Cruise the Great Barrier Reef with Orion

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