Orient Express, a pioneer of luxury train travel since the nineteenth century, has unveiled the world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Silenseas. According to the company, this revolution in maritime history is an ambitious undertaking that pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
The sailing ship is the result of a collaboration between Accor, the owner of Orient Express, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a French shipbuilder. This extraordinary future sailing yacht with spectacular interiors will set sail in 2026, hopefully avoiding the many environmental concerns associated with cruise ships.
The company describes the Orient Express Silenseas as a 220-meter-long ocean treasure with a tonnage of 22,300 UMS. It will be propelled by a revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ wind propulsion system coupled with a cutting-edge engine powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Once green hydrogen technology is approved for ocean passenger ships, the manufacturer intends to use it.
The SolidSail propulsion system consists of three rigid sails with a 1,500-meter surface area. Each will be hoisted on a balestron rig, with three tilting masts reaching more than 100 meters in height and capable of providing up to 100% propulsion in suitable weather conditions.
The sailing ship has 54 suites averaging 70 square meters in size, including a massive 1,415-square-meter Presidential Suite (complete with a 530-square-meter private terrace), two swimming pools, a lap pool, two restaurants, and a speakeasy bar.
In addition, the Orient Express Silenseas will host incredible shows in its Amphitheatre-Cabaret, and a private recording studio will be available for the creation of the most beautiful melodies. Spa treatments, meditation sessions, and stopover explorations to discover cultural treasures will be available to guests.
“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 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.”
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman, and CEO, of Accor