The order for the construction of two very large sailing ships is to be confirmed within the next few weeks. Orient Express Silenseas, the first ship, will be delivered in March 2026. The delivery of the second ship is scheduled for September 1st, 2027.  

 

A ship inspired by two travel icons: Normandie and the Orient Express

Orient Express Silenseas is a tribute to Normandie. Built in the 1930’ by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, legendary passenger ship Normandie was the largest, fastest, most luxurious and modern liner of its time.

The Orient Express, an international icon of train travel for over 130 years, is among the crown jewels of France’s rail legacy.

With its state-of-the-art, eco-friendly design, Orient Express Silenseas will allow Accor to offer its guests a unique experience inspired by these two travel icons.

 

An extraordinary sensation of space and a refined interior design

Orient Express Silenseas will welcome its 120 guests in around fifty suites spread over four decks with a surface ranging from 70 m2 to 1415 m2  for the monumental President Suite. Among the shipowner’s projects regarding the 220-meter long ship’s features are a double-helix staircase, a lap pool hanging between two decks, a 550 m2 spa, a marina, two restaurants, an amphitheater-cabaret, a speakeasy bar and a recording studio.

 

A revolutionary, environment-friendly ship

Orient Express Silenseas will be the world’s largest sailing ship and the most advanced cruise ship in terms of environmental friendliness. It will sail with a technological design known as “SolidSail” which was developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and will be able to ensure up to 100% of the propulsion in suitable weather conditions. The three 1500 m2 rigid sails (4 500 m2 total sail area), will be made of foldable carbon fiber panels and hoisted on balestron rigs. The three tilting masts will be over 100 meters high.  The ship’s hybrid propulsion system will combine wind power with an engine running on liquefied natural gas (LNG).