Not Another Whodunit

Most people I talk with, have seen the film or read the book, The Orient Express. Who can forget Peter Ustinov jovially interviewing passengers on the most luxurious train in the world? What better representation of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot was there then David Suchet, as he solved the secret of the murder on the train. Recently, even Kenneth Branagh took a stab at solving the crime, in the snow trapped luxury train.

Soon we will have a new opportunity, not to solve a crime, but to experience the luxury, the Orient Express has become synonymous with. The Orient Express began around 140 years ago. After being extremely successful and hosting thousands of extravagant passengers, the company is breaking into new ground… or should I say water.

I am talking about the Orient Express Silensea. The very first Orient Express sailing ship, recently unveiled by French hospitality group Accor.

The 220 metre (725 feet) vessel is scheduled to set sail in the spring of 2026. The luxury liner is inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, a fitting theme for the world’s largest sailing yacht.

In luxurious tradition, there will be rooms for 120 passengers. The Orient Express Silenseas will feature 54 suites, as well as a 1,415 square metre (15,000 square foot) Presidential Suite; there will be two swimming pools, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar. There will be an amphitheater cabaret, where guests will be treated to special performances, as well as a private recording studio.

The ship will employ state of the art technology, which includes a combination of wind power and an engine fuelled by liquefied natural gas. The interior layout is being designed by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, while Stirling Design International will take on the exterior architecture. Both firms are exceptionally skilled in their fields.

This exceptional sailing yacht, with ro