The sail-powered cruise ship Orient Express Corinthian has successfully completed its propulsion tests, achieving unprecedented speeds for a vessel of its size, according to builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Set to enter service in May 2026, this 25,200 gross ton ship features 54 suites accommodating 110 passengers and employs an innovative Solid Sail system, boasting three masts and a total sail area of 4,500 square meters. It also incorporates an LNG-fueled motor, distinguishing it from its 15,000 gross ton competitors operated by Wind Star and Club Med.
During initial sea trials in December, the ship reached 12 knots under sail at a wind speed of 20 knots, marking a significant milestone for sailing vessels of this scale. Chantiers anticipates that the Orient Express Corinthian will achieve maximum speeds of up to 17 knots. Accor Group, which announced its foray into the cruise market in 2023, aims to expand its renowned Orient Express brand with this ultra-luxury offering, featuring five restaurants, private dining areas, and spacious suites ranging from 485 to nearly 2,500 square feet.
The ship’s design includes three 69-meter carbon fiber masts capable of rotating 360 degrees and tilting up to 70 degrees, allowing it to navigate under low bridges. Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been refining its sailing ship designs since 2009, with extensive testing conducted between 2016 and 2019. The Orient Express Corinthian was launched in June 2025 after four and a half months of assembly, and its sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, is scheduled for delivery in spring 2027. This new phase of ultra-luxury cruising aims to attract travelers and elevate market standards as established hotel brands enter the sector.
