The Unveiling of Orient Express Silenseas

1 40 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the unveiling of the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas. This groundbreaking vessel marks a new era in maritime history, pushing the boundaries of what is possible at sea. Born from a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a globally renowned shipbuilding company, this extraordinary sailing yacht promises spectacular interiors and is set to sail in 2026. These pioneering projects, with a staggering development cost of approximately $867 million (€800 million), are currently in advanced negotiations for funding with Dubai Holding. This strategic alliance could position Dubai Holding, closely linked to Emirati ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and managing assets around $35 billion, as the principal owner of the yacht management company, thus allowing Accor to offload these high-value assets from its balance sheet. This venture is part of a larger trend of Middle Eastern investments in the luxury and hospitality sectors, highlighting the region’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil.

“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas,” says Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor. “This exceptional sailing yacht, deeply rooted in the Orient Express’ heritage, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises. Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship, which will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams a reality, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.” Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Managing Director, Laurent Castaing, adds, “With a signed letter of intent to order two ships, we are proud to herald a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas. This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, embodies our expertise in naval architecture, the construction of sophisticated hulls, and the design of luxurious spaces. The installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-meter wind propulsion system, which we have developed and tested a prototype for, will significantly contribute to the ship’s propulsion. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will set a new standard for environmentally friendly operation and design.”

The Orient Express Silenseas is not just a ship; it is a revolution in luxury maritime travel, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technology to create an unparalleled sailing experience. The Orient Express Silenseas, a 220-meter-long marvel of the sea with a tonnage of 25,600 UMS, redefines oceanic luxury. This floating treasure will boast 53 suites, each averaging 70 square meters, crowned by an extraordinary 900-square-meter Presidential Suite. Onboard amenities include two swimming pools—one designed for laps—two exquisite restaurants and a speakeasy bar. Celebrating the Art of Travel à la Orient Express, this singular cruise ship epitomizes luxury, absolute comfort, and the stuff of dreams. With ticket prices soaring up to $21,700 per journey, the Orient Express yachts are set to offer an unprecedented blend of luxury and eco-conscious travel.

This bold move places Accor alongside other luxury brands such as Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons, all of which are making waves in the superyacht industry. This venture heralds a new era in luxury travel, seamlessly merging the historic allure of the Orient Express with the modern appeal of sustainable yachting and setting a new standard for environmentally friendly operation and design. Paying homage to artists and culture, the Orient Express Silenseas invites guests to enjoy captivating performances in its Amphitheatre-Cabaret, while a private recording studio will bring the most beautiful melodies to life. This unparalleled travel experience, guided by the winds, will feature indulgent spa treatments, serene meditation sessions, and explorations of cultural treasures at various stopovers, allowing guests to completely unplug from reality and pause time itself—a true Vivant experience. Images courtesy Orient Express.