Ultra-select and ultra-virtuous, the largest sailing liner in the world leaves Saint-Nazaire

It will be the biggest star, by size, of the Cannes Film Festival. The Orient-Express Corinthian will leave, late in the afternoon this Saturday, May 2, Saint-Nazaire and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique where it was born for its first journey. Head to the Mediterranean and the lights of the Croisette for the liner of all superlatives: the largest sailboat in the world with its 220 m length, but also undoubtedly the most virtuous in terms of environmental impact. The hundred or so passengers spread across the 52 suites will travel in a luxury perhaps never achieved since the heyday of transatlantic ships.

The Orient Express company, relaunched by Accor in strategic partnership with LVMH – owner of Parisien – Today in France – wanted to reinvent the myth born on the rails. “Bringing Orient Express to sea is a natural part of the imagination of this legendary brand: a journey based on discovery, long-term service, excellence and elegance,” assures Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor.

Some examples? The five restaurants are supervised by Yannick Alleno, the most starred chef in the world, the SPA is by Guerlain, a butler is dedicated to each cabin. We are immersed in an atmosphere and decoration straight from the arts deco era and the 1930s, far from the classic codes of cruising. “The project was to make the most mobile hotel in the world,” emphasizes Sébastien Bazin.

6,000 euros per night for the most “modest” cabin

But beyond luxury – it costs around 6,000 euros per night for the most “modest” cabin to 200,000 euros per week for the 230 m2 Agatha Christie suite – the jewel is also at the top in terms of respect for the environment. It is the first cruise ship to be equipped with the Solid Sail sail propulsion system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The masts which rise to more than 100 m can be controlled automatically, rotated 360 degrees to reach an optimal position and tilted to pass under the world’s great bridges. The sails are not there to look pretty.

“A 15,000-ton monster, it was able to move forward at a speed of 12 knots, the speed of a merchant ship, with only 20 knots of wind,” underlines Vincent Groizeleau, editor-in-chief of Mer et Marine, a specialist in shipbuilding and cruising. This means that under favorable conditions propulsion can be done without an engine.” Even in light gusts, the sails will allow the ship to reduce its fuel consumption. It will be able to use liquefied natural biogas, which emits neither sulfur nor fine particles and makes it possible to drastically reduce carbon emissions.

“It’s a very nice showcase,” assures the specialist, “the largest sailing liner in the world with such an efficient sailing system is designed and built in Saint-Nazaire.” Artificial intelligence will also constantly monitor to detect the presence of marine mammals. And, when anchored, there will be no need for an anchor, which will preserve the seabed. Another gem of this type, the Orient Express Olympian, is being fitted out at the dock in Saint-Nazaire. It will be delivered in a year.