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Orient Lines Returns with New Ship, New Owner, and New Itineraries

By Matt Hannafin

Orient Lines

Founded by British shipping magnate Gerry Herrod in 1993, the line made its rep offering far-flung land-sea itineraries with a cultural, educational, and glitz-free focus. In 1998 Herrod sold Orient to Norwegian Cruise Line, which ran it in a quiet, hands-off fashion until mid-2007, when it announced plans to sell the company's only ship -- the venerable Marco Polo -- to Greek shipping company Global Maritime, effective March 2008. When the transfer happened, Orient quietly ceased to exist, bereft of a vessel, crew, and staff.

Enter Wayne Heller, founder of Orlando-based CruisesOnly, the nation's largest cruise seller. In early July, Heller announced that he'd bought the Orient Lines brand from NCL parent company Star Cruises Limited, and intended to find an appropriate ship, hire a crew (preferably with many of the same people who'd served aboard Marco Polo ), and relaunch the line just as it had been.

Americans just love a comeback story.

The Origins of Orient

Orient Lines' history goes back to 1991 when Gerry Herrod, who had founded Ocean Cruise Lines and then sold the venture to French company Paquet Lines, acquired the East GermanÂ?built, 1965-vintage Alexandr Pushkin from Russia's Far Eastern Shipping Company. Over the next two and a half years she was gutted and completely rebuilt, from her diesel engines and ice-strengthened hull on up, and emerged in 1993 as Marco Polo, a sturdy and graceful cruise liner mixing modern and traditional style, with the ability to sail itineraries from Europe to Antarctica.

The line built an intensely loyal clientele by offering a classic cruise experience that combined fair pricing, fantastic service, better-than-average dining, and itineraries that concentrated on less-visited ports in the Far East, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Pre- and post-cruise stays available with all itineraries allowed easy creation of a longer sea-land vacation.

Out With the Pushkin, in With the Gorky

Loyal Orient Lines passengers bemoaned the loss of Marco Polo (which is currently sailing under charter to German cruise operator Transocean Tours), but in announcing his acquisition Wayne Heller made it clear that he wanted to find a ship that was as close as possible to the line's original. He wanted a vessel "rich in history and character ... that can carry 600 to 800 passengers in great comfort and safety to all seven continents."

Mission accomplished: In late August, Heller acquired the old Maxim Gorky from Russian maritime company Sovkomflot and announced plans to refurbish her to current international safety standards and set her off on an inaugural season of European sailings beginning in April 2009.

The 24,981-ton, 650-passenger Maxim Gorky (which will be renamed Marco Polo II ) was launched in 1969 as the SS Hamburg of the German Atlantic Line, intended for mixed transatlantic and cruising service. In 1975 she was sold to the Soviet Union's Black Sea Shipping Company, which renamed her Maxim Gorky after the beloved Russian writer. She received substantial refurbishments in 1988 and 1995, but many of her interiors remain consistent with their original design. In addition to her classic good looks, Marco Polo II boasts an ice-hardened hull that will allow for exploratory voyages. Interestingly, she also operates on steam turbine power, whose relative inefficiency compared with diesel has caused it to call fall out of favor over the past 30+ years.

After the vessel completes her current charter to the Germany-based Phoenix Seereisen tour company in November, Orient plans to send her for a major dry dock that will bring her into compliance with new International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards that go into effect in 2010.

The 10-deck vessel will offer one main restaurant and a standard buffet restaurant (both serving all three meals), plus two alternative dinner venues: the French/Italian brasserie Maxim's and the Marco Polo Grill, concentrating on meats, poultry, and seafood dishes. Reservations are suggested for each, but there's no cover charge.

Public rooms will include a traditional grand salon that spans the full width of the vessel, a forward-facing observation deck, an intimate bar inspired by Harry's in Venice, a high-deck tiki lounge, a two-story cinema, a casino, and the Explorer's Club -- where, in 1989, U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met to discuss the changes that would soon lead to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. How's that for some history?

To port and starboard, traditional enclosed promenades -- a feature standard to old-time, cold-weather Atlantic liners but entirely missing on modern cruise ships -- allow passengers to lounge and take in the scenery through floor-to-ceiling windows, even in the coldest climates.

