The Orient Express Corinthian has just completed the mast-raising of its three carbon masts, a step that is both technical and symbolic, signifying that the ship is taking its final shape before its official departure in the summer of 2026.
One of the most famous major nautical projects made in Accor is reaching an important milestone in its history : masting. The masts, 69 meters high with a total air draft of 100 meters above the waterline, each support a 1,500 m² rigid sail, as part of the SolidSail system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
Luxury on board
Measuring 220 meters in length, this luxury sailing ship is designed to accommodate approximately 110 to 130 passengers in 54 suites offering exceptional comfort. The suites range in size from 45 to 230 m², with an average size of around 70 m², and the presidential suite exceeding 1,400 m².
Some of the suites are duplexes with two bedrooms, accommodating up to four people, with large terraces. The interior design, led by Maxime d’Angeac, reinterprets the classic elegance of the Orient Express and the grand ocean liners of yesteryear, with particular attention paid to lighting, decorative details, artwork, textures, and the perception of space.
In terms of dining and entertainment, the ship will offer five restaurants under the direction of multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno, eight bars including a 1930s-style speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret, a cinema, a private recording studio, and a rear marina providing direct access to the sea for water sports. Wellness areas include a spa, gym, beauty salons, barber shop, lap pool, and outdoor pool.
Construction challenges
In addition to mast installation, the construction of the Corinthian required a series of complex steps : steel cutting, keel installation, hull assembly, mast assembly, SolidSail system installation, and mechanical and electrical installations.
The challenge lies in the scale : each mast must withstand significant forces, while remaining maneuverable, tiltable, and rotatable to adapt to wind and other constraints (bridges, passages, etc.). Thermal management, energy recovery, insulation, acoustic comfort, catering, well-being, and entertainment must all meet very high standards.
Under sail alone, the Orient Express Corinthian could reach speeds of 17 knots, and hybrid propulsion is planned : in addition to the sails, a dual-fuel engine running on liquefied natural gas will be used as a backup or support system depending on conditions.
Cruises will vary in length, generally from two to eight nights, allowing for extended stops in prestigious ports such as the French Riviera and Sicily. The official launch is still scheduled for summer 2026, with a first season in the Mediterranean, followed by winter cruises to the Caribbean starting in October 2026.
Read also > Orient Express : after the trains, it’s time for luxury cruises
Featured photo : © Orient Express Sailing Yachts
