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Explore one of the most exclusive places on earth with Orion. These are not cruises they are true expeditions to what can be the most inhospitable region on earth. Bring with you a spirit of adventure and flexibility and discover the wonders of Antarctica. Departing 07Jan14 with prices from $22,150 per person
- 11949
- Ocean
- 01 Jan 00
- Australia & New Zealand
- 01 Jan 70, 01 Jan 70
- 23Jan70, 23Jan70
- 22 nights
- Orion
- Cruise Only
-
Important Terms
- * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Itinerary
During the peak of the southern hemisphere summer, Orion offers travellers a unique opportunity to venture to the Continent of Antarctica. Orion sails from Australia and New Zealand, crossing the Antarctic Circle to places redolent with history and adventure. Along the way the wildlife we encounter will astound you. The Sub-Antarctic islands are home to penguin breeding colonies numbering in the millions, to Elephant Seals and New Zealand Sea Lions, and the endangered Wandering Albatross.
For many, the highlight of the voyage is a visit to Cape Denison, the site of Sir Douglas Mawson’s hut from the historic 1911-1913 expedition; a time capsule from a great era of exploration. This is one of the most exclusive places on earth more people have stood at the top of Mt Everest than have stood inside this historic hut. The voyage also takes you to Port Martin, the site of 100 grounded icebergs, allowing guests to get up close and view these amazing sites; and Dumont d’Urville, the French base renowned for its rich local wildlife, including colonies of Adelie and Emperor penguins.
Although the itinerary to the extreme sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions is based on many years of collective experience, prevailing weather and ice conditions in this area of the world are unpredictable, mother nature dictates the course. These are not cruises they are true expeditions to what can be the most inhospitable region on earth. Bring with you a spirit of adventure and flexibility.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Explore Macquarie Island, described as one of the ‘wonder spots’ with its scenic diversity and prolific wildlife.
- Be one of the few – numbers are strictly limited to preserve the fragile environment.
- Visit to Mawson’s huts from his historic 1911-1913 expedition, a time capsule from a great era of exploration.
- Get close to penguins and seals, schools of whales, and thousands of icebergs.
- Interaction with our specialist expedition team who will be travelling onboard Orion.
Full Itinerary
| Day: | Port: |
| 1 | Dunedin, New Zealand |
| 2 | At Sea |
| 3 | Auckland Islands |
| 4 | At Sea |
| 5 | Macquarie Island |
| 6 | At Sea |
| 7 | At Sea |
| 8 | At Sea |
| 9 | At Sea |
| 10 | Ross Sea Region |
| 11 | Ross Sea Region |
| 12 | Ross Sea Region |
| 13 | Ross Sea Region |
| 14 | Ross Sea Region |
| 15 | Ross Sea Region |
| 16 | At Sea |
| 17 | At Sea |
| 18 | At Sea |
| 19 | At Sea |
| 20 | Campbell Island |
| 21 | At Sea |
| 22 | Dunedin, New Zealand |
*Please note, 17Jan14 departures end in Dunedin and 08Feb14 Dunedin.
Cruise Line
Orion
Founded in early 2004, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering.
Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.
Described as the latest in the quest to build the perfect expedition vessel *, all Orion’s staterooms feature ocean views and offer internet access, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD, a choice of twin and queen sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms. Other on board amenities include a health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.
Orion offers a range of included and optional Shoreside Expeditions designed to enhance the destination exploration for their guests. From Camel Safaris in Broome to snorkelling over pristine coral formations, there are many unique opportunities for guests to visit areas of Australia that even most Australians don’t get to see. As part of their commitment to offering guests an enriching experience, on board speakers have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the regions they visit. Guests are invited to attend presentations in the 90 seat Lecture Theatre.
Their innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:
- Summer (December to February) Antarctica and New Zealand and sub-Antarctic Islands.
- Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of the Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.
- Winter (April to September) in the Kimberley
- Spring (October, November) in the wild jungles of Borneo
They would be delighted to have you join them on a voyage to some of the most wonderful but rarely seen places on earth.
Founded: 2003
2012/13 Fleet
- Orion: 106 pax
Demographic
- Spirit of adventure
- Travellers rather than tourists
- May not necessarily classify themselves as ‘cruisers’
- Well travelled and are looking for something different
- Enjoy their creature comforts
- Recognise the value in unique and intimate itineraries
Language & Onboard Currency
- Language: English
- Currency: AU$
Destinations
- The Kimberley, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, Antarctica, New Zealand, Sub-Antarctic Islands
Accommodation
- All 50 suites and staterooms with ocean views and room to relax during the day
- Choice of either queen- or twin-bed sleeping arrangements
- Well appointed marble bathrooms
- Conveniences such as ample storage space, complimentary 24-hour room service, a flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, a personal safe, hair dryer and a mini-refrigerator
Dining & Beverages
- Dining at any time is an unhurried experience with a single sitting free of fixed table assignments
- Option to enjoy dinner in the restaurant or to dine alfresco, under the stars
- Buffet breakfast or lunch at Outdoor Café
- Selection of Australian, New Zealand and European wines: vintages from exceptional lesser-known wineries complement a range of familiar labels
Entertainment
- A range of light entertainment
- Musical duo in the lounge after dinner playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac or dancing
Ship Facilities
- Library, spa, hair and beauty salon, boutique, gymnasium, outdoor café, restaurant, lounge
- 10 passenger Zodiacs and marina platform
- Dedicated lecture theatre and sauna
Cruise Price Inclusions
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Entertainment
- Educational programs
- Port taxes
- Gratuities
- 24-hour room service
- Use of ship’s sporting equipment and facilities
Guest Loyalty Program
- Past guests receive an additional 5% savings
Recent Awards
Orion are proud to have been named Best Responsible Cruise Operator at the internationally acclaimed 2010 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards which took place as part of World Travel Market in London on Wednesday 10th November (World Responsible Tourism Day).
Thousands of tourism organisations and travel experiences were nominated by the public in just 13 categories with the central tenet being that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. These prestigious awards recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Past Awards
ISLANDS |
Best Cruise/Sailing |
Best Adventure |
Best Cruise Line 2009 |
Best Small Ship |
Best Adventure Tourism |
Best Cuisine |
Best Cruise Line |