Cabins are old-school, with most having portholes instead of larger view windows. None have private balconies.

Marco Polo II 's Inaugural Season

Between April and December 2009, Marco Polo II will sail itineraries of between 11 and 37 days, visiting ports in the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Egypt, the Black Sea, Croatia, Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, and the British Isles. Some cruises begin or end with an included hotel stay in Berlin, and/or include overnight stays aboard ship in ports such as Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Lisbon, and Port Said (Egypt). Lesser-known ports included on various itineraries include Szczecin (Poland), Villagarcia and Bilbao (Spain), Bordeaux and Hornfleur (France), Murmansk (Russia), Sarande (Albania), and Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria, England).

Prices for Marco Polo's 2009 voyages start at $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including air from select North American gateway cities.

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Orient Lines History

Destination cruise specialist Orient Lines, having celebrated its 10th birthday, carries its experience-seeking guests to far-flung destinations in 2004, offering a collection of 57 separate CruiseTour itineraries sailing from the Cote d'Azur to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Russia.

The former Russian spy ship Alexandr Pushkin, a mid-size vessel with cozy nooks for quiet moments and wide, teak decks with lounge chairs for basking in the sun, also has been updated with welcome amenities including a casino, nightclub, health club, library, tea room, and more. An ice-strengthened hull makes Marco Polo ideal for Antarctic expeditions. Don�t look for all the whistles and bells of newer megaships, but do count on a very comfortable seagoing home away from home for longer itineraries.

Year entering service: 1965, (rebuilt 1991-93) Registry: The Bahamas Tonnage (GRT): 22,080 Capacity: 822 Decks: 8 Crew: 350 Officer Nationality: European Cruise / Hotel Staff Nationality: Filipino, British, American Destinations: Antarctica, Europe, Greek Isles

Ship Features

Instead of peddling beverages at the gangplank prior to shore excursions, Orient Lines believes small considerations make a big difference. Guests receive a complimentary bottles of water upon leaving for shore adventures and are greeted by a friendly smile ready to offer a cool towel and cold lemonade or iced tea upon their return.

Ship amenities Two high-speed launchs for tendering, eight inflatable Zodiac landing craft for expedition use; a helipad for helicopter use.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Entertainment Nightly shows in the 438-seat Ambassador Lounge, dancing in the Charleston Club.

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Video – grace line mid-century west indies cruise ss santa rosa.

1950s and 1960s – P&O Orient Lines Ships Served The World

Posted by: Michael Grace April 16, 2023

In the 1950’s, two of Britain’s oldest and biggest passenger shipping companies cooperated to extend their traditional Britain-Suez-Australia-New Zealand routes across the Pacific to the West Coast of North America. The new service was so successful that by the end of the decade, the missing homeward leg through the Panama Canal via Florida and the Caribbean to Britain was in place. Thus both lines had an extensive route network that completely circled the globe.

In 1960, these companies merged to create the world’s largest ocean-going passenger fleet. P&O (Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company), with 11 liners and the Orient Line with five, became known as P&O – Orient Lines . At the time, jet aircraft were carrying more passengers across the Atlantic than the shipping lines. But it would be 10 years before Boeing’s 747 “Jumbo Jet” would win over the busy UK to Australia run.

In a three year modernization program, all nine pre-WWII ships were retired. The post-war ships were refitted and completely air-conditioned: P&O ‘s Himalaya , Chusan , Arcadia and Iberia plus the Orient Line ‘s Orcades , Oronsay and Orsova . Each group had similar design and style, and all were between 24,000 and 29,000 tons, completed between 1948 and 1954.

Junior officers and passengers aboard liner sailing from the UK to Australia…

At the time of the P&O-Orient merger, each line had under construction, the biggest, fastest and most luxurious liner ever built for a service other than the North Atlantic. Orient Line contributed the 42,000-ton Oriana in 1960. At 27.5 knots, she cut the travel time to Australia to three weeks. P&O designed the flagship, 45,000-ton Canberra of 1961, slightly larger and half-a-knot less speedy.

Though not included in this study, the 13,000-ton 240-passenger cargoliners Cathay and Chitral joined the fleet in 1961. They sailed 10-week round voyages between Britain and Japan via Suez until 1970, and were sold in 1975.

