Orient Express heralds ‘new era’ as first yacht prepares to set sail

Orient Express has hailed “a new era of travel” as its first sailing yacht is christened in France today (April 29).

Orient Express Corinthian was named today at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, following the official unveiling of the yacht yesterday (April 28).

Speaking to Aspire on board the vessel, the brand’s president of sailing yachts Philippe Heltland-Brault said: “Today is a big day, and of course we are proud.

“It’s a very big relief. To achieve such an elegant, sophisticated product in an industrial shipyard is absolutely something we can be proud of.”

He said the launch marks “the end of a long story”, as the brand first had the idea to introduce a yacht before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sébastien Bazin, Orient Express president and chief executive, added: “This is not some crazy impulse. We’ve thought about this, and wanted to resuscitate [Orient Express’] art deco vibe.”

He said the iconic rail brand wanted to expand into the hotel and yachting sectors to provide an “end-to-end experience for clients”, with Heltland-Brault adding the decision to add the cruising vertical was “logical”.

Sales for the vessel, which opened in March 2025, have been going “well, as expected” according to Bazin, with particular interest in private charters, of which five are already booked.

“Enthusiasm comes from people wanting to take the whole ship. Families wanting to celebrate birthdays or weddings, or companies who want to bring clients,” he said.

“The benefit is that guests of these people are therefore our guests, and able to discover the ship and its majesty.”

The vessel, which can accommodate a maximum of 130 guests across 54 suites, will depart from Saint-Nazaire on May 2 to travel to the French Riviera, before embarking on its maiden season in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic from May to October.

Orient Express Corinthian’s sister ship Olympian is currently being fitted also at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, with launch scheduled for April 2027.

When asked about the potential for further yachts, Bazin said: “For now we only have two orders, with no other orders for sister ships.”

A three-night sailing on Orient Express Corinthian starts at €16,500 for two people.