Page 29 - 2025 Luxury Market Report

Luxury Market

Oyster bar aboard

“A sailboat does not move straight,” he said. “It is drift-
ing and you are moving sideways. We had to develop hull
shapes that are compliant with that; and it’s not something
you see with cruise ships.”
Testing has included not only traditional tank time, but time
in the wind tunnel as well as attention to hull appendages for
the unique ships.

innovation
Targeting the luxury market, Vautier said the company would
redefine luxury at sea.
“Everyone in the Western world knows about Orient Ex-
press,” he continued. “It used to be used by the kings in Europe
and there is so much prestige around the name.”
He expects the majority of guests to come from the U.S.,
but the brand will also source from Europe and Asia.
Those guests will demand perfect service. News is coming
soon on the level and quality of service they can expect, as
well as details on other partnerships.
Itineraries will be published soon for 2026, Vautier prom-
ised.
“The ship is only half the experience … the itinerary plan-
ning will be based on a yacht-style experience. We will have
a different approach with time, staying overnight.”
That includes negotiating with ports for more secluded an-
chorages or piers. Vautier said they do not want to be moored
alongside large cruise ships. The vessels will also come with
a new dynamic positioning system to keep them in position
in near-silent conditions.
The first of two ships, the Corinthian, is set to debut in The ships will have capacity for 108 guests each.
2026. 

Cruise Industry News: 2025 Luxury Market Report 165