This combined fleet of 11 ships soon had the reputation of being the finest outside the North Atlantic service, and P&O (“ Orient ” was dropped in October 1966) adopted the slogan: “The Biggest Bloomin’ Ships Sailing The Seven Seas”.

The RMS Arcadia was one of P&O’s great liners.

Enroute to Australia… Officer and passengers…

Cocktails aboard liner sailing from the UK to Australia.

Sailing on P&O Lines…

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At the time of their 1960 merger, the combined P&O (Peninsular and Oriental) and Orient Lines had the largest fleet of passenger ships on earth. Most notable were the ocean liners built following World War II. Orient Line contributed the Orcades , Oronsay and Orsova , some of the most modern looking liners of their day. P&O added the Himalaya , Chusan , Arcadia and Iberia , which followed the popular design of their pre-war Strath class ships with few modifications.

Air travel was making its impact on the ocean liner, and so new ideas were needed to attract passengers to travel by sea. Accordingly, the seven newer ships were refurbished and refitted with complete air-conditioning. The distinctive corn colored hulls of the Orient liners were painted tropical white to match the P&O ships. Entertainment became a major feature of the voyage.

Next, the two biggest British ships since the Cunard Queens were placed in service. Oriana was the fastest ship ever built for the Australia run, cutting the sailing time from England from four weeks to three. The slightly larger Canberra followed a similar fast schedule. With aft mounted engines and nested lifeboats low in the superstructure, it was a trendsetter offering an unusual amount of prime space for passenger facilities. They were the largest ships yet built for a service other than the North Atlantic, and the last P&O-Orient ocean liners.

The interior layout of Arcadia was typical of the P&O-Orient liners. First class occupied the forward and midship areas, including an observation lounge on Boat Deck and the library, writing room, main lounge, cinema ballroom, verandah cafe and pool bar on Promenade Deck. First class staterooms were on A, B, C and D-Decks, almost all with private bathrooms and many with two lower beds. Tourist class was located aft, with a gallery on A-Deck, dance space and verandah cafe on B-Deck and a lounge and smoking room on C-Deck. Cabins were 2, 4 and 6-berth without facilities on D, E and F-Decks. Each class had its own swimming pool on Promenade Deck and a restaurant on D-Deck.

In 1961, to replace their older ships Corfu , Carthage and Canton on the six week run from Britain to Japan via Suez, P&O-Orient Lines purchased the Belgian combination liners Baudouinville and Jadotville , renaming them Cathay and Chitral .

By 1963, the last of the pre-World War II ocean liners were retired, including P&O's Strathaird , Strathnaver , Strathmore and Stratheden as well as Orient Line's Orion and Orontes . Himalaya and Orcades were then reconfigured as all tourist class, leaving P&O-Orient Lines with an all modern fleet.

P&O-Orient Lines had created the greatest passenger ship network of all time, with their large liners calling at over 100 ports. Their main service linked Europe with Australia and New Zealand, with many sailings calling in India and the Far East as well. New routes sent P&O-Orient liners to the West Coast of North America (1954), Panama Canal and the Caribbean (1959) and Florida (1963). Their extensive cruise operation covered almost anyplace else the liner services missed. The Orient Line brand was phased out in 1966.

In the early 1970s, with the inevitable decline in point-to-point sea travel and a dramatic increase in fuel prices, P&O ceased most of its line voyages. First, the Cathay and Chitral were transferred to a P&O subsidiary in 1970 for further service between Australia and the Far East. Then they quickly retired and scrapped Iberia , Orcades , Chusan , Orsova , Himalaya and Oronsay . The Arcadia was used for both cruising and line voyages until 1979. That left only Canberra and Oriana , which were redeployed as full-time cruise ships.

Sample minimum one-way fares from Southampton to Sydney: First class $840; Tourist class $518; from Southampton to Yokohama: First class $934; Tourist class $583; from San Francisco to Southampton: First class $560; Tourist class $439; from San Francisco to Sydney: First class $504; Tourist class $405; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.

