The Orient Express Unveils the World’s Largest Ship, Orient Express Silenseas

140 years after its first luxury trains were launched, the Orient Express legend continues when the world's largest sailboat, Orient Express Silenseas, was unveiled.

140 years after its first luxury trains were launched, the Orient Express legend continues when the world's largest sailboat, Orient Express Silenseas, was unveiled. This historic moment in maritime history is ambitious and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. This extraordinary sailing yacht of the future will be launched in 2026 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Accor, a world leader in hospitality.

"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. This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express' history, 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 that 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."

-Sebastien Bzin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Accor.

"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. This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express' history, 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 that 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."

-Laurent Castaing, Managing Director, Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

Georges Nagelmackers embarked on the transatlantic ships that connected Europe and America in 1867. He set out on a voyage of discovery to the United States. The grandeur of these large boats fascinated Georges Nagelmackers, who founded Orient Express trains. He explored the lavish suites of wealthy travelers, which were decorated with exquisite marquetry and boasted rich and luxurious decor. He was able to experience the lively social scene at restaurants, as well as the unique atmosphere of lounges and libraries. His sea travel experiences would inspire him to launch the Orient Express in 1883.

Orient Express Silenseas is a tribute to the Golden Age of France's Riviera. It will be a tribute to the glorious era in which writers, artists and princesses spent time between Monte-Carlo and the beaches of Saint-Tropez and Cap d'Antibes. They discovered a refinedness tinged by exquisite insouciance, joie de vivre, and were invited to extreme escapades.

Orient Express Silenseas is a 220-meter long ocean treasure that weighs 22,300 UMS. It will have 54 suites measuring an average of 70-square meters. This includes a 1,415-square meter Presidential Suite, which has a private terrace of 530 square meters. There will also be two swimming pools, including a lap pool. Two restaurants and a speakeasy. This unique cruise ship will be celebrating the Art of Travel a la Orient Express. It is the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and dreams.

Orient Express Silenseas is a tribute to artists and culture. Guests will be able to enjoy spectacular shows at its Amphitheatre–Cabaret, and a private recording studio will record the most memorable melodies. The unique travel experience will be guided by the winds and include spa treatments, meditation sessions, and stopover explorations to uncover cultural treasures.

Orient Express Silenseas will use the expertise of ocean racers to sail with a new technological design called 'SolidSail.' Three rigid sails measuring 1,500m in area will be lifted on a balestron rig with three tilting masts that reach more than 100m high. This will ensure that the sails can provide up to 100% propulsion in all weather conditions. This new hybrid propulsion system will combine wind power and a state of the art engine that runs on liquefied natural gases (LNG). Green hydrogen will be used once the technology has been approved for ocean passenger vessels. It will allow sea travel to become more environmentally friendly.

Chantiers de la Atlantique's latest achievement is a sailing yacht that combines the best French talent. Maxime d'Angeac, a well-known architect, will design the interior design and decor. Stirling Design International, a Nantes-based design firm will handle the exterior architecture. Hetland Maritime assisted Accor with the creation of the project as well as in ongoing discussions with Chantiers de l'Atlantique. The whole project will be financed by commercial banks up to 70%-80%, with the rest provided by a consortium consisting of equity partners, in which Accor will hold a minority share.

 

Source: hotelnewsresource.com