Accor launched the Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest luxury sailing yacht, on April 29, 2026 [9].

The vessel marks the hotel giant's strategic entry into the high-end cruise market. By combining maritime adventure with heritage-style hospitality, Accor intends to capture a segment of ultra-luxury travelers seeking exclusive experiences beyond traditional hotels.

Built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the yacht is designed as a floating palace [1, 3]. The vessel measures 220 meters in length and has a displacement of 15,000 tonnes [1]. Its technical specifications include a sail area of 1,500 square meters, and masts that each exceed 100 meters in height [1].

The project represents a significant financial investment, with the total cost of the yacht reported at €500 million [8]. Following its inauguration, the ship launched from Marseille and is scheduled to make a stop in Cannes as it sails the Mediterranean [3, 10].

Pricing for the experience varies significantly by source. TF1 said nightly rates are €27,000 [5], while Sud Ouest said the minimum is €6,000 per night [6]. Other reports indicate the cost can reach up to €200,000 per week [7].

The Orient Express Corinthian aims to blend the brand's legendary rail heritage with the sea, offering a level of exclusivity tailored for the world's wealthiest passengers.

“The Orient Express Corinthian is marketed as a floating palace offering ultra‑luxury cruise experiences.”

Accor's move into the luxury cruise sector with the Orient Express brand signals a diversification of its portfolio toward 'experiential luxury.' By investing €500 million into a unique asset like the world's largest sailing yacht, the company is moving away from standardized hotel rooms and toward high-margin, asset-heavy hospitality that leverages the prestige of the Orient Express name to compete with private yacht charters.