Go to P&O-Orient Lines sailing schedules or select schedules by ship below:

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Uncover the Secrets of the Orient and Far East

If you’ve ever wanted to see the Orient, or Far East for yourself, it’s a great time to go. A cruise is the most affordable way to discover the Far East, since your accommodations, inter-port transportation, and meals are included in one low price. A cruise is also an extraordinarily easy way to experience Orient and Far East destinations, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea. You’ll only have to unpack once, then sit back and relax as your ship delivers you to amazing ports. Some Orient cruises may also stop in the Arabian Peninsula, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. You’ll find thrilling Orient and Far East cruises offered by the world’s top fleets, such as Princess, Cunard, Crystal, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America.

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6 NIGHT ORIENT FAR EAST Cruise

Departing From: Singapore

Duration: 6 nights

Ship: Queen Elizabeth (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Singapore, Day At Sea, Day At Sea, Chan May (tours To Hue Or Da Nang), Vietnam, Day At Sea, Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong, China (View Itinerary)

6 Night Orient Far East Cruise

Best For: Gourmet, Honeymoon, Luxury, Ocean Cruise, Romantic, Senior, Wedding

$1,054

as little as $176.00/night

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What 's Included in my Cruise?

Your Cunard Cruise Package Includes:

• Comfortable accommodations
• Ocean transportation
• Fabulous entertainment and daily activities
• On-board meals
• Some beverages
• Port charges

​It does not include travel protection, shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, specialty dining, wifi or alcoholic beverages.​

Cunard's Health & Safety Protocols allow you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate safety.

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12 NIGHT ORIENT FAR EAST Cruise

Duration: 12 nights

Ship: Azamara Pursuit (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Singapore, , Semarang, Surabaya, , Benoa, Bali, , , , , Perth (fremantle) (View Itinerary)

12 Night Orient Far East Cruise

Best For: Gourmet, Honeymoon, Luxury, Ocean Cruise, Romantic, Senior

$2,009

as little as $167.00/night

Your Azamara Cruise Package Includes:

• Entertainment and daily activities
• Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages

It does not include travel protection, shore excursions, personal expenses and wifi.

Azamara's Health & Safety Protocols allow you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate safety.

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• Club Veranda Plus: 120 complimentary internet minutes per guest
• Suite Guests: 240 complimentary internet minutes per guest

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Complimentary Laundry Services

FREE Shuttle Service

Exclusive Offer: Up to $1,000 to Spend Onboard!

Join the voyager club members receive airport club access, concierge support, price assurance & more., join the voyager club.

Departing From: Hong Kong

Ship: Queen Anne (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Hong Kong, China, Day At Sea, Day At Sea, Phu My (tours To Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam, Day At Sea, Singapore, Singapore (View Itinerary)

$2,052

as little as $342.00/night

MAKE THE WORLD GREENER CruiseDirector and One Tree Planted are planting a tree for every passenger who sails with us.

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7 NIGHT ORIENT FAR EAST Cruise

Departing From: Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: 7 nights

Ship: AmaDara (Ship Info)

Port of Call: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Phnom Penh, Oknhatey Village, Ankgor Ban, Kampong Cham, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap (View Itinerary)

7 Night Orient Far East Cruise

Best For: Gourmet, Honeymoon, Luxury, River Cruises, Romantic, Senior

$2,080

as little as $297.00/night

Your Amawaterways Package Includes:

• Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch, dinner and happy hour, sparkling wine at breakfast, along with tea, gourmet coffee and bottled water
• At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port (all excursions included on voyages in Africa)
• Special events, such as dinner in a castle
• Bikes for passenger use
• Wellness classes
• Specialty restaurants
• Complimentary entertainment on-demand in staterooms and suites

It does not include travel protection, personal expenses, gratuities, optional shore excursions or additional alcoholic beverages.

AmaWaterways' Health & Safety Protocols allow you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate safety.

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17 NIGHT ORIENT FAR EAST Cruise

Departing From: Port Louis

Duration: 17 nights

Port of Call: Port Louis, , , , , , , Cochin, , Colombo, Hambantota, , Phuket Port, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore (View Itinerary)

17 Night Orient Far East Cruise

$2,179.

as little as $128.00/night

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Orient Express Corinthian

Former names: oe corinthian, orient express silenseas hull b36.

Cruise line Accor Cruises (Small Cruise Lines)

Specifications of Orient Express Corinthian

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Orient Express Corinthian Review

Review of orient express corinthian.

