Orion Cruise Ship
Orion Expedition Cruises operates the 106-passenger expedition vessel Orion in the Kimberley region of Australia, the Australian Islands, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the Sub Antarctic, Melanesia, the Spice and Forgotten Islands and Antarctica. The ship is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in five-star luxury and 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.
Voyage to Antarctica on the world's youngest purpose-built expedition cruise ship. With the benefit of oversized stabilisers, retractable sonar and ice strengthened hull, Orion provides her 100 guests with the needs of today's adventurers: technology, safety and creature comforts that include fine food and wines, a gym, boutique, hairdressing, sauna and massage facilities - as well as 80 staff and specialist expedition crew to look after every need.
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.
Technical Information
- Length: 103 metres
- Beam: 14.25 metres
- Draft: 3.82 metres
- Hull: Ice-reinforced for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
- Ice Class: E3 (Germanischer Lloyd)
- Gross Tonnage: 4,000
- Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HP
- Speed: 15 knots. Cruise speed: 13 knots
- Stabilisers: Blohm & Voss, retractable fin stabilisers
- Manoeuvrability: Bow and stern thrusters
- Built: 2003
- Delivery Date: November 2003
- Builder: Cassens Shipyard-Emden, Germany
- Staterooms and Suites: 53
- Guest Capacity: 106 (twin occupancy)
- Crew: 75
- Elevator: Yes
- Classification: Germanischer Lloyd; 100 A5 E3 Passenger Ship; MC E3 AUT
- Regulations: Orion is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway.
- Additional Craft: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 10 Kayaks, 2x12 passenger tenders
- Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system
- Registry: Bahamas
Dining
In contrast to the wilds of Antarctica or rugged adventures in the Kimberley, Orion Expedition Cruises' onboard cuisine is distinctly civilised. Desiring more than "cruise ship fare", Orion initiated a partnership with Serge Dansereau of Sydney's 'The Bathers' Pavilion' to create a gourmet dining experience to rival the best boutique restaurants in the world. The focus across the fleet, as with 'Bathers' is on quality produce, locally sourced from the regions visited. Each dish has been designed to complement other alternatives allowing guests to sample from each menu at whim.
Orion's adventurous spirit is also reflected in the selection of Australian, New Zealand and European wines: vintages from exceptional lesser-known wineries complement a range of familiar labels.
Dining at any time is an unhurried experience with a single sitting free of fixed table assignments. Dine with friends you made on yesterday's exploration ashore or the couple you were chatting to on deck earlier…it is up to you. Dinner is always served in the Constellation Restaurant, or if the mood takes you, dine al fresco under the stars.
During the day if the scenery is too spectacular to simply let pass by, guests take a seat for a buffet breakfast or lunch at our Outdoor Café.
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Sample Dinner Menu |
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Sample Wine List |
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Sample Bar List |
Other Facilities
Other onboard facilities include a health spa with gymnasium, beauty salon, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi, a stern marina platform, library with internet access, two lounges with audio-visual equipment, boutique and swimming platform.
