Orion

Orion heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel that combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a fine cruise ship. Built in Germany in 2003, Orion is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering and features a top-rated ice-strengthened hull, bow and stern thrusters for easy manoeuverability, retractable fin stabilizers for smooth and comfortable sailing, and environmentally friendly mechanical systems.

All 50 suites and staterooms are exterior and feature a sitting area or living room, TV, DVD and CD player, Internet access, mini-refrigerator, safe deposit box, private bathroom, ample closet space, and twin beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed.

A spacious observation lounge on the top deck opens onto a full wrap-around deck for optimal viewing. A mud room on the lower deck stores equipment used during a day of exploration. And a fleet of ten heavy-duty, Zodiac inflatable motorized boats make it possible to land in shallow areas and navigate small rivers and waterways .

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 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.