The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is owned by Belmond Ltd., a luxury travel company acquired by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2018.
Originally restored by James B. Sherwood in the 1980s, this iconic train preserves the elegance of early 20th-century travel with meticulously crafted Art Deco carriages, fine dining, and service that recalls a golden age.
Today, under LVMH and Belmond, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to enchant travelers with unforgettable journeys across Europe, particularly on its famed route from London to Venice.
This article dives into the story of who owns the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, what makes it unique, and how it delivers a luxury experience like no other.
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The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train is a symbol of elegance and adventure from a golden age. This train isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about stepping back into a time when travel was a true luxury.
Back in 1982, a man named James B. Sherwood decided to bring this magic back to life.
Sherwood was a lover of luxury travel who believed that the Orient Express train could still dazzle travelers. So, he began buying original train cars from the early 1900s, carefully restoring each one to make them look just like they did nearly 100 years ago.
With polished wood, fancy fabrics, and vintage details, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train became a moving piece of history.
LVMH and Belmond
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. LVMH is a huge company in the luxury world, known for owning high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Dom Pérignon.
In 2018, LVMH decided to enter the luxury travel business by buying Belmond Ltd. for a whopping $3.2 billion. And when they bought Belmond, they also got the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Belmond is a company famous for creating luxury travel experiences, like high-end hotels and unique journeys.
For Belmond and LVMH, owning the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express was a perfect fit. With their expertise in luxury, they could keep this train’s charm alive while adding a few modern touches.
What Makes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Special?
There’s something truly magical about this train. Just imagine gliding across Europe in a train with wood-paneled walls, velvet seats, and shiny crystal lights.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express combines luxury with a unique sense of stepping back in time, making each journey feel like a piece of history.
Its main route, which goes between London and Venice, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Because of who owns the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, each journey is carefully crafted to be unique. Every detail, from the food to the décor, is meant to make passengers feel like they’ve stepped into the 1920s.
Dining on this train is also unforgettable. Top chefs prepare meals using local ingredients picked up along the way, so every bite reflects the regions the train passes through.
The Legacy of James Sherwood
While LVMH and Belmond own the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express today, we can’t forget the man who started it all.
When James Sherwood bought those original carriages, he wanted to preserve the spirit of the old Orient Express.
He restored each train car to its former beauty, giving travelers a chance to experience a piece of history.
Sherwood’s vision went beyond the train itself. He aimed to give people a taste of the elegance that defined travel in a bygone era.
Now, even though the train is now part of LVMH’s luxury empire, Sherwood’s legacy lives on — you can feel his passion in every polished surface, every comfy seat, and every carefully set table on the train.
The LVMH and Belmond Vision for the Train
With LVMH’s backing and Belmond’s focus on quality travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a luxury journey like no other.
Owning the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express fits perfectly with LVMH’s passion for craftsmanship and elegance.
Under their care, the train continues to shine as a symbol of style and history, allowing people to experience a type of travel that’s hard to find today.
Passengers aren’t just buying a ticket; they’re stepping into a dream.
Inside the Train
When you board, you’ll find two types of rooms: the Historic Cabins and the Grand Suites.
The Historic Cabins are full of old-world charm, while the Grand Suites offer even more space and luxury, along with a personal steward to attend to your needs.
Every part of the train is designed to make you feel like you’re in a classic movie set in the 1920s. You’ll find it’s the little things that make the experience: the delicate china, the velvet curtains, and the attention to detail in each cabin.
And when the train rolls through beautiful European landscapes, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.
The Route from London to Venice
The journey from London to Venice is one of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ most iconic routes, linking two cities famed for their charm and beauty.
As the train winds through picturesque landscapes, every stop reveals a unique European destination, each carefully selected for its beauty.
Honestly, the journey itself is just as remarkable as the destinations along the way with this train. And as it should be, as each moment aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is designed to make you feel the full joy of luxury travel.
Bringing Together Old and New
The beauty of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express today comes from blending the past with the present.
LVMH and Belmond keep the train’s historic charm alive while adding modern touches where it counts.
This train celebrates the past while offering a luxurious experience for a new generation of travelers.
Every journey reminds us that classic luxury never goes out of style.
Ready to Experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
At Go Luxury Cruiser, we’re here to make this journey a reality for you.
Imagine stepping into a world where vintage charm meets modern luxury, all while exploring Europe’s most beautiful cities.
With our expertise and exclusive access to luxurious travel experiences, we’ll take care of all the details.
This isn’t just any vacation. It’s a trip back to the golden age of travel. And why settle for the ordinary when you can step into a piece of history?
So, contact us today, and let’s start planning your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express adventure.
Let us make your dream of experiencing this legendary train come true!