Orion Expedition Cruises: Asia and South Pacific Cruises That Are Distinctive Cultural and Expedition Voyages Offering Elegance and Adventure
Our rating: 5 stars
Orion Expedition Cruises is Australia's first world-class expedition cruise line, founded in 2004. More of a mega-yacht than cruise ship, the Orion and Orion II (2011) are purpose-built vessels large enough to offer luxurious onboard amenities and 5-star cuisine, and small enough to reach remote destinations. To arrange your Orion Expedition adventure cruise, contact our cruise experts.
CURRENT SPECIAL: For a limited time, save 20% on any Orion expedition cruise departing between Sep. 9, 2009 thru March 27, 2010, to Antarctica, Spice Islands, Vietnam, Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.*
Is an Orion Expedition Cruise For You?
Orion appeals to discerning experienced luxury travelers eager to explore new and more remote destinations that are off-the-beaten track, prefer the more intimate travel experiences small cruise ships provide, appreciate luxury, and are willing to pay a premium for a unique and exceptional travel experience. Orion Expeditions' inclusive cruise prices range from about $700 to $1,500 per person, per day. Click below to watch the short video.
Orion Expedition South Pacific Cruise Itineraries
Orion cruises year around to exotic locales and hidden treasures on South Pacific cruises and Southeast Asia cruises. Orion Cruises' itineraries also include Antarctica cruises (the side of the continent most other cruise lines don't visit), Melanesia cruises, Papua New Guinea cruises, New Zealand cruises and Australia cruises, particularly to the remote Kimberley Coast and Arnhem Land, best accessible from the sea.
The Orion Expedition Cruises Experience
Orion and Orion II are two of the most modern and capable expedition cruise ships cruising in Australasia. Orion Expeditions offers a balance of onboard service and luxury combined with unique personal experiences in environmentally and culturally sensitive parts of the region. Sustainability is also at the core of their operations. Orion Expedition cruise guests are accompanied by onboard expedition teams selected for their knowledge and expertise. These experts can include marine biologists, diplomats, artists, historians, distinguished academics, explorers, ecologists and others. Guests attend presentations onboard and venture ashore with the expedition team.
Explorations off the Orion are done with the 10 custom-outfitted zodiacs and 10 kayaks onboard.
Accommodations on Orion Cruises
The Orion features just 31 suites and 22 staterooms, ranging from 175 square feet to 350 square feet, and accommodating about 50 couples. With 75 crew for about 100 guests, Orion offers a very high crew to guest ratio.
With some 65 crew, Orion II will feature 50 all-suite staterooms accommodating up to 100 guests. Suites range from 215 to 285 square feet.
All staterooms on Orion Expeditions include ocean views and offer Internet access, flat-screen televisions, DVD/CD, a choice of twin or queen-sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms with Escada toiletries, and complimentary bottled water.
Onboard amenities include a spa, sauna, whirlpool, massuese and a small boutique. There's a lounge, a theatre and library. Dining is single seating, with gourmet dinner menus designed by Serge Dansereau, of Sydney's 'The Bathers' Pavilion' fame, and complemented by wines from Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
* Offers and promotions are subject to availability and to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. Offers are cruise only (do not include airfare, alcohol and optional activities).
