Looks like it’s on its way to a great experience.
One hundred and forty years after the debut of its first luxury trains, Orient Express launches its first cruise, inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera.
The ship, named Orient Express Silenseas, will make its maiden voyage in 2026 and will be “the world’s largest sailing ship” with a length of 220 meters and a gross tonnage of 22,300.
Promising to be an “extraordinary yacht of the future” with “spectacular” interiors including two swimming pools, speakeasy bar and dedicated recording studio.
The Orient Express launches its first ever cruise – Orient Express Silenseas, a luxury ship inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera
According to a statement, the luxury train brand has its origins in the sea. It states that the founder of the Orient Express, Georges Nagelmackers, sailed on transatlantic ships to the United States in 1867 and was “fascinated by the grandeur” of these large boats.
After exploring the luxurious travel suites and experiencing the social life in the restaurants and the atmosphere of the lounges, libraries and entertainment venues, he was inspired to start the Orient Express train in 1883.
In this new chapter in the history of the Orient Express, the “legendary train” sails in a collaboration between the French hotel brand Accor and the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
A statement said: “Orient Express Silenseas will reflect the glorious era when writers, artists, painters, princesses and movie stars spent time between Monte-Carlo, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes and its famous Croisette and discover a sophistication imbued with refined light-heartedness and joie de vivre that invites extreme escapades.’
The dazzling features on board the ship, due to launch in 2026, include two swimming pools, a speakeasy bar and an on-site recording studio
The vessel will have a total of 54 suites with an average size of 70 square meters. These include a “monumental” presidential suite that spans 1,415 square feet (15,230 square meters) and has a private terrace of 530 square feet (5,704 square meters).
The two swimming pools on board include a lap pool, and after a swim, passengers can retire to the ship’s two restaurants for an evening of fine dining.
The amphitheater cabaret offers “incredible” evening entertainment, while the recording studio strives to “give voice to the most beautiful tunes”.
Days can be spent with spa treatments, meditation sessions and excursions that invite you to discover “cultural treasures that allow guests to completely disconnect from reality.”
The statement adds: “The unique vessel will celebrate the art of travel a la Orient Express: the essence of luxury, absolute comfort and dream.”
Dubbed the ‘true yacht of the future’, the ship’s interior is designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac, while French design firm Stirling Design International is responsible for the exterior architecture.
There will be a total of 54 suites on the vessel, including a “monumental” presidential suite that will span 1,415 square meters (15,230 square feet).
The ship will sail with a technology design called “SolidSail”. Three rigid sails, each 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) high, are hoisted on a rig, with three tilting masts reaching more than 100 meters (328 feet) high, providing up to 100 percent propulsion in suitable weather conditions.
This hybrid propulsion formula combines wind power with an engine running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and plans to use green hydrogen once the technology is approved for ocean-going passenger ships, a statement said.
Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, said: “With Orient Express Silenseas, we open a new chapter in our history, bringing the experience and excellence of luxury travel to the world’s most beautiful seas. Rooted in the history of the Orient Express, this exceptional yacht offers unparalleled service and refined design spaces reminiscent of the golden age of mythical sailing. Innovation is at the heart of this modern vessel that will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams come true, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.”
The French company Accor is restoring 17 original Orient Express carriages, formerly known as the “Nostalgia Istanbul Orient Express”. Above is a look at the recently unveiled Presidential Suite that will occupy one of the carriages
The carriages of the “Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express” date from the 1920s to 1930s, a new service will be launched in Paris in 2024
Laurent Castaing, Managing Director of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “With a signed memorandum of understanding to order two ships, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is proud to join forces with Silenseas to usher in a new era in the shipbuilding industry. This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, is the core of our savoir-faire in naval architecture, the construction of sophisticated hulls and the design of luxurious spaces.”
The announcement comes after the unveiling of stunning designs for the revamped interior of an Orient Express train, which is being restored to its former glory by Accor, with a new service due to launch in Paris in 2024. The 17 original Orient Express carriages – formerly known as the “Nostalgia Istanbul Orient Express” – date from the 1920s to 1930s.
When launched, it will not be the only Orient Express train to transport passengers across Europe – the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has operated on various routes since 1982, and the Orient-Express La Dolce Vita will early start working in 2024. through Italy and on to Paris and Istanbul.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
