It is with immense pride that we welcomed the inaugural call of the ORIENT EXPRESS Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht and a flagship of the French maritime industry.
A two-part event: on May 10th, the traditional intimate Plaques Exchange ceremony was held aboard the vessel, in the presence of Philippe Heltand Brault, President of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, Eric Saint-Plancat, the ship’s Captain, Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the port of Marseille, as well as Jacques Hardelay and Jean-François Suhas, President and Vice-President of Cruise Marseille Provence association. On May 11th, a cocktail reception brought together numerous port stakeholders and partners to mark this historic moment at the Mucem, followed by a ship visit.
Christened on April 29th in Saint-Nazaire and launched from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique — a world reference in naval engineering — this vessel is both a technological feat and a masterpiece of French craftsmanship. Its three rigid SolidSail sails, the result of ten years of research and development, rise to over 100 meters and enable 100% wind-powered propulsion. Designed and manufactured in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire, these carbon masts are ten times stronger than conventional sails. The ship also features LNG propulsion and shore power connectivity, reflecting a firmly committed approach to ecological transition.
140 years after its legendary first trains, Orient Express is rewriting the history of luxury at sea. For just 110 passengers: 54 suites with panoramic ocean views, Art Deco interiors designed by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, exceptional gastronomy, and service worthy of the world’s finest palace hotels.
Following the Four Seasons Yacht and the Scenic Eclipse, Marseille confirms, call after call, its status as an unmissable destination for ultra-luxury cruising in the Mediterranean.
