Vessel Profile
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| Length | 103 metres |
|---|---|
| Beam | 14.25 metres |
| Draft | 3.82 metres |
| Passengers | 106 |
| Cabins/Staterooms | 53 |
Orion
Mega Yacht
Operated by Orion Expedition Cruises
Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.
Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.
Top▲Vessel History
- Registered in Bahamas
- Built in 2003 at Cassens Shipyard-Emden, Germany
Top▲Vessel Specifications and Information
| Tonnage (GRT) | 4,000 |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 125 |
| Number of Staff and Crew | 75 |
| Nationality of cruise Staff | Mainly Australian |
| Language(s) Spoken on Board | Mainly English |
| Types of Cuisine | Menus inspired by local culinary traditions |
| Special Diets | Special dietary requirements must be made at the time of booking |
| Meal Seatings | 1 |
| Currency(ies) On-board | Australian dollar |
| Nationality of Officers | Mainly Australian |
| Nationality of Staff and Crew | Mainly Australian |
| Number of Passenger Decks | 6 |
| Number of Cabins / Staterooms | 53 |
| Number of Restaurants | 2 |
| Number of Bars and Lounges | 2 |
| Tipping / Gratuities | Tipping not expected or required |
| Dress Code On-board/at Dinner | Casual |
Top▲Cabins / Staterooms
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Owners Suite
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Deck 5
Balcony Suite
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Deck 5
Deluxe Suite
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Deck 5
Junior Suite
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Deck 4 & 5
Category A Staterooms
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Deck 3
Category B Staterooms
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Deck 3
Top▲Onboard Facilities and Services
| Other Amenities | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Elevators / Lifts | |
| Doctor / Surgery / Infirmary | |
| Dining Rooms / Restaurants | |
| Jacuzzi / Whirlpool / Hot-tub | |
| Lounges / Bars | |
| Boutiques / Shops | |
| Fitness Center / Exercise Room | |
| Barber Shop | |
| Library / Reading Room | |
| Internet Access / Internet Cafe | |
| Show Lounge / Theater | |
| Spa Facilities | |
| Reception Desk | |
| Drycleaning / Laundry Service | |
| Credit Cards Accepted | American Express, Diners Club International, MasterCard |
| Coffee Bar / Caf |
Top▲List of Cruises for This Vessel
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Kimberley ExpeditionDarwin to Broome | May to September | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesOrion’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… |
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Kimberley Expedition - Opera Under the StarsDarwin to Broome | August to September | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesEnjoy 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…
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Art of Arnhem LandThursday Island to Darwin | April to May | 7 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesHosted 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. |
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Kimberley HighlightsDarwin to Darwin | May to May | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesOur 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… |
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Kimberley - East & WestDarwin to Broome | June to July | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesAs 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… |
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Papua New Guinea Highland CulturesRabaul to Cairns | March to April | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesEach day of this expedition will reveal yet another aspect to the wonderful cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and the breathtaking scenery unique to this remote land. This is still a land of magic and spirits despite the best efforts of colonial missionaries over the centuries. A land of 800 languages, the cultural… |
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Coral Sea, Louisiade & Trobriand IslandsCairns to Cairns | October to October | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThe Coral Sea is rich in history, beauty and culture. So close, and yet so far from the modern Eastern shores of Australia, these remote and exotic outlying islands of Papua New Guinea are tropical paradises forgotten by time and overlooked by tourism. Those travellers who are fortunate enough to make a journey through… |
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Mawsons Antarctica- Commonwealth BayDunedin to Dunedin | December to January | 18 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesFor many, the highlight of the voyage is a visit to Cape Denison, the site of Sir Douglas Mawson’s hut from the historic 1911-1913 expedition; a time capsule from a great era of exploration. This is one of the most exclusive places on earth – more people have stood at the top of Mt Everest than have stood inside… |
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Antarctic Continent - Ross SeaInvercargill to Invercargill | January to February | 20 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesDuring the peak of the southern hemisphere summer, Orion offers travellers a unique opportunity to venture to the continent of Antarctica. Orion will cross the Antarctic Circle to places redolent with history and adventure. Along the way the wildlife we will encounter will astound you. The sub-Antarctic islands are home… |
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Adventures of Lord Howe & AotearoaBrisbane to Wellington | October to November | 14 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThis 14 night voyage features a myriad of islands, beautiful bays and beaches, remnant and active volcanoes, exquisite wine country, calm harbours and exploration in vibrant Auckland. Explore onboard Orion from Brisbane visiting World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, the stunning Bay of Islands,… |
