Orion Expedition Cruises

Founded in early 2004, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering.

Ranked #2 expedition cruise ship in the world in the current Berlitz Cruise Guide, Orion is the world's latest purpose-built luxury expedition cruise ship 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.

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 snorkelling 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.

Innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:
- Summer (December, January and February) Antarctica and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands.
- Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.
- Winter (April to September) in the Kimberley and Arnhem Land.
- Spring (October, November) New Zealand and south-East Asia.

Find out more about Orion Expedition Cruises at the website www.orionexpeditions.com

Take a look at the Prow's Edge blog at http://prows-edge-cruise-magazine.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-is-belly-button-lint-and-why-is-it.html for information about taking an expedition cruise with famous scientist and media presenter, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.