Orion Expeditions
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.
Discover Orion's path less travelled.
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 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.
KIMBERLY CRUISES
Kimberley Highlights
2009 Departure - May 2
Our 10-night Kimberley Highlights showcase the breathtaking splendours of Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast. Orion’s Expedition Team will lead your exploration of secluded beaches and river inlets – waters famous for an abundance of wildlife. From spectacular waterfalls and awe inspiring gorges, to ancient cultural history and indigenous rock art, the only way you can access the best of the Kimberley is from the sea onboard Orion. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin, affording wonderful touring opportunities in the Top End and the most convenient air connections to northern Australia.
Kimberley Expedition
2009 Departures - May 12, June 1, 11, July 22, August 1, 11, 31
Orion’s 10 night Kimberley Expeditions will undertake an in-depth exploration of this remote coastline, one way from Darwin to Broome or vice versa. Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in the historic pearling town of Broome, the colours of nature are vibrant and intense: rich red earth, azure blue seas and brilliant white sand beaches. North of Broome lies the ragged Kimberley coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea. Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 metres all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can’t have by travelling overland.
Kimberley Expedition – OPERA UNDER THE STARS®
2009 Departure - August 21
Enjoy the award winning, world-class event, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® (29 August 2009) featuring an outstanding cast of Australian stars, each of whom is acclaimed for their thrilling performances in the world of Opera. Performing variously in Australia and Europe, this vibrant and inspiring group of Artists will perform together at an exciting new venue, the Cable Beach Amphitheatre - situated adjacent to the turquoise waters and white sands of one of the world’s most picturesque beaches, Broome’s stunning Cable Beach.
Kimberley- East & West (International)- Guide to the Southern Skies
2009 Departure - June 21
As part of the International Year of Astronomy, well known professional astronomers Professors Fred Watson and David Malin will be guest speakers onboard. They will present a series of profusely illustrated talks about the nature, origins and destinies of the stars, galaxies and star-forming regions that dot the sky and how what we can see fits into the modern picture of the wider Universe.
This international expedition reveal not just the rugged west Kimberley coast but include a visit to Wyndham, gateway to the dramatic East Kimberley. Sailing between Darwin and Broome, you’ll see the Kimberley opened up in a unique way.
Art of Arnhem Land
2009 Departure - April 25
Hosted by Australia’s pre-eminent collectors of indigenous art, Orion’s 7 night voyage will depart from Thursday Island undertake an in-depth exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s Arnhem Land coastline. This will be the perfect voyage for experienced and novice collectors alike.
