France Floats Out World’s Largest Sail Yacht Cruise, Set to Begin Voyage in Mid-2026

The Orient Express Corinthian, the largest sail yacht cruise ship in the world, was unveiled by France in a historic milestone for luxury travel. The ship, which is 727 feet (220 meters) long and weighs 26,200 gross tons, floated out of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, last week. The opulent ship is scheduled to make its first voyage in mid-2026, and this is its official debut.

The renowned Orient Express train service and the French hospitality company Accor have partnered to create the Orient Express Corinthian. With plans to cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, this enormous yacht will house 110 passengers in 54 opulent suites. Starting in Marseille, the cruise will traverse the French and Italian Rivieras before heading across the Atlantic to the Caribbean for the winter.

The Corinthian’s inventive design is one of its distinguishing characteristics. Three tall balestron rigs, an unusual option for cruise ships, will power it. Three masts, each rising 328 feet and carrying 16,146 square feet of sail, are supported by these rigs. The sails are made to improve performance and efficiency, particularly when cruising with the wind. They can be folded down when not in use. The ship has a hybrid propulsion system that can run entirely on renewable wind energy when circumstances permit, but it also uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) when extra power is required.

Modern technologies are also integrated into the ship, including dynamic positioning technology to avoid anchoring in sensitive seabeds and AI-powered floating object detection systems to safeguard marine life. The Orient Express Corinthian also has a cutting-edge ballast water treatment system, which guarantees the ship’s environmental sustainability.

The Corinthian promises an unmatched cruising experience with its opulent suites, fine dining managed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, and a design that echoes the elegance of the renowned Orient Express train. This launch marks the beginning of a new era in luxury maritime travel, as will the sister ship Orient Express Olympian in 2027.