The 2016-built Orient Express Corinthian cruise ship (OE Corinthian) is a new-generation sailship currently under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard (STX France) in Saint-Nazaire .

The vessel's construction started in 2024 with the steel-cutting ceremony held on March 28th. The hull I designated B36

The vessel (IMO number 1050208) will be France- flagged (MMSI tba).

When launched in 2026, the vessel will be the world's ever-largest wind-powered sailing ship by volume/gross tonnage (26600 GT-tons). The first boat (Orient Express Corinthian) debuts in 2026-Q1, to be followed by the sistership Orient Express TBN (2027).

According to Accor, the 2-ship order with Chantiers de l'Atlantique includes an option for building two more units of the same design.

The fleet is owned by the French holding Accor SA (via the subsidiary Orient Express Silenseas) and managed under the new travel brand Accor Cruises.

Curiously, Accor also owns the famous long-distance sleeper train Orient Express (1883-built, operated until 2009). In 2017, Accor bought from SNCF (France's national state-owned railway company) a 50% stake in the Orient Express brand to launch the new luxury hotel chain Orient Express Hotels (4 properties in 2 countries/Italy and Thailand) with 282 rooms total.

In 2022, Accor and SNCF announced plans to relaunch (in 2025) the renovated/reconstructed Orient Express train (on its historical Paris-Istanbul route) as well as to introduce (in 2024) the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service (8 different Italy-based train routes). The Orient Express comprises of 17 authentic carriages (discovered in 2015 at the Małaszewicze Station/Poland-Belarus border) which in 2018 were transported to France and fully renovated as common areas (corridors, restaurant, bar) and accommodations (12 deluxe cabins plus 19 suites).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Accor Cruises (2023-founded) is a subsidiary and new cruise brand owned by Accor SA (1967-founded, Paris France -headquartered multinational hospitality company). Accor's portfolio includes fully owned and franchised hotels and resorts as well as numerous vacation properties. By total assets (EUR 11,7 billion in 2022) and Total equity (EUR 5,4 billion in 2022) Accor is ranked France's biggest and the world's 6th-largest hospitality company - following Marriott International Inc, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), Four Seasons Hotels Ltd, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

As of 2022, Accor SA operates (owns/manages) ~5300 properties in 5445 locations worldwide/110+ countries) with 800,000+ rooms. Additionally, Accor owns and manages ~10,000 F&B venues globally. In the last decade, Accor hugely invested to expand its business by acquiring numerous luxury and premium hospitality brands. Next are listed Accor's largest subsidiaries/hotel brands by the year of acquisition - 2015 (Raffles, Fairmont, Swissotel), 2017 (Banyan Tree, Rixos, 25 Hours, Angsana/Carlton), 2018 (Delano, SLS Hotels & Residences, 21c Museum Hotels, Mantis Collection/ Zambezi Queen houseboat , Movenpick/ Nile RIver hotel ships , Mantra Group's Art Series and Peppers), 2019 (Morgans Originals, Orient Express, Hyde Hotels & Residences), 2021 (Emblems Collection, Faena).

Orient Express (1884-established luxury hotel brand of Compagnie Internationale des Grands Hotels) now includes the 2024-opened Orient Express La Minerva ( Rome City ) and Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli ( Venice City ). Another hotel is under construction in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

On January 12, 2023, was announced that the Acoor Group's subsidiary Orient Express has signed a shipbuilding order with STX France for two units/sisterships of the revolutionary Silenseas sailship design. The order was signed by Sebastien Bazin (1961-born French businessman, Accor's CEO Chairman and CEO since 2013) and Laurent Castaing (STX France's Managing Director).

The ship design was developed by Maxime d'Angeac (1962-born French architect) who also redesigned Accor's train Orient Express (2025).

Each of Accor's Orient Express ships is fitted with three SolidSails (rigid sails with total area 4500 m2/48440 ft2 or 1500 m2/16145 ft2 each) mounted/hoisted on balestron rigs (sailplans comprising a boom extending forwards of and pivoted on the mast). Each of the three masts is tilting, with height 100+ m (~330 ft) to ensure max wind propulsion capacity in suitable weather conditions. The propulsion is hybrid and based on sails plus dual-fuel marine engines (model Wartsila 25DF, medium-speed, 4-stroke) running on both LNG and conventional liquid fuels (LFO/light fuel oil, HFO/heavy fuel oil, biofuels/non-toxic and sulfur-free). The ship by design is also ready for using hydrogen-based fuel cells in the future.

