Orient Express Corinthian: How to Combine the Legendary Train, New Hotels, and a Luxury Sailing Yacht Into One Extraordinary European Journey
When most travelers hear the name Orient Express, they immediately picture one thing: the train.
For more than 140 years, the brand has represented a very specific style of travel, one built around elegance, exceptional service, beautiful design, and the belief that the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination.
Today, that iconic name is expanding far beyond the rails.
Following a recent conversation with luxury travel specialist Eric Floyd, I had the opportunity to learn more about Orient Express Sailing Yachts and how the company is connecting its growing portfolio of experiences into one seamless European itinerary.
What fascinated me most was not simply the launch of the new yacht. It was the opportunity to combine the train, hotels, and sailing experience into one curated journey.
A New Chapter for an Iconic Brand
The first vessel in the collection, Orient Express Corinthian, officially launched this summer and introduces a completely different approach to cruising.
Rather than building another traditional mega-ship experience, the concept embraces the intimacy and personalization that have made smaller luxury vessels so appealing to travelers seeking something beyond a conventional cruise.
The yacht features:
Just 54 suites
Expansive sea views throughout the ship
Multiple restaurants and bars
A marina platform for direct access to the water
Wellness and spa facilities
An atmosphere designed to feel more like a luxury hotel than a cruise ship
The inaugural Mediterranean itineraries focus on destinations including:
The French Riviera
Monaco
Portofino
Saint-Tropez
Corsica
Cinque Terre
Venice
Adriatic sailings along the Croatian coastline
Rather than racing between major ports, the itineraries emphasize slower travel, extended stays, and the ability to experience smaller coastal destinations from a completely different perspective.
And if you've followed me for any length of time, you know I have a soft spot forsmall ships and the access to smaller ports it offers.
The Itinerary That Immediately Caught My Attention
Here's where things become especially interesting.
Imagine building an itinerary that unfolds like this:
Days 1-3: Rome
Begin at Orient Express La Minerva, the brand's newly restored luxury hotel overlooking Piazza della Minerva and just steps from the Pantheon.
Spend several days exploring Rome through food, history, and neighborhood experiences before continuing north.
Days 4-6: Venice
Travel onward to Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a restored Venetian palace overlooking the Grand Canal.
Rather than treating Venice as a quick stop, spend a few nights settling into the city, exploring its quieter neighborhoods, and embracing the slower rhythm that makes Venice so magical.
Days 7-14: Orient Express Corinthian
Then board the yacht and continue your journey across the Mediterranean.
Whether sailing through the Italian Riviera, exploring the French coastline, or venturing into the Adriatic, the transition from city hotel to sailing yacht feels remarkably natural.
And for travelers who want to fully embrace the brand's heritage, there is also the opportunity to incorporate the legendary Orient Express train experience, creating a journey that spans rail, hotel, and sea.
Why Hotel Brands Are Moving Into Yachting
This isn't happening in isolation.
Luxury hospitality brands are increasingly recognizing that travelers are seeking experiences that feel more personal and immersive.
We've already seen this movement from other iconic brands, including Aman and Four Seasons. In fact, I recently explored this trend in another article.
The lines between hotels, cruises, private residences, and experiential travel are becoming increasingly blurred.
And honestly, I think that's a very good thing.
Why This Matters for Travelers
The most exciting luxury travel experiences today aren't built around checking destinations off a list.
They're built around creating a narrative.
Instead of asking:
"How many countries can I visit?"
Travelers are increasingly asking:
"How do I want to experience this place?"
A train journey through Europe.
A historic hotel in Rome.
A Venetian palace.
A small sailing yacht exploring the Mediterranean.
That's a story.
And it's exactly the kind of itinerary I love designing.
Special thanks to Eric again for sharing an overview of the new Orient Express Sailing Yachts collection and the exciting possibilities for connecting these experiences into one unforgettable European journey.
Now, get in touch, so we can put you aboard.
