The world's largest sailing cruise ship, the Orient Express Corinthian, was recently launched in France and is scheduled to begin its maiden voyage in mid-2026, Interesting Engineering reports.
The 220-meter-long ship is a partnership between the famous passenger rail brand Orient Express and the French hotel group Accor. The liner is designed for 110 passengers, who will be accommodated in 54 spacious suites. The ship's route will pass along the French and Italian Rivieras, as well as the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
Orient Express Corinthian features three unique ballestron masts that can be turned and tilted to make efficient use of the wind. Each mast is approximately 100 meters tall and carries 1,500 square meters of sail, which can be folded when not in use.
The liner features a hybrid propulsion system. It is powered primarily by wind power, with a backup engine powered by liquefied natural gas when needed. The vessel is also equipped with innovative technologies, including an artificial intelligence-based system for detecting floating objects, which helps avoid collisions with marine animals.
There are five restaurants on board, led by celebrity chef Yannick Alleno, who holds several Michelin stars. The interior of the liner recreates the atmosphere of the classic Orient Express, combining luxury and style.
The liner's first voyage will start from Marseille, travel through the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, and then cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean, where the ship will spend the winter season.
This project is part of a large-scale expansion of the Orient Express brand, which, after being acquired by Accor in 2022, plans to develop a network of hotels and cruise services, competing in the luxury travel segment with brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.