guests can socialise, unwind or engage in friendly matches — a complement to the yacht's more formal dining, spa, and entertainment venues.

Le Speakeasy is a 1930s‑style, vintage‑inspired cocktail bar designed to evoke the glamour and discreet charm of the Roaring Twenties. The ambiance is elegant and intimate — think soft lighting, classic decor, and a setting ideal for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails or refined light bites in privacy and style.

Le Gymnase is the fitness and wellness center offering a fully equipped gym and a yoga studio with sea views. It is part of the yacht's wellness facilities, designed to allow guests to stay active while enjoying the views and luxury surroundings.

SPA Treatment Room is part of the Guerlain‑branded wellness sanctuary designed to deliver full‑service spa, beauty, and relaxation amenities at sea.

Le SPA is a 500‑m2 (5380-ft2) full‑service wellness complex, created in partnership with Guerlain. It embraces the "art of wellness at sea" offering a range of pampering and restorative services to guests throughout their voyage. Key features include: 4 treatment suites (one of which is a VIP double suite for couples), a gentle sauna, a relaxation lounge, a beauty salon, a barber studio, a fitness area, and a lap‑pool/"lap lane" open to the sky — all designed to combine comfort, refinement, and sea‑inspired serenity. The spa treatments are crafted as immersive experiences inspired by the ocean and nature (for example, rituals like Wave Serenity, Aqua Odyssey, "Soleil Plein Sud or Ocean Awakening) - designed to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit in harmony with the voyage.

Le Barbier is the men's grooming salon (barbershop) and one of the wellness facilities. It provides services such as haircuts, beard grooming, and blow‑drying. Le Barbier is integrated into the broader wellness offering on board (alongside spa, beauty salon, gym, etc.).

Le Salon de Beaute/Beauty Salon is part of the wellness complex. It provides refined services such as hair styling, cutting, and blow‑dry — combining elegance, comfort, and expert care with panoramic sea views. As part of the larger spa and wellness center (in partnership with Guerlain), the Salon de Beaute contributes to the ship's vision of holistic luxury travel — where grooming and well‑being are elevated to an art form.

Le Tailleur provides tailoring and personal‑shopper service, offering custom‑made clothing and exclusive Orient Express-logoed yachting apparel for guests. It provides a refined, made‑to‑measure experience on board — ideal for travellers who want elegant garments tailored for the voyage, with access to expert fitting and concierge‑style shopping.

La Bibliotheque is an elegant library and quiet lounge, offering a curated collection of roughly 1,500 books. It provides a tranquil space for reading, reflection, or relaxing with a coffee or light drink from the adjacent library bar. Serving as a calm retreat amid the more active venues, La Bibliotheque combines culture, comfort, and refined luxury, giving guests a serene option to unwind while at sea. It is served by its own bar, Le Bar de la Bibliotheque.

Le Lobby is the ship's main entrance (boarding) and central gathering space: a refined, welcoming lounge that sets the tone for the elegance and luxury found throughout the ship. Its design reflects the overall aesthetic of Orient Express — combining timeless craftsmanship, rich materials, and a sense of graceful style, offering passengers a first impression of the ship's sophisticated atmosphere. As the hub for guest arrivals, social interaction, and informal lounging, Le Lobby provides a calm, elegant public space for relaxing, meeting fellow travelers, or simply enjoying the views and ambience before setting off on the voyage.

Le Cinema is an intimate onboard movie theatre, featuring 24 seats and outfitted with plush, Orient‑Express‑style seating for maximum comfort. It offers film screenings — from new releases to timeless classics — with state‑of‑the‑art audiovisual technology, giving guests a refined cinematic experience at sea. As part of the onboard entertainment offerings, Le Cinema provides a quiet, luxurious retreat for relaxation and culture, complementing other venues like the cabaret, library, and game room.

Le Salon de Musique is the live‑music lounge featuring a resident trio of musicians and hosting a variety of cultural events such as concerts, recitals, and even auctions or social evenings. The atmosphere is refined yet inviting — a place where guests can enjoy live music in an intimate, elegant setting, making it one of the key venues for entertainment and socialising.

Le Cabaret is the entertainment/show lounge - a 115‑seat amphitheatre designed in the spirit of classic Parisian cabarets with Art Deco overtones. It offers live performances: from cabaret shows to music, dance and variety acts, giving guests a refined evening entertainment option aboard. The Amphitheatre also serves Accor Cruises' onboard enrichment program, consisting of lectures (themed on history, culture, music, arts, etc), media presentations, and small-scale production shows (music and stand-up comedy acts). The venue also doubles as a Movie Theater/Cinema.

Deck 4 houses cabins in category Panoramique Suites.

5th Floor

Le Wagon Bar is a sophisticated lounge inspired by the golden-age glamour of the original Orient Express, combining Art Nouveau and Art Deco design elements with shell-style armchairs, plush velvet upholstery, and elegant lighting. It serves as a refined space for aperitifs, cocktails, and after-dinner drinks, offering guests a luxurious atmosphere to relax and socialize.

