Orient Express secures itself as the world’s leading innovative and revolutionary brand with the unveiling of Orient Express Silenseas, the world’s largest sailing ship. The new ship pushes the limits of design and ingenuity, with plans to set sail in 2026.

The concept of the ship stems from a unique French partnership between Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a global leading shipbuilding company. Orient Express Silenseas, inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, reflects the glamorous and glorious period when writers, painters, princesses and movie stars ventured between Monte-Carlo, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes and Croisette.

The sailing ship will include 54 suites, as well as a 15,230-square-foot presidential suite. The 720-foot-long ship also features two swimming pools, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar, all of which celebrate the art of travel as promised by the Orient Express brand.

© Maxime d’Angeac & Martin Darzacq for Orient Express, Accor

Orient Express Silenseas invites guests to enjoy shows in its amphitheater-cabaret and private recording studio. Spa treatments, meditation sessions and stopover destinations also await guests of the ship.

“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,” said Sébastien Bazin, CEO and chairman, Accor. “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 revolutionize 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.”

Utilizing a revolutionary technological design known as SolidSail, the ship uses three rigid sails, each hoisted on a balestron rig with three tilting masts to ensure up to 100 percent of the propulsion in suitable weather conditions. The hybrid propulsion formula combines wind power with a state-of-the-art engine running on liquefied natural gas. The ship also plans to use green hydrogen once the technology is approved for ocean passenger ships, allowing for a new and more environmentally friendly form of sea travel.