Orient Express Corinthian Sets Sail for Sea Trials in Saint-Nazaire

The Orient Express Corinthian has successfully embarked on its first sea trials, a significant milestone indicating its progress from the outfitting berth toward operational readiness. This development comes after about 18 months of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the ship’s hull and superstructure were assembled and floated out in mid-2025.

The construction process has been thorough, including the installation of three carbon masts, each reaching nearly 100 meters above the waterline. These masts are equipped to support rigid sail panels as part of the ship’s innovative wind-assisted propulsion system, derived from the SolidSail technology developed at the shipyard.

Set to debut in June 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will offer a variety of voyages, from short two-night passages to extended 14-night cruises in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Alongside this maritime progress, the brand has enhanced its digital presence by launching a redesigned platform that consolidates the Orient Express portfolio, encompassing rail, hotel, and maritime services.

This unified digital platform aims to provide a comprehensive view of the company’s offerings, reinforcing the integrated nature of the Orient Express brands. Designed to host a limited number of passengers, the ship’s voyages will reflect both traditional sailing heritage and modern cruising expectations. Following the initial trials, the ship will undergo final outfitting and certification before entering service.

For more updates about the Orient Express Corinthian, you can follow CruiseMapper for the latest news in the cruise industry.


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