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New Zealand South Island ExplorationMilford Sound to Wellington | November to December | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThese 11 night expeditions feature the contrasting scenic grandeur of New Zealand's South Island including both the largest and smallest of New Zealand's exquisite National Parks. Experience vast untracked southern wilderness in Fiordland National Park, the remote and rarely visited sub-Antarctic Snares Islands, the sun… |
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Bay of Islands & Norfolk Island DiscoveryAuckland to Port Vila, Vanuatu | February to March | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesOrion will undertake a 10 night voyage through the South Pacific, between Auckland, New Zealand and Port Vila, Vanuatu. This meandering cruise will commence at the Bay of Islands before heading for a two day stay at historic penal settlement of Norfolk Island and then on to the picturesque Isles of Pines. Experience the… |
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Melanesian Island DiscoveryPort Vila, Vanuatu to Rabaul | March to March | 9 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesYou may like to stay onboard from 27 February voyage to see Espiritu Santo, where scuba divers will be able to experience an unforgettable dive on the world's largest accessible ship, the 22,000 ton President Coolidge, inadvertently sunk after hitting a US minefield during World War II. Enjoy the gentle sea breezes of… |
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New Guinea Island AdventureCairns to Rabaul | March to April | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesAn 11 night exploration of this rich culture encompassing amazing diving, ancient tropical fjords and pristine beaches. The remote and exotic Lamassa and Duke of York Islands are a feature of these spectacular expeditions, so expect to be enchanted by the friendly welcomes of the locals. |
Tropical Reefs & Culture (Northern Queensland)Cairns to Thursday Island | April to April | 5 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesFor time-restricted adventurers seeking a shorter voyage near home, Orion has a tempting 5 night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage in April 2009 cruising from Cairns via Lizard Island, Stanley Island (with its outstanding indigenous rock art), Orion Reef (perfect snorkelling) and even includes an…
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Great Barrier ReefCairns to Newcastle | November to November | 6 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesSlip away for an early summer holiday in November 2009 and join Orion's one-off 6 night Great Barrier Reef voyage that includes Hardy Reef, Hayman Island and Percy Island; then enjoy a few leisurely days at sea before disembarking in Newcastle. |
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Sub-Antarctic Wildlife AdventureHobart to Invercargill | December to December | 13 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesProtected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion in December 2009. These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for… |
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Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (Bluff to Bluff)Invercargill to Invercargill | December to December | 13 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesProtected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion in December 2009. These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for…
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Spice Island Adventure - Voyage of DiscoveryDarwin to Bali | September to September | 9 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThis will showcase natural island beauty, the culture of small villages, snorkelling over coral reefs, and exotic wildlife as we make our way between Darwin and Bali. The forgotten Islands of Maluku, the underwater paradise of Alor, the uninhabited Island of Satonda and the tiny fishing village of Kenanga on nearby…
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Gulf of Siam Explorer - Voyage of DiscoverySingapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) | September to October | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesDeparting Singapore, this is an 11 night exploration of Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, finishing our voyage in Ho Chi Minh. We will spend two days at Kampot, Cambodia allowing for excursions to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. A morning sailing up the Sai Gon River to Ho Chi Minh is sure to be a highlight as well as… |
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Vietnam Explorer - Voyage of DiscoveryHo Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Singapore | October to October | 11 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesThis 11 night return expedition departing from Ho Chi Minh has a greater emphasis on the exploration of Vietnam, revealing those places that hold significance with Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. We will spend two days in Da Nang providing the opportunity to visit China Beach, the cultural treasure house… |
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Forgotten Islands Pathways Sailing (Past guests of Orion Cruises only)Bali to Cairns | October to November | 10 NightsOn the Orion (Mega Yacht) | Operated by Orion Expedition CruisesJoin Orion's Founder & Managing Director, Sarina Bratton and her family as well as our celebrity consultant chef, Serge Dansereau and his family on this exclusive past guests celebration. Departing from Bali, this “Voyage of Discovery” will explore little known and rarely visited islands including Komodo known best…
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View all 147 cruises available on vessel type Mega Yacht
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Marisa Garber-Brown
Wayne Hagadone
Debbie Marshall
