I spent four nights aboard Orient Express Sailing Yachts' new Corinthian, and came away blown away by the suites, food, and service.
Wait a sec . Does the article really write : 25,000 Euros per NIGHT ? And the lowest ones are 4,000 to 5,000 per NIGHT ? Those must really be FUN nights ? Extreme fares = greed ?
@ Alert -- That's correct. The top suite has 2,400 square feet of interior space, and 2,000 square feet of exterior space.
Ben , An adventurer could go around the entire world for less than 25,000 Euros total . All that suite square feet will enable pax to smell the sweet aromas of the Orient & Calcutta .
@Alert
People pay that much to not have people like you near them.
The 0.1% doesn't pay for those sqft to stay in. They pay to keep you out.
This is like you staying at a Marriott instead of Motel 6.
If it doesn't strike you as a value proposition, Alert, then you're not in their key customer demo, and that's OK.
Appreciate the review, interesting to see. But for a tenth of the price per night, and for great good and service on a sailing yacht style ship, I'd take Windstar instead who are the pros at this and don't excessively overcharge for trading on a brand name. Or Ponants recently refurbished sailing yacht
@ Rob -- I hear you, and that's totally fair. I think the market they're going after isn't the crowd of people who say "I want to make the absolute most of X amount of money, how much travel can I get out of that?" Instead, they're going after the crowd that says "I only have X amount of time and I want the best, regardless of what it costs." Fortunately given the small size of the ship, I think that's also a market that can nicely be tapped into.
@Ben
I tried explaining that so many times.
IYKYK.
That's why they have only 50 suites in a world with over 8 billion people.
Ben, are you considering reviewing any of the more mainstream luxury cruise lines like Regent or Oceania?
@ phillytraveler -- Yes! I'm working on itineraries on Regent, Silversea, Explora, Ponant, etc., but it'll take me a little while to get through all of them. 🙂
Excellent news. Regent tends to be the best regarded of those you have listed. I'm a foodie who values that above all else which is why Oceania also intrigues me even though it's a slight tier down from a Regent or Silversea overall as they have the reputation for having the best food at sea.
Silversea was a let down. Good very mediocre. Too many people said "it's gone downhill since royal Caribbean took over".
I am looking forward to the reviews of some mid range cruises too. I would never enjoy the Las Vegas like giant ships, but a more boutique but affordable (compared to this Orient Express cruise) could be worthwhile to try. More “business” than “first’ class 😉
Given that you're a self-proclaimed "completionist", Ben, I have no doubt you will!
Don't overlook Seabourn Ben. Just finished a Silversea cruise (it was excellent) but they did nickle and dime you for the specialty restaurants, most of which were not worth the upcharge.
You REALLY need to include SeaDream in that list. Their order ships are approximately the same size as the Corinthian (110 guests) and they have a new ship coming. The service we encountered was on the same level of OE, but definitely not as stuffy - more refined and relaxed. They went to smaller, more intimate locations away from the mega ships, so each port experience was tailored to the individual guest as well. We loved it!
I am truly amazed that some people are willing to pay over $20,000+ for a four night cruise having taken many myself. I must be different because my money does not want to purchase something that is gone in four days, no matter the level of luxury.
I recently spent a similar sum on a luxury item, a Rolex, - my third - so its not a question of affordability its - why would you waste so much money? My Rolexes will last a lifetime and appreciate in value.
We know luxury travel costs, but I thought this blog is about using miles and points so we don't have to waste money so something that represents such poor value?
@ Bailey -- I hear you, and that's really sensible. But we also have to acknowledge the reality that there are hotels in Europe that charge $5K per night in summer that one can not even get a reservation at, unless you're an existing guest (like Hotel du Cap Eden Roc). So while I might not be the target market for this, it doesn't mean that there aren't a lot of people who are interested in something like this.
Regarding the blog content, I've long tried to highlight both the good deals to be had (like redeeming miles & points, or even my cheap Air Algerie business class ticket on the outbound), as well as the very top end of travel, like Air France La Premiere and Etihad The Residence, even if those aren't necessarily "value" produts.
I hear you Lucky, and yes I know some hotel suites cost tens of thousands a night. Looking back on the many years of luxury travel I have to ask would I spend this much cash on all the first class flights on CX, LH, Etihad I have done using points? No. Its been great but I would never pay these amounts even though I can.
Luxury travel at full price is available to all. Most people are here for a reason so I just dont get anyone spending money on something that represents a terrible value - just my opinion.
If only you earn 250k+ daily, their Rolex is like your Casio to them. Sure some Rolex appreciates, so does a vintage G-Shock.
It's about affordability, otherwise you wouldn't buy something mass produced like a Rolex.
While I agree, this blog is shifting away from what it was a decade ago.
Why are you still here?
"My Rolexes will last a lifetime and appreciate in value." - Someone has been drinking the Koolaid! Hate to break it to you, but this has not been true for quite a while... It is only true if you have a special/limited edition. For that amount of money, I suppose it may be but to counterpoint your original question - to each their own. You love watches, other people love travel. The memories undeniably last a life time.
That is not my experience. My first purchase over 20 years ago was actually a JLC reverso. It has appreciated. My second was a 16233 that has doubled since then. My 16520 Panda was purchased in Singapore using my miles and points to travel there and has almost doubled too. My recent is a Pepsi since they discontinued it. Some people walk into an AD and dont know what they are doing. Do your due diligence.
