Tag Archives: Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Orient Express Corinthian Completes Sea Trials

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Orient Express Corinthian Completes Sea Trials

The Orient Express Corinthian has recently completed its first sea trials ahead of its delivery, which is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.

As the first ship to be introduced by Orient Express Sailing Yachts, the 15,000-ton vessel is currently being built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Shipyard in France.

According to an update shared by the yard, the Corinthian successfully completed a series of trials of its sail propulsion systems.

Chantiers said that, solely using its sails, the ship was able to reach 12 knots in winds of 20 knots.

According to the shipyard, the speed is a first for a vessel the size of the Corinthian, which will be able to carry 108 passengers.

The 1,500-square-meter rigs rise over 100 meters and are capable of automated piloting, the yard said, allowing the ship to operate 100 percent on wind propulsion. The system can also be used to assist the ship’s LNG-powered engines.

Chantiers added that the sails have a 360-degree rotation capability, allowing for optimal sail positioning regardless of the ship’s heading or wind direction.

With a tiltable system that allows the sails to be positioned nearly horizontally, the Corinthian will also be able to easily pass under bridges.

The entire rigging has been designed, developed and manufactured in France’s Brittany and Pays de la Loire regions.

The Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to enter service in the Mediterranean ahead of the summer of 2026. Later in the year, the vessel is set to reposition to the Caribbean for a winter season.

Designed to offer an upscale product focused on sustainability and romance, the vessel will be followed by a sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian.

Also under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the ship is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

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MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have announced orders for two additional LNG World-class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – valued at US$4Bn

The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark maritime milestones for two other LNG World-class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France: the float-out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.

MSC Group executive chairman, cruise division Pierfrancesco Vago said, “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships.

“The World-class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy-efficient ships in the world, and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels. We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager Laurent Castaing added, “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional – four new ships ordered in 2025. The World-class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”

MSC Cruises’ World class consists of MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World-class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

Royal Caribbean Offers Incentives for Guests to Change Utopia Booking

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Royal Caribbean Offers Incentives for Guests to Change Utopia Booking

Royal Caribbean International is offering incentives for guests willing to change their cabin categories for the August 25, 2025, cruise onboard the Utopia of the Seas.

According to a statement, passengers may receive perks when moving their bookings for ocean view or interior staterooms.

“Ahead of our Utopia of the Seas, August 25, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements,” Royal Caribbean said.

“If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as ‘Read,’ and gear up for your upcoming adventure, although there are some pretty sweet options below,” the company continued.

Guests are being offered two options, including moving their bookings for an ocean view stateroom and receiving a 50 per cent refund of the cruise fare paid.

Passengers can also receive a 100 per cent refund of the fare paid for the booking when moving to an interior stateroom.

“We’ll move you to one of our cosy interior staterooms, and Royal Caribbean International will fully refund the cruise fare paid on your current booking, including non-refundable deposits,” the company explained.

Royal Caribbean said that the special offer, which was sent to select guests, is valid for a limited time and subject to availability.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to offer a short cruise to the Bahamas on Aug. 25, 2025.

The four-night itinerary features visits to Nassau, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private island destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the Utopia of the Seas entered service in 2024 as the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class.

The 5,714-guest vessel has operated a year-round schedule of short cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral since debuting.