Orient Express Corinthian Review: Inside the €27k Cruise

For over a century, the name Orient Express has been synonymous with the golden era of travel—a period defined by mahogany paneling, velvet-draped sleeper cars, crystal glassware, and an unhurried, romantic journey across Europe. Today, as high-net-worth travelers shift away from traditional mass-market luxury toward highly curated, privacy-focused ocean voyages, the iconic brand owned by Accor has officially stepped into maritime history.

Enter the Orient Express Corinthian: a 721-foot (220-meter) ultra-luxury sailing yacht that holds the distinction of being the world’s largest sailing vessel. Designed to combine the heritage of grand ocean liners with modern green technology—utilizing massive, automated wind-propulsion sails alongside hybrid power systems—the Corinthian promises an experience that blurs the lines between a private superyacht charter and a boutique resort.

Travel vlogger and luxury aviation/cruise reviewer Trek Trendy (Will and Millie) recently embarked on a 3-night Mediterranean voyage aboard the Corinthian, traveling from the historic harbor of Valletta, Malta, to Italy’s Adriatic coast and onward to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Below is a comprehensive look inside this €27,000 ($29,000+ USD) voyage, examining whether this new standard of residential luxury at sea truly lives up to its astronomical price tag.

Watch the Full Tour: Trek Trendy Onboard the Orient Express Corinthian

Before diving into our architectural and culinary breakdown, watch the complete video walkthrough by Trek Trendy below to see the ship’s spaces, fine dining services, and hidden speakeasy in action:

Seamless Arrival & Private Embarkation in Malta

Unlike standard cruise ships that require long waits, bustling terminals, and rigid boarding protocols, the Orient Express Corinthian experience begins at a private hospitality lounge. Guests checking in at Malta are hosted at the iconic Phoenicia Malta hotel overlooking Valletta. From the moment check-in formalities are completed over a drink in the club bar, luggage is whisked away directly to the guest’s suite.

A private chauffeur transfer delivers guests directly to the ship’s berth in just five minutes. Security checks are handled privately without queues, offering an immediate sense of exclusivity. Upon stepping onto Deck 3, guests are greeted by staff presenting cold, Guerlain-scented towels—setting the tone for a voyage focused heavily on bespoke sensory luxury.

The Suite Life: Inside the Apartment Superior

At 1,119 square feet (104 sq. meters), the Apartment Superior on Deck 6 transcends standard cruise suite expectations. Styled by acclaimed French architect and interior designer Maxim d’Angeac—the creative vision behind the brand’s revived train interiors—the suite feels remarkably like a residential Parisian apartment floating on water.

Interior Design & Finishings

• Living & Dining Area: A spacious central parlor equipped with a chaise lounge, fresh floral arrangements, hand-crafted sweet treats, and bespoke Loro Piana outdoor terrace furniture valued at tens of thousands of dollars per piece.
• Master Bedroom & Wardrobes: Features dedicated “his and her” dressing spaces opposite one another, complete with custom suit steamers, oversized plush slippers, and complimentary same-day laundry and pressing service.
• Italian Marble Sanctuary: The primary bathroom is fully clad in floor-to-ceiling Italian marble, featuring old-world brass fittings, a rain shower, and custom Guerlain bath products tailored exclusively for the ship.
• All-Inclusive Suite Amenities: A complimentary bottle of 2015 Veuve Clicquot champagne on arrival, a personal Swarovski binocular set for coastal viewing, a fully stocked gourmet mini-fridge with customized beverage selections, and a 24/7 dedicated butler service (handled masterfully during this voyage by butler Clayton).

The Specialty Suites: Train Heritage at Sea

For travelers seeking the absolute pinnacle of luxury, the ship offers top-tier specialty suites such as the Meltem suite. Accessible via private elevator, these multi-room penthouses feature sprawling wrap-around teak terraces, soundproof private dining rooms beneath the ship’s masts, dedicated staff quarters for personal bodyguards or body butlers, and a 1:1 scale replica train carriage cabin built directly into the living space—a homage to carriage 2761 of the original 1920s train. These specialty suites command prices up to €725,000 for a 3-night charter.

