Orion Expedtion CruisesMY Orion
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, Germany, 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 calibre 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. Life StyleLife on board Orion is relaxed and casually elegant. Our crew excels at providing five-star service in an understated manner and everything that happens on board is designed to ensure that our guests are looked after in style. From gourment food and wine experiences, to pampering at the beauty salon, rediscover your capacity for relaxation and indulgence.Food and WineIn contrast to the wilds of Antarctica or rugged adventures in the Kimberley, the onboard cuisine is distinctly civilised. Award winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ fame has created signature menus inspired by local culinary traditions featuring produce and flavours 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. EnrichmentOn days at sea, often around 11:00am, one of our Guest Speakers will present an informative briefing in the Cosmos Lecture Theatre on an aspect of our destination, be it historical, geological, anthropological or cultural. Outside these sessions we encourage you to share experiences with our speakers over a drink or a leisurely dinner.
Prior to dinner each evening you are welcome to gather in the Leda Lounge where you will be briefed by our Expedition Leaders and Tour Manager about forthcoming experiences and touring opportunities. Some are included in your fare, others offer a range of differing experiences to suit a variety of interests.
You will find a range of both complimentary and optional Shoreside Expeditions has been devised allowing you to more fully experience our destinations. Details for each Expedition can be found under the “Port Briefings & Shoreside Expeditions” for each destination. Places on Shoreside Expeditions should be requested prior to sailing, but only once your cruise booking has been paid in full. You will receive tour confirmations on board and Shoreside Expeditions will be billed to your stateroom account. Please be sure to note, many of these trips are subject to participation limits and so we encourage you to submit requests as possible.
Guest speakers on board Orion have been drawn from the ranks of well known Australian Marine Biologists, Historians, Geologists, Ornithologists, Adventurers, Film Makers, Diplomats, Photographers and Authors. Life on BoardExpedition 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 flavour 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 Travellers 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 travellers 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. AccommodationsTwo types of accommodations are offered aboard Orion . There are 27 Suites and 26 Staterooms.There are four individual price categories in both the Suites and Staterooms, each category influenced by the size and location of the rooms.
Every room offers you ocean views, a choice of either queen size or twin bed configuration, room to relax during the day, flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, a personal refrigerator continually stocked with complimentary bottled water, marble bathroom with shower, fluffy robes, Escada toiletries, a personal safe, ample storage space and internet connectivity. The staterooms range in size from 175 to 210 square feet and the suites 220 to 345 square feet. Technical Data
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