On October 5, 2023, was announced that the shipbuilder has contracted Wartsila Marine Power - a subsidiary of Wartsila Corporation (1834-founded, Helsinki, Finland-headquartered equipment manufacturer and service provider for the marine and energy industries) to supply both Accor Cruises' ships with Wartsila 25DF.

STX France's engine order with Wartsila was booked in May 2023 and signed by Yann Penduff (shipyard's Project Manager) and Stefan Nysjo (Wartsila Marine Power's VP of Power Supply).

Wartsila's engine equipment was slated for delivery in 2024-Q3. For FY2022, the company reported net sales of EUR 5,8 billion.

In July 2024, the shipbuilder contracted Thordon Bearings Inc (Burlington, Ontario Canada-based manufacturer) to supply Thordon COMPAC (seawater-lubricated propeller shaft system) for both Accor ships.

In late-July 2024, the shipbuilder contracted TMC Compressors ( Oslo Norway -based manufacturer) to provide (manufacture, assemble and deliver) the marine air compressors for both sailships (OE Corinthian and OE TBN). The compressed air systems comprise service and control TMC Compressors, service and control refrigerant air dryers, and a desiccant control air dryer.

In early March 2018, STX France revealed a carbon-free cruise vessel design (trademarked Silenseas) using wind as the main power source. The new wind-power technology was trialed on Ponant 's yacht Le Ponant , on which one of the existing sails was replaced and the new technology tested.

STX France's project was something never done before. The carbon-free sailship design is an alternative to the popular hybrid-powered vessels. Hydrogen and fuel cells are still expensive, plus hydrogen is not available in most ports.

The technology uses the company's patented "SolidSail" concept. The sails (total size up to 1200 m2 / 12900 ft2) are mounted on masts but without any ropes or cables. STX France's design has 3 masts and 3 rigs, with masts rotating in order to adapt the sails to the wind. The new design also features the latest hybrid propulsion technologies, combining wind with LNG/liquefied natural gas, and potentially batteries, solar panels, and fuel cells.

The sailing ship can reach speeds of 12 knots (14 mph / 22 kph) under sail in 15 knots (17 mph / 28 kph) winds. In winds over 15 knots are used the ship's propellers (driven by electric motors), acting as a turbine that draws power from the sails. On Caribbean Sea routes, the new technology could reduce propulsion energy by 60%.

STX France's sailship design was developed for 3 vessel sizes, the biggest being 15000 GT-ton with LOA length 190 m (620 ft) and 150 passenger staterooms. The French shipbuilding company started research in sail propulsion in 2009,

Silenseas has technology patents (2009 and 2017) for the new sail. The unit is made from fiberglass, carbon and epoxy-resin panels.

SolidSail system debuted on October 31, 2018, on the yacht Le Ponant. The new Solid Sail (sized 300+ m2) was constructed at Chantiers de L'Atlantique and installed in Marseille France . The 3-masted Le Ponant departed from France to Cape Verde Islands, then embarked on a Transatlantic crossing to Cuba, testing the new sail for a year.

Similar is the concept of Ecoship (to be built at Arctech Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki Finland ).

In December 2022 was announced the shipyard's first SolidSail with a carbon-fiber mast. The project was a collaboration with the Lorient -based companies Lorima (manufacturer of carbon fiber masts and spars), Avel Robotics (manufacturer of composite parts), CDK Technologies (boat building company) and Mulitplast ( Vannes -based shipbuilding company).

The carbon-fiber SolidSail mast has height 66 m/217 ft, width 2 m/7 ft and weight ~20 tons. It can carry a SolidSail sized ~1500 m2/16150 ft2.

Silenseas' SolidSail propels the world's largest wind-powered cruise vessel.

Aeoldrive (a rig comprising the mast and the SolidSail) is fully automated and 360-degree rotating, while the masts rotate/tilt up to 70 degrees to reduce air draft when the ship passes under bridges.