La Table De L'Orient Express by Yannick Alleno is the signature fine‑dining restaurant curated personally by renowned chef Yannick Alleno, a multiple‑Michelin‑starred chef. The restaurant aims to deliver an “exceptional gastronomic experience,” with exclusive menus crafted as gastronomic masterpieces — combining Alleno's innovative techniques, refined French culinary art, and inspirations drawn from the landscapes and terroirs visited during the voyage. Dining at La Table promises sophistication: from top‑quality ingredients through artful plating to a refined atmosphere — making it the crowning culinary offering on board.

L'Encre is a seafood restaurant with light-filled counter seating and panoramic views. Guests can enjoy seafood dishes with wine or champagne.

Le Yacht Club is a bar lounge inspired by East Coast pubs, designed for fun, games and relaxed socializing. It offers a casual, convivial atmosphere where guests can enjoy drinks, a cold beer or a snack like a crab sandwich, while engaging in games such as darts or watching a rugby match — a laid‑back alternative to the yacht's more formal bars and dining venues.

La Piscine is the main swimming pool and sundeck - a serene poolside complex designed for relaxation, casual lounging, swimming, or enjoying a drink or tea. The pool is complemented by a 1930s‑inspired staircase and offers a refined, elegant ambiance, combining the sense of timeless glamour with modern yacht luxury. Beyond swimming or relaxing, La Piscine serves as a social hub where guests can also enjoy light fare, refreshments or cocktails — ideal for downtime between excursions or after a day at sea.

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

6th Floor

Le Couloir De Nage is a 17-m/56-ft long lap pool, offering guests a chance to swim, exercise, or relax with a unique view of the mast - giving a sense of being "in the sails". The pool is part of the broader wellbeing and leisure spaces - designed to combine the serenity of sea travel with luxury, comfort and wellness.

Le Cellier is an exclusive, reservation-only venue featuring a glass-encased wine cellar and a curated tea counter, creating an elegant space dedicated to fine vintages and rare teas. It offers an intimate atmosphere with only two tables, making it ideal for private tastings or refined, quiet gatherings. Guests can enjoy expert-led wine or tea tasting workshops, adding a cultural and sensory experience to the superyacht's luxury amenities.

L'Ecrin is the dedicated seafood and ocean-inspired restaurant, serving fresh shellfish, fish and other delicacies from the sea - all with spectacular panoramic ocean views. The venue emphasizes refined Mediterranean flavors paired with fine wines or champagne, making it the go-to spot for guests wanting an elegant, sea-facing dining experience on board.

La Terrasse is one of the main fine-dining restaurants offering gourmet cuisine in a striking, elegant setting. The dining room is accessed via a grand double staircase and blends Art Deco touches with contemporary design to create a luxurious, atmospheric space for meals. Under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno, the meals at La Terrasse are crafted with meticulous attention to quality and flavor, promising a refined, top-tier dining experience at sea.

L'Etrave is an open-area lounge located just aft of the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge. The venue is designed for cocktails and social gatherings while offering sweeping panoramic views. It serves as a refined social hub - a luxe, relaxed space ideal for drinks, conversation or casual meetings as guests sail. L'Etrave is one of the carefully curated public spaces blending elegance and comfort in the spirit of classic travel luxury.

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

7th Floor

Le Flybridge is an open‑air sundeck lounge/sunbathing space with sunbeds and panoramic sea views. It is ideal for relaxing in the sun or shade. Guests can enjoy light snacks, drinks, and the serenity of the open sea in a stylish, restful setting.

La Perle is an exclusive dining venue for a highly personalized gourmet experience. Rather than a large dining room, it offers a single‑table setting, making it ideal for private dinners or special occasions where privacy and bespoke service are prioritized. Guests dining at La Perle can enjoy dishes from the ship's gourmet kitchen (the same culinary team behind the flagship restaurant) - or request a custom‑made menu crafted to their tastes.

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

Itineraries

Traditionally for a French company, Accor Cruises ships will visit popular destinations in the Mediterranean (French and Italian/Ligurian rivieras) as well as in the Caribbean. Among Europe's "yacht cruise" ports will be French Riviera/Cote d'Azur's Marseille, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer/Nice, Monaco's Monte Carlo, Italy's Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, La Spezia. The sailships are also expected to visit the largest Greek Islands (Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini) as well as ports in Turkey (including Istanbul).

Among the Caribbean island nations to be visited by Accor Cruises are The Bahamas, The Netherlands Athiles, Cuba, Dominicana, the USVI and the BVI.

Accor cruise deals will be full-inclusive (onboard food and beverages, crew, gratuities, taxes and port fees, land transfers). The company will also offer pre- and post-cruise packages to combine the luxurious sea voyage with stays in Accor-owned hotels and resorts.