Gastronomy & Dining: Michelin Standards on the Water

Dining onboard the Orient Express Corinthian is structured around high-end French culinary craftsmanship, raw seafood bars, and intimate specialty venues.

1. Raw Seafood & Champagne Bar

Occupying a scenic indoor-outdoor deck, this venue operates on a continuous-tasting concept. Rather than selecting single main courses, guests are treated to a progressive multi-course seafood service featuring freshly shucked oysters, tuna tataki, sea-seasoned langoustines, and smoked fish tasting platters paired with chilled Grand Dame champagne.

2. Upcharge Fine Dining: Chef Yannick Alléno (€400/person)

The flagship dining room onboard is led by legendary French chef Yannick Alléno, whose land-based restaurants hold multiple Michelin stars. For an additional charge of €400 per guest, diners experience a 6-course tasting menu paired with rare wines:

• Signature Dishes: Grilled blue lobster served with ginger butter, sugar-free meringue with a subtle vinegar veil, and an exquisite A4 Wagyu beef tenderloin.
• A Touch of History: The Wagyu course is presented alongside a custom-crafted steak knife fashioned directly from metal salvaged from historic Orient Express train carriage 2761.

3. L’Italien & In-Suite Dining

For casual evenings, L’Italien serves refined pasta and regional Mediterranean dishes, including lobster casseroles and caviar-laden spaghettini. Alternatively, 24/7 in-suite dining delivers full hot breakfasts—such as Eggs Benedict and fresh viennoiserie—directly to private terraces in temperature-controlled heated trolleys.

Onboard Amenities: Hidden Speakeasies & Guerlain Wellness

Despite its sleek, yacht-like profile, the Corinthian houses several unexpected entertainment and wellness venues designed for privacy and relaxation.

   ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
   │             KEY ONBOARD SPACES & HIGHLIGHTS             │
   └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        │
        ├─► The Hidden Speakeasy
        │   └─ Accessed via a secret mirror inside the barbershop.
        │   └─ Serves vintage Macallan whiskies valued up to $60,000.
        │
        ├─► Guerlain Spa at Sea
        │   └─ The beauty house's first ocean-based thermal facility.
        │   └─ Features couple's massage suites, saunas, and steam rooms.
        │
        ├─► The Wagon Bar
        │   └─ Designed after the original 1920s Orient Express bar car.
        │
        └─► La Marina & Water Toys
            └─ Retractable lower deck platform providing direct ocean access.
            └─ Offers complimentary paddleboards, sea bobs, and tender boats.

The Verdict: Masterpiece with Minor Teething Issues

At a rate of approximately €9,000 ($9,700 USD) per night, the Orient Express Corinthian enters the market as one of the most expensive cruise products in history. How does it measure up?

Where It Excels

1. Unrivaled Hardware & Aesthetics: Traveling under true wind-power with three massive sails raised creates a quiet, majestic sailing experience impossible to replicate on motor-driven cruise ships.
2. Exquisite Interior Details: Maxim d’Angeac’s design choices, marble-clad bathrooms, and Loro Piana furnishings give the ship an authentic superyacht feel.
3. Impeccable Butler & Personal Service: Attention to detail—such as pre-stocking suite fridges with a guest’s favorite beverages—highlights the high level of personal hospitality.

Areas for Improvement

• Inflexible Opening Hours: Several key spaces, such as the upper Fly Bridge pool deck, the library bar, and the Wagon Bar, operate under unexpectedly rigid or late operating hours (e.g., the train-themed bar opening at 11:30 PM).
• Reservation Policy Gaps: The lack of a clear reservation system for non-upcharge restaurants can lead to wait times and turned-away guests, despite the vessel sailing at lower capacity (approx. 60% occupancy).

For luxury travelers, collectors, and design enthusiasts seeking an ultra-exclusive Mediterranean passage, the Orient Express Corinthian delivers an unforgettable blend of historical nostalgia and modern maritime elegance.

At a Glance: Fast Facts