Orient Express Launches A Grand Luxury Odyssey

  • Maritime Expansion: The Orient Express Corinthian launches in 2026, followed by the Orient Express Olympian in 2027, as the world’s largest luxury sailing yachts.
  • Rail Heritage Revival: A second train consisting of 17 restored 1920s carriages will enhance the brand’s historic rail offerings.
  • Venetian Landmark: The Palazzo Donà Giovannelli hotel is set to open in April 2026, featuring 47 rooms and a train-themed bar.
  • Integrated Travel Model: The brand’s strategy focuses on allowing guests to combine luxury rail, sailing, and hotel stays into a single, unified itinerary

The Orient Express is undertaking a significant expansion of its luxury hospitality portfolio, integrating rail, maritime, and land-based travel into a cohesive guest experience. Central to this growth is the introduction of a second luxury sailing yacht, the Orient Express Olympian, which is scheduled to debut in 2027. This vessel will join its sister ship, the Orient Express Corinthian, which is slated to begin its inaugural Mediterranean and Caribbean season in June 2026. These yachts represent a new frontier for the brand, utilizing innovative technology and Art Deco-inspired designs to offer a refined maritime experience.

asian architecture building on the background of a blue sky
Photo by Logan mayes on Pexels.com

In addition to its nautical ventures, the brand is doubling its rail presence by adding a second train to its collection. This new service features meticulously restored carriages dating back to the 1920s, designed to evoke the “Golden Age” of travel while providing modern comforts. This expansion allows the brand to offer more frequent and diverse itineraries across Europe’s most iconic rail routes, catering to travelers seeking historical resonance and premium service.

The brand’s land-based accommodations are also growing with the opening of the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, scheduled for April 2026. This property, housed in a 15th-century palace, serves as the second hotel in the portfolio following the opening of La Minerva in Rome. By expanding across these three platforms—trains, yachts, and hotels—Orient Express aims to offer a “trilogy” of travel. Guests can now pair bookings to create a seamless journey that transitions between land, sea, and rail, positioning the brand as a comprehensive leader in the ultra-luxury tourism market.


Daily writing prompt
What advice would you give to your teenage self?