In recent years, we’ve seen luxury hospitality companies increasingly getting into the cruising industry. For example, I’ve covered Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, plus the upcoming launches of Four Seasons Yachts and Aman at Sea.
Several OMAAT readers have brought another new concept to my attention, which I figure is worth covering. Orient Express is known by many for its incredible luxury train journeys (well, and hotels), but the company will soon be taking to the seas as well…
In this post:
Orient Express Corinthian sets sail in 2026
Orient Express Sailing Yachts is the name of Orient Express’ new sailing venture, which is expected to carry its first passengers as of the middle of 2026. The concept will be kicking off with the Orient Express Corinthian, which is described as the world’s largest sailing yacht. The 220-meter (721-foot) yacht will feature a total of 54 suites, accommodating up to 110 guests.
As it’s described, the Orient Express Corinthian will offer “a floating sanctuary of refinement.” Suites will be a minimum of 47 square meters (506 square feet), which is absolutely massive for a ship, and will feature panoramic sea views. The experience will be all-inclusive, with fares including meals, premium drinks, butler service, room service, entertainment, and much more.
Given the small size of the ship, the sheer number of dining and entertainment outlets is very impressive. Dining will include everything from La Table de l’Orient-Express by Yannick Alléno, to La Terrasse, to L’Ecrin, to Marina Bay, and beyond. The ship will have a pool, full service spa, gym, several entertainment venues, a marina, and more.
I must say, this has to be one of the classiest looking ships I’ve ever seen.
How much will Orient Express cruises cost?
Orient Express Sailing Yachts is expected to set sail as of June 2026, and it’ll sail the Mediterranean in summer, and the Caribbean in winter. You can find all the voyages here — they range from two to 14 nights, and some of the itineraries are actually rather interesting (at least given the regions), and go beyond just the major ports.
So, how much will these sailings cost? Orient Express rail journeys are super pricey, and the company is taking a similar approach with its cruises. You can see the price for each suite on each sailing by looking up itineraries at this link. Just to give a general sense of the pricing for entry level suites:
- A seven-night Europe cruise in September costs €36,400 per suite
- A 14-night transatlantic cruise in October costs €60,200 per suite
- A three-night Caribbean cruise in November costs €16,500 per suite
Suffice it to say that this is at the very top end of the market when it comes to cruise pricing. If you do book one of these journeys, I’d recommend using a travel advisor, as they should be able to offer you some extra perks, while paying the published cost.
Will this luxury cruising concept succeed?
Obviously the concept of luxury cruising is nothing new. However, there’s no denying that the industry is evolving a bit:
- We’re seeing luxury pushed to new levels in terms of the exclusivity of ships, the pricing, etc.
- We’re seeing cruising positioned differently; these luxury cruise lines are no longer just for rich retirees, but these cruise lines are also now targeting a younger crowd that might not typically consider cruising (at least for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, and Aman at Sea)
In recent years, we saw Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launch, and based on what we know, the financial performance has left a bit to be desired. And that was before the cruise line expanded to three ships, and it’s before Four Seasons, Orient Express, and Aman, also get into the industry.
I do think that Orient Express has an advantage over Four Seasons and Aman, in terms of the crowd that it’s going after:
- Orient Express is generally popular with an older crowd, and that’s also a good demographic for cruising
- Orient Express already offers non-hotel experiences, so convincing Orient Express loyalists to try a different kind of vacation shouldn’t be too difficult
Orient Express’ pricing is absolutely at the top of the market for cruising. Then again, the company’s experience also looks incredible, so that doesn’t seem that surprising.
Bottom line
Orient Express will be expanding into the cruising industry in 2026, with the launch of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and specifically, the Corinthian ship. This is described as the world’s largest sailing yacht, and I must say, it looks pretty incredible.
It’s fascinating to see the amount of growth in the luxury cruising sector at the moment, and I’m curious to see how this all evolves.
What do you make of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and how do you think it compares to the other luxury cruise startups?
The ship itself seems to set them apart from the competition. I think they're the only one with actual sails (apparently some type of solid sail technology, though they are retractable). Not that I'm in their market, but I'd think if the goal is to be seen, then this ship at least stands out.
And half the afternoon the pool is in the shade.
They name it after Corinth, but don't even sail to Greece...
Pricing of these Cruises has to take in the cost of chartering a Yacht as competition, a family looking into AMAN or FS and OE might be better off from a pricing standpoint, chartering their own yacht, plus you get the flexibility of going to where you want to go and when.
These Cruises make sense for a couple and maybe a small family,
Finally, the only cruise where the term “sailors” is somewhat correct.
To all the non cruisers who will say "I would never pay that for a cruise" you've clearly never priced out a similarly sized suite on Celebrity Retreat or any small luxury expedition ship.
And you're absolutely correct. I wouldn't waste a week's worth of PTO on being trapped on a big boat even if you paid me
Yea but on an expedition ship I’m going to Antarctica. These destinations are basic.