Where legendary travel leaves the rails and meets the open sea.
For more than a century, the Orient Express has represented the pinnacle of refined travel—an experience defined by romance, craftsmanship, and an unhurried sense of wonder. Now, that legacy is expanding far beyond rail lines. With a new slate of elite sailing itineraries set for 2027, the Orient Express is reimagining luxury travel on the open water, inviting guests to cross Europe aboard two of the most ambitious sailing yachts ever conceived: the Orient Express Corinthian and the newly announced Orient Express Olympian.
Accor Group, steward of the iconic brand, is betting on a renewed appetite for immersive, slow luxury—journeys where the voyage itself is as meaningful as the destination. And in an era of fast flights and fleeting stops, these sailing routes feel intentionally indulgent, carefully charted to showcase Europe from a fresh and deeply elegant perspective.
The Corinthian has already made headlines as the world’s largest sailing yacht, a floating statement of ambition and design. Even before its maiden voyage, the announcement of its sister ship, the Olympian, signals that Orient Express Sailing Yachts is not a one-off experiment, but a long-term vision. According to Accor Group, spring 2027 will mark a defining chapter for the brand, with new routes spanning northern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean—each designed to evoke the glamour of early ocean travel while embracing modern innovation.
These newly unveiled itineraries expand on earlier plans through the Adriatic and the Italian Riviera, stretching from sun-drenched Mediterranean ports to the cooler, dramatic coastlines of Scandinavia. One standout route begins in Piraeus, carrying guests across the Aegean Sea before arriving in Istanbul, a city where continents, cultures, and histories converge. Another itinerary departs from London and traces a northern path to Copenhagen, crossing the North Sea before looping back via Edinburgh and the striking landscapes of the Firth of Forth.
Perhaps most evocative is the northern European voyage that begins in London and concludes near Mont-Saint-Michel, blending maritime travel with storybook destinations rarely paired in a single journey. These routes are curated not just for beauty, but for rarity—offering access to ports and perspectives that feel intimate, unrepeatable, and far removed from mass-market cruising.
Luxury aboard the Corinthian and Olympian goes well beyond scale. Both yachts are designed to deliver what Accor Group describes as “rare intimacy,” despite their grandeur. Ultra-exclusive suites prioritize panoramic sea views, refined materials, and thoughtful layouts that blur the line between private retreat and floating residence. Public spaces are equally considered, crafted to encourage quiet moments, social encounters, and uninterrupted immersion in the surrounding seascape.
Dining plays a central role in shaping the onboard experience. Menus are overseen by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, whose culinary vision aligns seamlessly with the Orient Express ethos: precise, expressive, and rooted in excellence. Meals are designed to be destinations in their own right, complementing the cultural richness of each port with flavors that feel both elevated and deeply comforting.
Design is another defining pillar. Led in part by French artisans, the aesthetic of both yachts draws inspiration from the golden age of rail travel and the splendor of early ocean liners. Polished woods, elegant curves, and heritage detailing are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, resulting in interiors that feel timeless rather than nostalgic. The goal, according to Accor Group, is not to recreate the past, but to translate its spirit into a modern sailing experience that feels relevant and restrained.
Sustainability also plays a key role in the vision. Unlike conventional cruise ships, the Corinthian and Olympian are designed to follow favorable winds whenever possible, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. Each yacht is equipped with advanced environmental technologies aimed at minimizing disruption to the seas they traverse—an approach that reflects a growing expectation among luxury travelers for responsibility alongside indulgence.
What truly sets these voyages apart is their pacing. There is no rush, no overcrowded itinerary, no sense of ticking boxes. Instead, the Orient Express sailing experience is about continuity—watching coastlines shift slowly, feeling the rhythm of the sea, and rediscovering the pleasure of travel as a fully sensory experience.
With bookings expected to be highly limited, these journeys are clearly aimed at travelers who value discretion, depth, and distinction. They are not cruises in the traditional sense, but curated passages across Europe, shaped by heritage, craftsmanship, and a renewed respect for time.
As the Orient Express prepares to take its legendary name onto the water, one thing becomes clear: luxury travel’s future may lie not in going faster or farther, but in traveling beautifully.
