Orient Express Olympian: A New Era In Ultra-Luxury Sailing Cruises Set To Revolutionise Passenger Journeys

Published on November 23, 2025

On November 22, 2025, the cruise industry marked a major milestone when the Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed the keel for the Orient Express Olympian, the second sailing yacht of the Orient Express series. This remarkable ceremony, hosted at the renowned Saint-Nazaire shipyard, indicates that hull construction of a yacht, which is expected to set new standards for luxury cruising, is going to be next-gen travelers’ dream, is officially begun.

The Olympian is a sister ship to the Orient Express Corinthian, which will be the first of its kind to undergo sea trials later this year. Both yachts are designed to become some of the world’s largest sailing passenger ships, and their launch marks an exciting expansion of the Orient Express brand from luxury rail travel into the realm of maritime exploration.

Luxury Meets Innovation in the Orient Express Olympian

Measuring an impressive 220 meters in length, the Orient Express Olympian is poised to offer an unrivalled cruising experience. The ship will feature cutting-edge technology, including the shipyard’s SolidSail wind-assist propulsion system, which is a first for passenger cruise vessels. This groundbreaking system incorporates three tilting masts and 4,500 square meters of rigid sails, making the Olympian one of the first cruise ships to reduce its carbon footprint significantly by utilising wind power.

The yacht will operate primarily using wind power under favourable conditions, supplemented by hybrid LNG propulsion, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The combination of clean energy solutions is expected to offer a smoother, quieter, and environmentally friendly journey, providing a completely new experience for passengers.

This innovative propulsion technology could redefine cruising by enabling yachts to travel at speeds of up to 17 knots purely under sail, which will not only offer an exhilarating sailing experience but also contribute to the vessel’s sustainability objectives. Experts within the sailing community are collaborating to optimise itineraries for the Olympian, ensuring it sails in areas where the wind conditions provide the best possible performance.

Elevating the Passenger Experience

For the tourists and passengers aboard the Orient Express Olympian, the experience is set to be unlike any other. The ship’s design is centred around providing ultra-luxury accommodations and services that align with the sophistication and heritage of the Orient Express brand.

The luxurious interiors of the Olympian will echo the opulence of the brand’s famed rail cars, with an emphasis on comfort, elegance, and personalised service. Guests will have access to private suites, fine dining experiences, and curated excursions tailored to their interests. Every detail of the vessel has been crafted with the discerning traveler in mind, from the high-end spa to the bespoke entertainment offerings.

Moreover, the ship will feature cutting-edge safety technologies, such as an AI marine mammal detection system, designed to prevent accidents by alerting the crew to the presence of whales or dolphins in the ship’s path. This proactive approach to safety is just one of the ways the Olympian promises to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for its passengers.

Impact on the Future of Cruising

The Orient Express Olympian represents more than just a new vessel; it is a leap forward in the way luxury cruising will be experienced in the future. By merging the sophistication of the Orient Express brand with the latest maritime technology, this yacht sets a new standard for both luxury and environmental responsibility within the cruise industry.

The implementation of sustainable technologies, such as the SolidSail system, AI safety features, and dynamic positioning to protect delicate seabeds, offers a glimpse of a future where cruising and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. These innovations will likely set the stage for other cruise operators to embrace similar solutions, encouraging greater sustainability across the industry.

Passengers will benefit from the unique combination of luxurious travel experiences and the environmental benefits of a wind-assisted propulsion system. With increasing awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of travel, the Orient Express Olympian offers passengers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey while also contributing to a greener future.

The Journey Begins in 2027

Scheduled for delivery in spring 2027, the Orient Express Olympian will embark on its maiden voyages shortly after, offering exclusive journeys to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Itineraries are being designed to provide travelers with an exceptional cruising experience that blends the best of maritime heritage, cutting-edge technology, and luxury service.

The Olympian and its sister ship, the Corinthian, are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of cruising, with the potential to redefine how luxury passengers experience travel at sea. For those fortunate enough to board these magnificent vessels, the experience will offer a journey like no other, a blend of adventure, relaxation, and sustainability on the high seas.

As the keel-laying ceremony at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard marked the beginning of this incredible voyage, one thing is certain: the future of luxury cruising is set to sail into a new and greener horizon. For passengers looking to experience the pinnacle of cruising luxury, the Orient Express Olympian promises to be the ultimate destination in itself.

What Next?

The Orient Express Olympian is mixing up the luxury of the highest plateau with the innovations of sustainable travel, thus establishing new norms for classy sailing. The exceptional ship is ready to provide trips that can possibly determine the future of cruising, whether you are a luxury lover or a person seeking adventures.