Orion Expedition Cruises
Fact File
Line: Orion Expedition Cruises
Vessels: MV Orion
Star Rating: 5 Star
Tonnage:4050
Max Passenger Capacity: 106
Total Crew: 75
Entered Service:2003
Other facilities:
Facilities: Lecture theatre, library, spa, sauna, hair and beauty salon, boutique, gymnasium, outdoor caf, constellation restaurant, observation lounge
Suitable for:Travellers who prefer their journey to be one of discovery and enrichment - most guests can best be described as inquisitive, adventurous in spirit and young of mind
Regions operate in:The Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, South-East Asia, New Zealand & sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica
Explore the rugged Antarctic terrain from the comfort of a five-star, luxury cruise ship.
These days it's getting harder and harder to find true adventure. But drop into conversation that you're heading to Antarctica and you're likely to be met with a barrage of excited questions. Visiting Antarctica remains a journey of epic proportions that is truly the experience of a lifetime.
Orion is a five-star expedition cruise ship that offers sublime luxury and a sense of privilege. With 106 guests cared for by 75 experienced crew, there's quite simply no better way to take to the Southern Ocean. Her size, ice-strengthened hull and retractable stabilisers all provide for optimal comfort and allow for manoeuvring close to shore; a necessity for scenic Zodiac cruising.
You'll have the chance to explore the World Heritage-listed, sub-Antarctic islands as well as crossing the Antarctic Circle to venture beyond 60 degrees south into the Commonwealth Bay and Ross Sea region. For many, the highlight of a Commonwealth Bay expedition is a visit to Cape Denison: Sir Douglas Mawson's historic 1911 expedition base. This is one of the most exclusive places on earth - more people have stood atop Mt Everest than walked inside the historic huts. Orion's Antarctic expedition leaders, Don and Margie McIntyre form part of a select number of people authorised to conduct visits inside Mawson's huts. They are assisted by a group of international Antarctic specialists who are only too willing to share their knowledge.
Orion is now offering two unique voyages to the Sub-Antarctic Islands. The cruises feature a chance to see extraordinary wildlife found on World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares islands and the wilderness New Zealand's fjordlands. Spectacular scenery combined with abundant bird and marine life creates island adventures for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Starting in 2004, Orion Expedition Cruises has a fleet of one. Orion is a state of the art, expedition ship. Combining the best and the latest in design, her ice-strengthened hull can handle sailing in the Poles. Orion is a very comfortable and elegant vessel, purpose built to access the inaccessible, all in five-star luxury. Her lavish staterooms feature ocean views and also 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 a gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.
Orion offers a full range of included and optional shore-side expeditions. On board lecturers have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the regions visited.
Orion can carry 106 passengers with a crew of 75. Based in Australia, Orion offers wide-ranging journeys that ply Australia's coastline, as well as the surrounding waters and beyond. Itineraries include the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and to the north, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, also sailing south to Tasmania and Antarctica.
