Orient Express christened its first yacht today at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France, ushering the new cruise brand into its first season.
The 110-passenger Orient Express Corinthian was welcomed into service by four jets featuring the colors of the French flag that soared above the shipyard. In a ceremony, the shipyard's CEO officially transferred ownership of the ship to Orient Express Sailing Yacht leadership.
The ship is scheduled to depart the shipyard on May 2 for the French Riviera. It will sail the Mediterranean and Adriatic through October before transitioning to the Caribbean for the fall and winter.
The ship has solid sails and, according to Orient Express, is the largest sailing yacht in the world.
The Corinthian's sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is being fitted out and is scheduled to launch next year.