Orient Express Unveils Second Ship and Expands 2027 Cruise Itineraries
Orient Express has announced a major expansion of its maritime ambitions with the confirmation of a second luxury sailing yacht and the release of new itineraries planned for 2027. Following the debut of its inaugural vessel, Orient Express Corinthian, in 2026, the iconic brand will introduce a sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, further strengthening its presence in the ultra-luxury cruise segment.
The two ships are being conceived as near-identical sisters, both designed under the direction of Maxime d’Angeac, architect and artistic director for Orient Express. D’Angeac’s vision draws heavily on the golden age of rail travel and the grandeur of early 20th-century ocean liners, blending classic elegance with contemporary craftsmanship. The result is intended to reflect the heritage of the Orient Express name while translating it into a modern maritime setting.
Each vessel will feature 54 expansive suites, all designed to maximise space, privacy and connection to the sea. Suites will include either private terraces or large panoramic windows, reinforcing the brand’s focus on immersive, slow luxury travel rather than high-capacity cruising. With a relatively low guest count, the ships are positioned to deliver highly personalised service and an intimate onboard atmosphere.
Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to enter service in 2026, sailing a mix of Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries during its inaugural year. These early voyages are designed to introduce the brand’s new yachting concept to the market, combining refined onboard living with access to both iconic and lesser-visited destinations.
Building on that foundation, Orient Express has outlined an expanded deployment plan for 2027. During that year, the fleet will operate a series of voyages across some of Europe’s most sought-after cruising regions. Planned itineraries include sailings along the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera, as well as routes through the Adriatic. Additional journeys will explore Greece and Türkiye, alongside northern itineraries covering the United Kingdom and parts of Northern Europe.
The geographic breadth of the 2027 programme signals Orient Express’s intention to position its sailing yachts as a versatile platform capable of operating across diverse cruising environments. From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to cooler northern waters, the itineraries are designed to appeal to experienced luxury travellers seeking destination-rich journeys paired with distinctive onboard design.
The introduction of Orient Express Olympian also underscores growing confidence in the brand’s transition from rail and hospitality into maritime travel. By expanding the fleet so early in the programme, Orient Express is signalling long-term commitment to the luxury cruise market and a belief in demand for smaller, design-led ships focused on experiential travel.
With two sailing yachts now confirmed and a wide-ranging itinerary plan in place, Orient Express is positioning itself as a new but distinctive player in the high-end cruise sector, leveraging its storied heritage while redefining it for a new generation of luxury travellers at sea.
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