Orion Expedition Cruises
We welcome you to the world of Orion! 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.
Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as “the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship”. Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.
Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and caliber of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion’s luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.
Technical Information: Length: 103 meters - Beam: 14.25 meters - Draft: 3.82 meters - Hull: Ice-reinforced for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic - Ice Class: E3 (Germanischer Lloyd) - Gross Tonnage: 4,000 - Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HP - Speed: 12.5 knots - Stabilizers: Blohm & Voss, retractable fin stabilizers - Maneuverability: Bow and stern thrusters - Built: 2003 - Delivery Date: November 2003 - Builder: Cassens Shipyard-Emden, Germany - Staterooms and Suites: 53 - Guest Capacity: 106 (twin occupancy). 19 additional guests may be accommodated in convertible sofa or upper Pullman beds - Elevator: Yes - Classification: Germanischer Lloyd - 100 A5 E3 Passenger Ship MC E3 AUT - Regulations: Orion is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway - Additional Craft: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 10 Kayaks - Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system - Registry: Bahamas
Founded in early 2004, Australian owned and operated, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering. Our innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:
- - Winter (April to September) in the Kimberley.
- - Spring (October, November) and Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and New Zealand.
- - Summer (December, January and February) in the Tasman Sea, Tasmania and Antarctica.
Orion offers a range of included and optional Shoreside Expeditions designed to enhance the destination exploration for our guests. From Camel Safaris in Broome to snorkeling 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 our 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.
Accommodation - Accommodation onboard Orion comprises 31 Suites and 22 Staterooms. Every room offers you ocean views, room to relax during the day and a choice of either queen or twin bed sleeping arrangements. All of the Staterooms and Suites have the same high standard of amenity. The marble bathrooms are well appointed, with Grohe tapware, Lanvin toiletries, fluffy towels and robes. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complementary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water. (Click to view Accommodation & Facilities in detail)
Food & Wine - In contrast to the wilds of Antarctica or rugged adventures in the Kimberley, the onboard cuisine is distinctly civilized. Award winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ fame has created signature menus inspired by local culinary traditions featuring produce and flavors reflecting the regions you are visiting. Each dish has been designed to complement our other alternatives allowing you to sample from each menu at your whim. Orion’s adventurous spirit is also reflected in our selection of Australian, New Zealand and European wines: vintages from exceptional lesser-known wineries complement our range of familiar labels.
Dining at any time is an unhurried experience with a single sitting free of fixed table assignments. Dine with friends you made on yesterday’s exploration ashore or the couple you were chatting to on deck earlier…it is up to you. Dinner is always served in the Constellation Restaurant, or if the mood takes you, dine al fresco under the stars. During the day if the scenery is too spectacular to simply let pass by, take a seat for a buffet breakfast or lunch at our Outdoor Café.
On Board Facilities - Boutique Elevator Gymnasium Hair and Beauty Salon Hospital & Infirmary Internet Jacuzzi Lecture Theatre Leda Lounge and Cocktail Bar Library Marina Platforms Mud Room Observation Lounge Outdoor Café Outdoor Bar Reception Restaurant Sporting Facilities Sun Deck Vega Health Spa (Click to view Accommodation & Facilities in detail)
Indulgent Experiences - Whether you are Kayaking in New Zealand, climbing King George Falls or snorkeling in Milne Bay, it is always nice to return to the luxurious Orion. Part of the onboard experience is to indulge in the specialty treatments we have on offer.
On Shore Experiences - Unwind with an exclusive beach massage or reward your hardworking feet with a gentle reflexology foot massage. Set in a calming environment ashore, these massage treatments will relieve stress, leaving your whole body soothed and relaxed. All you can hear are the sounds of nature including birds and water – a magical experience.
Life Onboard - Expedition Cruising is different and you will find Orion is unlike any other ship you may have sailed in before. Her appointments are luxurious, yet life aboard has a distinctly relaxed, Australian flavor with the international-standard service being warm and unobtrusive. The ambiance is intimate and subtly elegant. You will be travelling with like-minded people, and they’ll be Travelers not Tourists. Most of our guests can best be described as inquisitive, adventurous in spirit and young of mind. Dress onboard is smart casual. During the day, comfortable resort wear is perfect though we do ask that a cover be worn over swimwear indoors. In the evening, gentlemen prefer long trousers and a collared sports shirt. Jackets are not required. For ladies, perhaps the best description is “elegantly relaxed”. You might like to bring something a little smarter for your second night onboard when the Captain’s Cocktail party will be held in the Leda Lounge prior to dinner.
Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of our Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm. Begin your evening by joining your fellow travelers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of our Expedition Team. Some are included in your fare, others offer a range of differing experiences to suit a variety of interests. The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find our duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.
In virtually every place we visit Orion will drop anchor and you will be landed ashore in one of our fleet of 10 Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). When venturing ashore we recommend you select clothing appropriate to both the climate and culture of your destination. Practical clothing and footwear is important (sturdy sandals or reef shoes for a wet beach landing, shoes suited to walking on uneven surfaces) and a lightweight spray jacket may be useful. In warmer climates be sure to bring water ashore with you, along with sun screen, a broad-brimmed hat and insect repellant. In some locations, such as King George River in the Kimberley, special seats are fitted to the Zodiacs for longer excursions permitting forward-facing views and greater comfort.
