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

Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the fbest 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 their 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 their 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.

Their innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:

• Summer (December to February) Antarctica and New Zealand and 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) they return to PNG and explore Australia's East & South Coast.

Following the company credo “a path less travelled”, the addition of the 100 guest Orion II to the fleet in 2011 doubles capacity and allows expeditions to a wider range of rarely visited destinations; all enjoyed in a casual ambience, with 5 star facilities and attentive service onboard either Orion or Orion II.

Orion II’s inaugural voyages in 2011 include the Russian Far East, also known as the ‘land of ice and fire’; a circumnavigation of Borneo, the home to the orangutan; fascinating Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia (including a visit to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument), and the tranquil Inland Sea of Japan.

They would be delighted to have you join them on a voyage to some of the most wonderful but rarely seen places on earth.

Recent Awards

Orion are proud to have been named Best Responsible Cruise Operator at the internationally acclaimed 2010 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards which took place as part of World Travel Market in London on Wednesday 10th November (World Responsible Tourism Day).

Thousands of tourism organisations and travel experiences were nominated by the public in just 13 categories with the central tenet being that all types of tourism - from niche to mainstream - can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. These prestigious awards recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.

Past Awards