According to market research there is a lot more growth in the market for luxury experiences rather than luxury goods. Of course the market for luxury goods is larger and also still growing but at a much smaller pace than that for experientiel luxury. Wait until Aman at Sea joins this market. Their prices will even be higher than those of FS and OE.
I think that some people value experiences a bit differently than things. Each to their own, of course. I love experiences (and things, too!) because I get to have the dream, do the research (which I love, especially when I'm on the hunt for points redemptions), anticipate the trip while waiting for it to happen, actually have the experience, and then have the memories and photos to savor (especially having shared this all with people important to me).
"Value" is a very individual thing. There are plenty of people with the money to take these very expensive trips, or even to charter the entire vessel for a special occasion. The cost of a week-long charter pales into insignificance when compared with the cost of buying and operating a private yacht of the same standard.
Such a cool-looking vessel (cruise ship with sails). Thank you for doing these reviews, Ben, because I'm not expecting to get to do anything like this anytime soon, if ever. "If money is no object (or you're willing to splurge)"... bah!
Can you talk about how Ford learned German? Did he take a class or use an app?
@ Ms. Jenna -- Ford loves languages, so learning them is his passion. He started with an app, and then went to Goethe-Institut Berlin. We also talk mostly German at home, so that helps. 🙂
Glad to hear you loved it! My boss was on this inaugural too and also loved it. I find this to be the best looking of these new luxury cruise ships ("yachts"). The added benefit of this one is they have great itineraries that pair with their trains and hotels too (which have also been getting great feedback).
Ben- looking online looks like entry for 3 Caribbean nights is $15,900 incl taxes. I assume you need to tip. Can you share that approximate cost? Also, can a 10 year old child join in the entry level room? Any kids activities?
@ Ni -- There's no expectation to tip on Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and officially, tips are included. Many people will still leave their butler or housekeepers something, but we're talking about a fairly small amount, and not anything in the thousands.
You're never handed a check for anything, except for spa treatments or the specialty restaurant, where there is the option to add a tip.
Regarding families, Orient Express notes that children up to the age of 15 are allowed on designated family voyages only, so you'll want to make sure you're looking at an eligible one. It does seem possible for a child to share a suite with parents, but you'll want to check with your travel advisor or Orient Express directly.
There's even a kids club onboard (I'll have pictures in the full review), and on family voyages, there are some activities specifically for kids as well. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Great info! For the family voyage do you know approx additional for 10 year old?
Ben, what was the itinerary for stops?
@ Jimmy’s Travel Report -- The itinerary as such wasn't that exciting, since this was basically the slow start of the transatlantic repositioning, and Orient Express lets you "chunk" different itineraries together. We sailed from Marseille to Malaga with a stop in Menorca. We were in Menorca for 28 hours, and spent the rest of the time sailing. Honestly, that was great, since the goal was to enjoy the ship anyway.
No handrails in the hallways? That must make walking challenging during rough seas.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts selected V.Ships Leisure to manage its two yachts, providing crew, technical and hotel management. Indeed, Florian Richard, fleet director of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, added: "V.Ships Leisure shares our commitment to excellence and our vision for a refined, sustainable travel experience.' Per Bjornsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure said,"'Our role is much more than a ship manager,' he said. 'By working in close partnership with our clients, building a strategic and collaborative relationship, we are providing real value and impact. At a time when the industry is getting more and more complex, we have the agility to support small and medium-sized companies in the hospitality space, whilst providing the scale of a global business.' I think when a supplier outsources some operations to a third party, it's insightful to know just hoe responsibilities are shared. Curious also, do you or Ford know the status of future bookings and whether occupancy looks to improve over the coming months or might it be held back, not by pricing per se but the conflict in the Middle East?
This is the first time I've ever been tempted to take a cruise!
I have been a reader of this blog for a long time, and have seen it devolve into "OneFordReferralAtaTime." It's just too much, honestly. The worst are these outrageously expensive free trips that get turned into a referral for Ford plus a big e-BJ for the company that paid for the trip. The thin "all opinions are my own" line doesn't mask the enormous conflict of interest. Congrats on getting the free trips, but spare us the constant "use Ford! Use Ford!! USE FORD!!!" and stop delivering these paid testimonials masquerading as legitimate "reviews."
Why wouldn’t Ben promote his husband’s business? You know that you’re free to leave at any time…
Um, because Ben claims to be a neutral blogger with no ulterior motives giving unbiased opinions and advice. Constantly shilling for his partner is a huge conflict of interest, as is accepting hugely valuable free trips and then claiming it had no bearing on the review. I'm not saying it's not a free internet, just re-brand as OneFordReviewAtaTime and state clearly that the blogger does not publish unbiased opinions and that all advice is really for the blogger's direct benefit as it is of the funding company. The fact that my post received twice as many "hearts" as any other suggests I'm not alone in this opinion. This used to be a good blog. Now it's just a shill for Ford, the sponsoring companies, and every credit card under the sun.
What a lovely adventure for both you and Ford to be on! So happy for you and especially to read your wonderful review. I’m looking forward to your follow-up remarks promised. Bravo!
Did something odd happen to that photo of the pool at the back?
The pouffes are cut off. Or are the interior boards mirrors?
I would be in that lap pool daily!