Each Orient Express/Accor cruise ship is equipped with 4x Wartsila 25DF/dual-fuel engines (total power output 8,28 MW/2,07 MW each at 1000 rpm/revolutions per minute). The powerplant also includes 4x Wartsila GVUs/gas valve units (controlling the gas feed pressure according to the engine load), and 4x Wartsila NOx Reducers (emission after-treatment system based on SCR/Selective Catalytic Reduction/scrubber technology).

Wartsila 25DF is a 2022-introduced dual-fuel/LNG marine engine. Wartsila 25DF is compact-sized and features a 2-stage turbocharging system and common-rail fuel injection (with combustion control) resulting in reduced fuel consumption and green-gas emissions.

Decks and Cabins

Orient Express Silenseas staterooms (54 total) are all outside, in Suite categories and with double occupancy, for max passenger capacity 108 (plus the crew/staff).

The largest accommodation is the Presidential Suite, sized 1415 m2 (15230 ft2), including interior space sized 885 m2 (9526 ft2) and a private sundeck/terrace sized 530 m2 (5700 ft2). Passenger cabins are average-sized at 70 m2 (750 ft2).

More details on cabins, as well as deck plans and facilities and amenities, are expected to be revealed gradually in the coming months.

What is known so far is that the ship has a spacious Sundeck/Lido Deck with three swimming pools (including a lap pool), an Orient Express Club Lounge & Bar, an Amphitheatre/Cabaret Lounge, two upscale restaurants, a private recording studio, a contemporary wellness complex (gym, spa, hair studio).

The Amphitheatre will also host Accor Cruises' onboard enrichment program consisting of lectures (themed on history, culture, music, arts, etc), media presentations, small-scale production shows (music and stand-up comedy acts), and will also double as Cinema/Movie Theater.

Itineraries

Traditionally for a French company, Accor Cruises ships will visit popular destinations in the Mediterranean (French and Italian/Ligurian rivieras) as well as in the Caribbean. Among Europe's "yacht cruise" ports will be French Riviera/Cote d'Azur 's Marseille , Cannes , Saint-Tropez , Toulon , Villefranche-sur-Mer/Nice , Monaco's Monte Carlo , Italy's Portofino , Santa Margherita Ligure , La Spezia . The sailships are also expected to visit the largest Greek Islands ( Naxos , Mykonos , Santorini ) as well as ports in Turkey (including Istanbul ).

Among the Caribbean island nations to be visited by Accor Cruises are The Bahamas, The Netherlands Athiles, Cuba, Dominicana, the USVI and the BVI.

Accor cruise deals will be full-inclusive (onboard food and beverages, crew, gratuities, taxes and port fees, land transfers). The company will also offer pre- and post-cruise packages to combine the luxurious sea voyage with stays in Accor-owned hotels and resorts.

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Orient Express Route

What is the route of the Orient Express?

The original Orient Express route travels from Paris across Europe through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest before arriving in Istanbul. The Orient Express sister train, the Simplon Orient Express (later known as the Direct Orient Express), also travelled a route from Paris to Istanbul, but headed south through Lausanne, Simplon, Milan, Venice, Belgrade and Sofia before arriving in Istanbul. Coming into service in 1883, all original Orient Express routes finally retired in 2009 after almost 100 years of the most famous train journeys in the world.

Where did the Orient Express travel?

The Orient Express travelled across Europe, most famously departing from Paris and heading to Istanbul. As the popularity of these journeys grew, two more Orient Express trains were brought into service offering more varied journeys to more destinations across Europe.

Orient Express Route Map (1883 – 1962)

Orient express route:.

Paris Strasbourg Munich Vienna Budapest Bucharest Istanbul

The original Orient Express route was modified over its years of service, but the general departure from Paris and destination of Istanbul remained the same. Starting service in 1883, the original Orient Express train ran this route from 1883 – 1914, 1919 – 1939 and 1945 – 1962. From 1883 until 1889, the original Orient Express route also included a connection over the Black Sea, but this was later revised. Taking passengers through the highlights of Europe, the original Orient Express route was a long voyage across numerous countries. The journeys became more and more luxurious and exclusive and a talking point among the wealthy. Anyone who was anyone took a journey on board the Orient Express for the experience, to meet the people on board and to return home with stories to tell.

