Orient Express Corinthian Hits 12 Knots Under Sail in Sea Trials

Orient Express Corinthian has completed its first sea trials, marking an early milestone for the 15,000-ton vessel that is slated to enter service in 2026 as the brand’s first ship in the cruise sector. Builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique said the initial program successfully tested the yacht’s SolidSail wind-propulsion technology ahead of a planned second-quarter 2026 delivery.

Sea trials show 12 knots under sail on a 15,000-ton ship

Chantiers de l’Atlantique said the Corinthian reached 12 knots using sails alone in 20-knot winds during the first series of trials focused on sail propulsion, calling the result a first at this scale. The ship is being built in France and is designed to carry 108 passengers.

Orient Express is positioning the project as an expansion of its brand from rail and hospitality into maritime travel, with the Corinthian being billed as the world’s largest sailing yacht ahead of its debut season.

How SolidSail is designed to work at sea and in port approaches

According to the shipyard, the Corinthian’s rig consists of three masts totaling 1,500 square meters of sail area and rising more than 100 meters. The system is designed for automated piloting, with the goal of enabling operation on wind propulsion alone when conditions allow.

The shipyard also said the sails can rotate 360 degrees, allowing the rig to be positioned for efficiency regardless of heading or wind direction. Beyond wind-only operation, the sail plan is intended to support the vessel’s LNG-powered engines as part of a hybrid configuration that the builder says is aimed at reducing emissions.

A tilting capability is also built into the concept, allowing the sails to be positioned close to horizontal to help the ship pass under bridges when routing requires it. Chantiers de l’Atlantique added that the rigging was designed, developed, and manufactured in France’s Brittany and Pays de la Loire regions.

Suite-only layout and onboard venues

Orient Express Corinthian is being marketed as a small-ship luxury product with a suite-only layout. The ship is set to feature 54 suites ranging from roughly 500 to 2,500 square feet.

Public spaces and amenities highlighted by the company and shipyard include a spa partnership with Guerlain, a cabaret with seating for 115, a recording studio, two pools, and a total of 10 bars and restaurants. Culinary programming is set to be overseen by chef Yannick Alléno, whose restaurant group holds 17 Michelin stars across its portfolio.

Where Corinthian is expected to sail in 2026, and how the program expands in 2027

Chantiers de l’Atlantique has the Corinthian scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, with entry into service planned in the Mediterranean ahead of the summer 2026 season. Early itinerary descriptions for the inaugural year include sailings along the French and Italian rivieras, as well as itineraries across the Mediterranean and Adriatic, followed by a transatlantic crossing and a winter season in the Caribbean.

• 2026 debut season: The Corinthian is expected to operate in the Mediterranean ahead of summer 2026, including itineraries that include the French and Italian rivieras and broader Mediterranean and Adriatic sailings.
• Winter 2026 repositioning: After its initial Mediterranean operation, the ship is set to reposition later in 2026 for a winter season in the Caribbean, with a transatlantic crossing described as part of the inaugural-year program.
• 2027 expansion: Orient Express’ schedule calls for both ships to operate in the Mediterranean, while the Corinthian is slated to add the brand’s first Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, including calls in Greece and Türkiye.
• Olympian’s 2027 Northern Europe season: The second ship, Orient Express Olympian, is scheduled to begin with Western Mediterranean itineraries in late May 2027 before a repositioning voyage to Northern Europe in early July for cruises to the British Isles, Scandinavia, the North Sea, and the Baltic.

For Northern Europe, Orient Express has highlighted calls at Copenhagen and Honfleur, sailings that visit the Norwegian fjords and the Danish Straits, and itineraries featuring St. Malo with access to Mont-Saint-Michel. The company has also said the Olympian will offer departures from Downtown London.

A newbuild enters a crowded luxury pipeline through 2027

The Corinthian is arriving as the luxury cruise segment continues to add capacity, with an industry overview of the current luxury orderbook listing more than three dozen vessels launching through 2027. The same snapshot names additional entries such as Four Seasons I, Emerald Kaia, Explora III, and Seven Seas Prestige alongside the Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian.

With initial sea trials completed and delivery targeted for the second quarter of 2026, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has indicated the next steps for the Corinthian include further testing and completion work ahead of the ship’s Mediterranean entry into service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Orient Express Corinthian scheduled to be delivered?

Chantiers de l’Atlantique has the ship scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, with entry into service planned for the Mediterranean ahead of the summer 2026 season.

How fast did the ship go using only sails during trials?

Chantiers de l’Atlantique said the Corinthian reached 12 knots under sail alone in 20-knot winds during its initial propulsion-focused sea trials.

Where will the Corinthian operate in its inaugural season?

The ship is expected to enter service in the Mediterranean for summer 2026, including itineraries described along the French and Italian rivieras and across the Mediterranean and Adriatic, before repositioning for a winter 2026 season in the Caribbean that includes a transatlantic crossing.

What is the SolidSail system on Orient Express Corinthian?

SolidSail is the wind-propulsion system being installed on the ship. The shipyard says it features large rotating rigs with automated piloting and is designed both for wind-only operations in suitable conditions and to work alongside the vessel’s LNG-powered engines in a hybrid setup.

Where will Orient Express Olympian sail in its first season?

Orient Express said the Olympian will begin with Western Mediterranean itineraries in late May 2027 and then reposition to Northern Europe in early July for cruises to the British Isles, Scandinavia, the North Sea, and the Baltic, including highlighted calls such as Copenhagen and Honfleur.