In recent years, we’ve seen luxury hospitality companies increasingly getting into the cruising industry. For example, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was among the first, then we recently saw the launch of Four Seasons Yachts, and then in 2027 we’re supposed to see the launch of Aman at Sea.
There’s another luxury hotel cruising experience that’s coming soon, and I’d like to cover the details, especially in light of recent developments with some competitors. Specifically, I’m talking about Orient Express, which is known by many for its incredible luxury train journeys (well, and hotels).
Orient Express Corinthian sets sail in June 2026
Orient Express Sailing Yachts is the name of Orient Express’ new sailing venture, which is expected to carry its first passengers as of June 2026. The concept is debuting with the Orient Express Corinthian, which is described as the world’s largest sailing yacht. The 220-meter (721-foot) yacht will feature a total of 54 suites, accommodating up to 110 guests.
As it’s described, the Orient Express Corinthian will offer “a floating sanctuary of refinement.” Suites will be a minimum of 47 square meters (506 square feet), which is absolutely massive for a ship, and will feature panoramic sea views. The experience will be all-inclusive, with fares including meals, premium drinks, butler service, room service, entertainment, and much more.
Given the small size of the ship, the sheer number of dining and entertainment outlets is very impressive. Dining will include everything from La Table de l’Orient-Express by Yannick Alléno, to La Terrasse, to L’Ecrin, to Marina Bay, and beyond. The ship will have a pool, full service spa, gym, several entertainment venues, a marina, and more.
I must say, this has to be one of the classiest looking ships I’ve ever seen.
How much will Orient Express cruises cost?
Orient Express Sailing Yachts is expected to set sail as of June 2026, and it’ll sail the Mediterranean in summer, and the Caribbean in winter. You can find all the voyages here — they range from two to 14 nights, and some of the itineraries are actually rather interesting (at least given the regions), and go beyond just the major ports.
How much will these sailings cost? Orient Express rail journeys are super pricey, and the company is taking a similar approach with its cruises. You can see the price for each suite on each sailing by looking up itineraries at this link. Just to give a general sense of the pricing for entry level suites:
- A seven-night Europe cruise in September costs €36,400 per suite
- A 14-night transatlantic cruise in October costs €60,200 per suite
- A three-night Caribbean cruise in November costs €16,500 per suite
Suffice it to say that this is at the very top end of the market when it comes to cruise pricing. If you do book one of these journeys, I’d recommend using a travel advisor affiliated with the Accor Preferred program, as they can offer you some extra perks (including a credit), while paying the published cost.
Will this luxury cruising concept succeed?
Obviously the concept of luxury cruising is nothing new. However, there’s no denying that the industry is evolving a bit:
- We’re seeing luxury pushed to new levels in terms of the exclusivity of ships, the pricing, etc.
- We’re seeing cruising positioned differently; these luxury cruise lines are no longer just for rich retirees, but these cruise lines are also now targeting a younger crowd that might not typically consider cruising (at least for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, and Aman at Sea)
I recently took my first Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise, and as a non-cruiser, I have to say that I was really pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. What’s interesting is that among all of these ventures, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is by far the most reasonably priced.
After Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts is next when it comes to pricing, while Aman and Orient Express are priced at the very top of the market. This entire luxury cruise space is getting pretty saturated, I’d say, especially when you consider the amount of capacity (with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launching three ships over a few years).
I do think that Orient Express has an advantage over Four Seasons and Aman, in terms of the crowd that it’s going after:
- Orient Express is generally popular with an older crowd, and that’s also a good demographic for cruising
- Orient Express already offers non-hotel experiences, so convincing Orient Express loyalists to try a different kind of vacation shouldn’t be too difficult
Orient Express’ pricing is absolutely at the top of the market for cruising. Then again, the company’s experience also looks incredible, so that doesn’t seem that surprising. If you’re traveling even as a small group, the pricing is to the point where you can charter a pretty nice yacht for a similar price.
Bottom line
Orient Express is expanding into the cruising industry, with the launch of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and specifically, the Corinthian ship. This is described as the world’s largest sailing yacht, and I must say, it looks pretty incredible.
This concept will be launching in the coming months, debuting just shortly after Four Seasons Yachts, and shortly before Aman at Sea. It’s fascinating to see the amount of growth in the luxury cruising sector at the moment, and I’m curious to see how this all evolves.
What do you make of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and how do you think it compares to the other luxury cruise startups?