It’s official: Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, is now cruising the seas, marking the beginning of a new era of ocean travel. 

The 722-footer was christened at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on Thursday, after which it set sail for the French Riviera. From May to October, the ship will journey around the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic to spend the fall and winter in the Caribbean. 

A decade in the making, Corinthian is not only one of the biggest yachts on the water, but one of the most advanced, too. She is the first cruise ship to be equipped with a SolidSail propulsion system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Her three towering masts, which stand at approximately 328 feet and support over 16,000 square feet of rigid sails, can be rotated a full 360 degrees to maximize the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing efficiency. Sea trials conducted in February showed that in 20 knots of wind, Corinthian can hit 12 knots under sail alone—a first for a ship of this size, according to Orient Express. The masts can also tilt 70 degrees, making it easy for the vessel to clear low bridges. 

Corinthian can cruise silently and emissions-free using wind power alone, but the engines will kick in if more grunt is required. The hybrid propulsion system will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which produces fewer emissions than standard marine diesel. 

“For more than 160 years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era,” Laurent Castaing, CEO of the French shipyard, said in a statement. “Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of 10 years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport.”

Tech and size aside, Corinthian is an aesthetic marvel. Orient Express, founded in 1883 and part of the Accor Group since 2022, has imbued the behemoth with the old-world glitz and glamour synonymous with its famous trains. Designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d’Angeac, the lavish interiors pay tribute to the golden age of rail travel and legendary ocean liners while incorporating chic contemporary design. Every inch is a show of Gallic craftsmanship, with close to 2,000 French artisans and ateliers working on the project. 

Across her four decks are 54 suites ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet. Each one features expansive picture windows or a private terrace and is decked out with leathers, wood veneers, and marbles. All suites come with a dedicated butler, too. 

Outside the suite, Corinthian offers five restaurants and private dining rooms—all of which will be helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno—plus eight bars, including an Art Deco speakeasy and a Parisian-style cabaret hall. Other highlights include a Guerlain spa, a pool, and a marina.

Corinthian will shortly embark on her inaugural season, with a new collection of itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe scheduled for 2027. Her sister ship, Olympian, is currently being fitted out following her launch this past April and is expected to set sail next year.

Click here to see more photos of Corinthian.