Simplon Orient Express Route

Route of the simplon orient express:.

Paris Lausanne Milan Venice Belgrade Sofia Istanbul

The Simplon Orient Express came into service in 1919 and was given its name as it would travel south towards the Simplon Pass in Switzerland. Offering the same levels of luxury just on a different route, the Simplon Orient Express would head south to Lausanne on the first leg of its journey rather than east to Strasbourg like the original. The Simplon Orient Express ran this route from 1919 – 1939 and again from 1945 – 1962. It was then renamed the ‘Direct Orient Express’ and continued to run this route until retiring in 1977. It wouldn’t be until 1982 that the sister train the Venice Simplon Orient Express would take the original Orient Express route once more. Sister train, the Venice Simplon Orient Express originally ran from Paris to Venice via the Simplon Pass in Switzerland, hence its given name. It is the only train in existence that continues to follow the original route.

Arlberg Orient Express Route

Route of the arlberg orient express:.

London Calais Paris Zurich Innsbruck Vienna Budapest Bucharest Or… Belgrade Athens

You may not have heard of the Arlberg Orient Express, but it once followed a route between the Orient Express and Simplon Orient Express and headed as far as Athens, Greece. Running from 1930 – 1939 and again from 1945 – 1962, the Arlberg Orient Express offered passengers the same lavish, glamorous journey through Europe but with an entirely different view from the other two trains.

By 1962, the original Orient Express and Arlberg Orient Express had stopped running, leaving only the Simplon Orient Express. This was replaced in 1962 by a slower service called the Direct Orient Express, which ran daily cars from Paris to Belgrade, and twice weekly services from Paris to Istanbul and Athens. Not as famous as the original Orient Express, this Arlberg Orient Express route ended at either Bucharest or headed south through Belgrade to Athens. An extensive journey that would have shown passengers the very best Europe had to offer across a multitude of countries and climates. The Arlberg Orient Express was the shortest running of the original trains with just 32 years in service running this route.

Alternative modern-day routes:

Verona to Paris Verona to London* Venice to Paris Venice to London Paris to Verona Paris to Venice London to Verona London to Venice Prague to London Budapest to London

*Please note that from 2025, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will no longer be offering journeys to or from London

Experience the luxury train

LuxuryTrainTickets.com are pleased to offer a wide range of luxury train journeys across almost every luxury train in the world. Choose from a generous range of journeys throughout the year on board one of the most famous trains ever to exist and experience what life was like during the Golden Age of Travel.

We offer many other journeys across Europe. These journeys offer exceptional value and guarantee to create memories you will cherish for a lifetime. Booking through LuxuryTrainTickets.com also entitles you to our complimentary concierge service as well as regular discounts and promotions off your journey as standard.

Should Europe be out of reach, we are also pleased to offer luxury train journeys across England, Scotland, Ireland, Asia and South America. Each of these luxury sleeper trains includes a choice of exceptional cabins and all meals and any exclusive visits mentioned in your itinerary are all included in the ticket price.

As well as sleeper trains, LuxuryTrainTickets.com also offer a wealth of luxury day trip journeys across England. These day trips offer all the exceptional qualities of sleeper journeys, simply in a day-trip format without the sleeper carriages.

Should you require any additional information, have any questions about the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or any routes, or wish to book your luxury train journey, please do not hesitate to get in touch either by phone or by using the form below. We endeavour to get back to you within one working day, often sooner.

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• Chinese (Simplified)

ORIENT EXPRESS, ARTISAN OF TRAVEL SINCE 1883

Invent / reinvent.

For the past 140 years, Orient Express has been sublimating the Art of Travel with luxury trains, unique experiences and collections of rare objects. And soon the heritage of this legendary train will be transported to a collection of hotels and sailing yachts around the world. Introducing a new art de vivre, a different kind of journey that promises unforgettable moments along the way and the same destination since the beginning: to make dreams come true.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Once upon a time... There was the future Orient Express Train

Orient Express Silenseas

Stay on track....

Orient Express to open its second hotel in Italy

Steam Dream

Shop steam dream.

High-Life and its stories

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified