The Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, has departed Saint-Nazaire, France, to begin its first Mediterranean season.
The launch represents a significant milestone for French shipbuilding, blending record-breaking scale with luxury cruise capabilities. The vessel is described as a source of national pride for France, showcasing the country's expertise in maritime engineering.
Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the yacht measures 722 feet in length [1]. The construction of the massive vessel required the effort of 2,000 people [2]. While the ship was inaugurated on April 29, 2024 [3], it remained at the shipyard until its scheduled departure on May 2, 2026 [4].
The vessel is now heading toward the French Riviera, specifically Marseille, to prepare for its first cruise operations. There are varying reports regarding the exact start of the inaugural season. Some sources said the Mediterranean season begins in May 2026 [5], while others said the first cruise is scheduled for June 2026 [6].
The Orient Express Corinthian is designed as a palace of the seas, intended to offer a high-end sailing experience that differs from traditional cruise ships. By utilizing sailing technology on a scale previously unseen in luxury yachts, the project aims to redefine the ultra-luxury travel market.
Following its arrival in Marseille, the yacht will serve as the flagship for a new era of sailing cruises. The project's completion marks the end of a multi-year development phase in Loire-Atlantique, moving the vessel from the industrial shipyards to the luxury tourism sector.
“The Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, has departed Saint-Nazaire”
The deployment of the Orient Express Corinthian signals a shift in the luxury cruise industry toward 'super-sailing' vessels that combine the scale of a cruise ship with the prestige of a private yacht. By leveraging French industrial capacity at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the project attempts to capture a niche market of ultra-high-net-worth travelers seeking sustainable sailing elements without sacrificing the amenities of a floating hotel.
