It seems the luxurious Orient Express isn’t just returning to the rails next year; it is also charting a bold new course across the world’s oceans. The Orient Express Silenseas superyacht aims to bring the same elegance, sophistication, and exclusivity that have defined the brand for over a century, offering passengers a truly unique maritime experience.
At 220 metres long, the Silenseas is set to become the largest sailing yacht in the world, surpassing all existing vessels in length and scale. With just 54 suites, the yacht offers a level of privacy and personalised service that far surpasses most traditional cruise ships. Each suite has been meticulously designed to blend classic luxury with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of the French Riviera. The jewel in the crown is the Presidential Suite, featuring a private terrace, expansive living spaces, and bespoke furnishings that evoke the elegance of Orient Express train carriages brought to life at sea.
Life onboard is a celebration of leisure and indulgence. The Silenseas boasts two swimming pools, allowing passengers to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the sea. Culinary experiences take centre stage, with two fine-dining restaurants serving menus inspired by the regions visited. Guests can sip cocktails in a speakeasy-style bar, catch performances in the amphitheatre-cabaret, or take advantage of the private recording studio, a rare feature on any yacht. The on-board spa offers rejuvenating treatments, while water sports facilities provide opportunities for adventure during stops at tropical destinations.
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What makes the Silenseas particularly remarkable is the marriage of luxury with sustainability. Its three towering SolidSail rigs, each over 300 feet high, allow the yacht to travel primarily under wind power, combining grandeur with eco-conscious innovation A hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) complements the sails, enabling efficient, eco-conscious cruising. These innovative features ensure that passengers can enjoy a luxurious voyage while reducing environmental impact, an increasingly important consideration in the world of high-end travel.
The yacht is designed not just as transportation, but as a destination in itself. Every detail, from interior design to the selection of materials, lighting, and textures, has been carefully considered to provide an immersive experience. Staff are trained to deliver service on par with the finest hotels, offering guests tailored experiences, whether it’s a private dinner on deck, bespoke excursions, or personalised wellness programmes. The maiden season is scheduled to commence in June 2026, beginning in the Mediterranean. Passengers can expect to visit iconic coastal destinations such as the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, and the Adriatic Sea, experiencing both the glamour of historic ports and the serenity of secluded coves. In the winter months, the Silenseas will transition to the Caribbean, offering 14-night transatlantic voyages and island-hopping itineraries to sun-soaked locations, combining adventure with comfort and luxury.
Beyond its physical attributes, the Orient Express Silenseas represents the evolution of the brand itself. Known for creating journeys that are as much about the experience as the destination, the Orient Express has extended this philosophy to the seas. Passengers are not simply transported from port to port; they are immersed in a journey where every aspect, from dining to entertainment to excursions, has been curated to reflect the elegance, refinement, and attention to detail the brand is celebrated for.
The Silenseas is expected to appeal to a new generation of travellers: those who value exclusivity, comfort, and exceptional service, while also seeking sustainable and innovative travel experiences. It combines heritage with cutting-edge technology, offering a luxurious and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cruising. For those accustomed to the legendary Orient Express train, the Silenseas provides a similar sense of discovery, anticipation, and indulgence, only on a global scale. It promises a voyage where the journey itself is as memorable as the destinations, and where guests can experience a lifestyle once reserved for royalty and the elite. In a travel landscape increasingly dominated by large cruise liners, the Orient Express Silenseas stands apart as a beacon of personalised, refined, and sustainable luxury. For travellers eager to experience elegance on the open water, it is set to become the ultimate high-seas escape when it sets sail next year.
