Beginning October 12, 2026, the world's largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, will cross the Atlantic from Lisbon to Barbados before settling into a five-month Caribbean roster of two- to nine-night cruises. Reservations are now open.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Marks Orient Express' first full warm-water program, expanding the storied brand beyond rail and Mediterranean sailings.
- Travel impact: Only 54 suites guarantee ultra-low passenger density-less than one-third of many luxury ships-raising the bar for exclusivity.
- What's next: A sister yacht enters service in 2027, signaling a multi-vessel push into boutique sailing.
- Itineraries span Saint-Barthélemy, Moskito Island, the Exumas, and Tobago Cays.
- Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno oversees five onboard restaurants.
- Hybrid wind-and-LNG propulsion aims to cut emissions up to 40 percent.
Snapshot
Orient Express Corinthian's Caribbean deployment kicks off with a 14-night wellness-focused repositioning voyage from Lisbon to Bridgetown on October 12, 2026. Through March 2027 the 722-foot, three-masted yacht will weave among turquoise lagoons, secluded coves, and UNESCO-listed reefs on sail-assisted courses timed to the trade winds. Suites range from 485 ft² to a 2 476 ft² presidential apartment, all washed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows or private terraces. Shoreside highlights include kayak safaris in the Tobago Cays Marine Park and a private-island beach soirée in the Exumas.
Background
Founded in 1883, Orient Express built its legend on rail glamour before Accor acquired the brand in 2022 and teamed with LVMH in 2024 to scale hospitality ventures. The 2026 debut of the Corinthian-constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique-extends that legacy to sea with 54 all-suite accommodations, a 115-seat Cabaret, recording studio, dual pools, and a water-level marina. Interiors by architect Maxime d'Angeac echo Art Deco liners such as Normandie while integrating modern French artisanship. The yacht's SolidSail rig and LNG backup engines target lower fuel burn and quieter operation, reinforcing Accor's decarbonization roadmap.
Latest Developments
Bookings surge for maiden Caribbean program
Less than a week after reservations opened, Accor reports "robust early demand," citing strong interest from North-American and European repeat rail guests seeking intimate warm-weather alternatives to conventional luxury cruises. Fares start around $4 800 per person for a two-night escape and exceed $45 000 for select nine-night holiday departures. Inclusions cover curated shore excursions-such as reef-restoration dives in the Grenadines-plus fine dining by chef Yannick Alléno, whose triple-Michelin-star pedigree from Pavillon Ledoyen informs menus that celebrate Caribbean terroir alongside French classics. All voyages will embark and disembark via yacht-tender to minimize infrastructure strain on smaller islands.
Analysis
Orient Express' pivot from rail icon to multi-modal luxury brand mirrors growth strategies at Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton but leverages a rarer asset: near-mythic storytelling power. By limiting capacity to 108 guests-roughly one passenger per 140 tons-Corinthian positions itself at the nexus of super-yacht exclusivity and expedition-style intimacy, an appealing proposition for aspirational cruisers disenchanted with mass-market ships. The planned hybrid propulsion underscores rising regulatory and consumer pressure for greener operations, although LNG's long-term climate profile remains contested. Competitive response will likely come from Emerald Sakara, SeaDream III, and Ritz-Carlton's Ilma, all set to ply similar waters within the same timeframe. Yet Corinthian's partnership with Alléno and its cabaret-recording-studio combo add cultural cachet not easily replicated. The Caribbean rollout also provides a stress test for Orient Express' service ethos at sea before the brand introduces its Venice and Paris hotels and relaunches its flagship Train.
Final Thoughts
For travelers who crave pedigree-rich romance without sacrificing modern sustainability goals, Orient Express Corinthian offers a compelling new way to island-hop the Caribbean. With bookings pacing swiftly and only 54 suites available per sailing, securing space early may be the only realistic path to sampling the brand's high-touch fusion of French artistry and tropical discovery. As trade winds fill Corinthian's towering sails next October, the journey promises to be as enchanting as the destinations-an evolution of Orient Express' timeless commitment to elevating every mile traveled.