Elle Decor
Corinthian, the first of two new Orient Express sailing ships, will begin sailing in June 2026 through the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean. Stretching 220 meters, it’s set to claim the record for the world’s largest sailboat, unveiling a project that captivates not only with its extraordinary size, but also an unexpected aspect. Here, for the first time, the unmistakable Orient Express atmosphere won’t travel by rail, but through the sea.
Orient Express Corinthian promises to offer an unparalleled experience between dreamy atmospheres, cutting-edge technology and maximum comfort on board. To find out all the details of this unique sailing ship, we sat down for an exclusive interview with architect Maxime d’Angeac, the art director for Orient Express, who reveals the entire design process and the features that make this project so fascinating.
From trains to yachts: how did the Orient Express Corinthian project come about and what do the two modes of transportation have in common?
At the heart of both modes of transportation there’s technology at the service of travel, which is one of the distinguishing features of Orient Express. The design has to pay special attention to technical aspects, safety, vibration management, the fire resistance of materials, and other critical factors, all before looking to aesthetics, which have to be extremely elegant and sophisticated. The train and ship are technologically complex means of transportation that embody the ultimate in French luxury, a hallmark of Orient Express for more than 140 years.