A new era of luxury is setting sail in 2026, as plans for the first Orient Express ship has been announced.
140 years after the launch of its trains, the Orient Express has unveiled the future of its legacy – the Orient Express Silenseas. The announcement of the ship marks a major development in the top-shelf travel industry at a time when the popularity of cruises is at an all-time high; with all the trends suggesting this is only set to continue.
The project sees French shipbuilders Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Accor team up to create a vessel unlike any other, powered by a revolutionary 1,500 square metre wind propulsion system, and a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas.
Itineraries and interiors will be inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, when this stretch of coastline played host to writers, artists, royalty, and intellectuals inspired by the shores they stumbled upon.
The 220-metre-long boat will have 54 suites measuring an average of 70 square metres. However, the jewel in the crown, and no doubt the most sought-after suite, will be the 1,215 square metre presidential suite complete with a sprawling private terrace overlooking the waves.
Lucky travellers will be able to unwind beside two swimming pools, dine on seasonal fare across two restaurants, and sip on masterful cocktails in a speakeasy bar. Refined entertainment will be hosted in a state-of-the-art amphitheatre. Want a holiday that doesn’t get in the way of the new album? There will even be a private recording studio.
The Orient Express ship is set to sail the Mediterranean riviera in the summer, with stops including Portofino, Capri and Saint Tropez, and the Caribbean in the winter.
Regarding the upcoming launch, chairman and CEO of Accor Sébastien Bazin said, “with Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas. This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express’ history, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises. Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship that will revolutionise the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams a reality, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.”