Recently, the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, “Orient Express Corinthian”, jointly built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and Orient Express under the Accor hotel group, was officially named.
This is the first vessel in a series of 2+2 wind-assisted propulsion luxury cruise ships ordered by Orient Express in early 2023, and it is also the world’s first cruise ship equipped with the Solid Sail wind propulsion system. This system was independently developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and first launched in 2022.
The “Orient Express Corinthian” had its steel cutting in 2024 and is planned to set sail within this year. The ship flies the French flag, is 220 meters long, and will operate in the Mediterranean during its first season. It is equipped with three rigid sails with a surface area of 1,500 square meters each, mast heights exceeding 320 feet (approximately 97.5 meters), and features fully automated operation.
Under ideal conditions, the ship can achieve 100% wind propulsion. These sails can rotate 360 degrees to maintain the optimal wind angle regardless of wind direction. The carbon fiber masts can also tilt 70 degrees, allowing the ship to easily pass under major large bridges worldwide. During sea trials in February 2026, the ship achieved a speed of 12 knots using only sail propulsion in 20-knot wind conditions, a first for a vessel of this size.
In addition to wind propulsion, the ship is equipped with an LNG hybrid power system and multiple energy-saving technologies, granting it the highest Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) rating among ships of its class, far surpassing other vessels of similar size. The ship is also equipped with an AI-assisted detection system that continuously monitors marine mammals and floating debris on the water surface to reduce collision risks; a dynamic positioning system eliminates the need for anchoring, thereby protecting the seabed ecology.
The interior design of the “Orient Express Corinthian” is inspired by the travel culture of the golden age, including the “Orient Express” train and the ocean liner era, reinterpreted in a modern minimalist style. The ship was entirely built in France, with approximately 2,000 craftsmen, artists, and studios participating in the project under the leadership of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with the overall design concept set by Maxime d’Angeac.
The ship features 54 suites, ranging in size from 45 square meters to 230 square meters, distributed across four decks. Each suite is equipped with 3.6-meter panoramic windows, and the cabin ceiling height is 25 centimeters higher than current industry standards. Interiors are crafted using leather, precious wood veneers, and marble, and each room comes with a dedicated butler service. The ship has five restaurants and private banquet halls, as well as eight bars, including an Art Deco-style speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret hall, and a recording studio. Other amenities include a spa, a 16.5-meter lap pool, a main pool, and a sea marina.
Previously, the sister ship of the “Orient Express Corinthian”, the “Orient Express Olympian”, was launched on April 17 this year and is currently undergoing outfitting work.
