Orion Expedition Cruises 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, 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.
They would be delighted to have you join them on a voyage to some of the most wonderful but rarely seen places on earth. THE SHIP 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. EXPEDITION TEAM On all expeditions you’ll find a team of experts travelling with you, all selected for their knowledge and practical experience in fields like botany, marine biology, anthropology and history. You are not only invited to enjoy their informative and entertaining presentations in the Cosmos Lecture Theatre and Leda Lounge; you might venture ashore with them or reflect on the day’s shared highlights over a drink before dinner.
DESTINATIONS Australian Islands Orion's exploration of the islands of tropical North Queensland will reveal the beauty of Australia’s World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, with ample opportunity for basking on white sandy beaches and snorkelling over vibrant corals teeming with tropical marine life. The Kimberleys & Arnhem Land 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. New Zealand & Sub-Antarctica These expeditions to the Sub-Antarctic islands are designed for nature lovers and photographers alike. The remnants of the old whaling station on Macquarie Island, the high cliffs and numerous caves and arches formed by marine erosion on Campbell Island and the enormous sea stacks on the southern peninsulas of Snares present dramatic contrast to the prolific bird life, penguins, seals, sea lions and flora in this remote sanctuary. Antarctica During the peak of the southern hemisphere summer, Orion offers travellers a unique opportunity to venture to the Continent of Antarctica. Orion sails from Australia and New Zealand, crossing the Antarctic Circle to places redolent with history and adventure. Along the way the wildlife they encounter will astound you. The Sub-Antarctic islands are home to penguin breeding colonies numbering in the millions, to Elephant Seals and Hooker Sea Lions, and the endangered Wandering Albatross.