Orion Expedition Cruises has released its 2013 Calendar of Sailings

Orion Expedition Cruises has released its 2013 Calendar of Sailings itineraries for the luxury expedition cruise ship Orion. Voyages with appeal to people who may feel they have “been everywhere” explore from the polar reaches of Antarctica to the tropical climes of Borneo, including expeditions to the Kimberley, Papua NewGuinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and the sub Antarctic Islands.

Eight years of operational experience is reflected across a range of 40 five- to 20-night itineraries capturing the very best regional destinations. Some perennially popular voyages, such as Australia’s Kimberley coast, warrant fifteen 10-night voyages in 2013 (and feature an inclusive and exclusive Bungle Bungle sightseeing flight), while other one-off expeditions explore the Solomon islands and the rarely visited Forgotten and Spice Islands of the Indonesian archipelago.

Experiences range from climbing active volcanoes in Melanesia to viewing pre-historic rock art in the Kimberley of North West Australia or an introduction to the ancient cultures of Papua New Guinea. Walk in the footsteps of polar explorers at the historic Antarctic base camps of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton and encounter extensive wild life in its natural habitat - crocodiles in the Kimberley, dragons in Komodo, rare birdlife in the sub Antarctic islands and endangered species of primate in Borneo. For others the food, wine and exclusive golf courses of New Zealand or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef will appeal.

Instead of a floating mega mall, Orion is a compact purpose-built luxury expedition vessel designed to carry just 100 guests in great comfort, with a crew of 75 providing attentive yet unobtrusive service. Sometimes challenging days in remote and unusual locations (in the company of the specialist Expedition Team) are balanced onboard with comforts akin to a small luxury hotel.

Pricing will be available from 1st April 2012 when Orion will start taking bookings.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Art of Japan Voyage

Orion Expedition Cruises has released details of an exclusive eight-night Art of Japan voyage featuring visits to some of the most culturally significant high points around the Inland Sea of Japan. Departing Busan on 19th April, the itinerary has been tailored especially for art lovers and those with a curiosity about Japanese art seeking to better understand and experience the breadth of art culture in Japan, including some fine collections of Western art.

Developed in conjunction with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this tour embraces ancient Shinto shrines, exquisite formal gardens, art complexes and museums, samurai culture, medieval castles and contemporary architecture. From the floating red shrine of Itsukushima to collections of Claude Monet, the formal gardens of Korakuen and the contemporary art of Tatsuo Miyajima, this Art of Japan voyage onboard Orion II will be an unforgettable artistic revelation.

Join Jackie Menzies OAM, head curator of Asian art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales; Tony Bond OAM, Assistant Director at the Gallery and Anne Graham, Artist and Academic who has worked in Japan creating several permanent public art works. Onboard and ashore they will be joined by Dr Julian Droogan, a scholar of comparative religions, archaeology and material culture, for an Art Lecture Programme providing insight into Japan’s proud ancient culture and its innovative embrace of the modern and contemporary.

The eight-night Art of Japan voyage onboard Orion II departs Busan on 19th April and visits Sakai Ko, Honshu Island; Hagi, Honshu Island; Hiroshima; Miyajima, Inland Sea; Uno Ko, Honshu Island; Naoshima, Honshu Island; and Takamatsu, Shikoku Island; before arriving into Kobe, Japan. Prices start from £3,825 per person (a saving of £670 per person) including eight nights onboard Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For further information and reservations call 020 7399 7620 or visit www.orionexpeditions.

One Week To The New Edition!

The Winter edition of World of Cruising magazine goes to the printers this week and should be back on Monday (Dec 19) for distribution to all our subscribers - just in time for a good Christmas read!

The latest issue is absolutely packed with the exotic and the desirable; long-distance cruising and closer-to-home varieties; winter ideas and festive touches. It journeys from Japan to Alaska and the Caribbean to the Med. And all in the inimitable style and high-quality design you have come to expect from Europe's leading cruise publication.

Our cover story is a unique close-up look at Alaska, through the twin perspectives of Princess Cruises and the new Alaskan Dream Cruises, with some fabulous photography and brilliant story-telling. Then we take a Viking voyage in the company of Fred. Olsen Cruises and head to the FarEast to look at the growing cruise destination of South Korea.

Need some winter sunshine? Go straight to out feature on Caribbean voyaging with SeaDream Yacht Club, a real tropical tonic. Or how about another look at the Asian Far East, this time with Orion Expedition Cruises and their first ever visit to Japan?


Back on home ground, we have a feature-length look at Swan Hellenic's Minerva from her new home base of Portsmouth (and just prior to her big winter re-fit), and then head north again for a look at the Norwegian Arctic of Hurtigruten in the region of Spitsbergen, truly one of cruising's great adventure frontiers.

For river cruising, we head to Russia and a unique journey from Moscow to St Petersburg with Uniworld, while we add a touch of pure luxury aboard Azamara Club Cruises and their unique President's Cruise. We also fofer two Passenger Perspective pieces, looking at Azamara and Cunard's Queen Victoria.

All the regular features are, of course, firmly front and centre, from the inimitable blogging style of Captain Greybeard and the inimitable Admiral, to the Aft View section, the expert Fashion pages, the essential World of Spas section, Readers Letters and the essential Cruise Planner, the annual review of ALL the ships with ALL the lines, so you can sit and plan your next voyage in perfect style.

It is all here, capped off by the best writers on the subject, from Gary Buchanan and Yvonne Horn to cruise historian Peter Newall and adventure cruiser Steve Newman.

As ever, World of Cruising is subscription-only, so, to be sure of your copy, make sure you visit the subscription page - Here!              

MICRONESIA REVEALED: ORION OFFERS A VOYAGE IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF EXPEDITION CRUISING

In the true spirit of expedition cruising, explore some of the world’s greatest environmental and maritime treasures, pristine in isolation and far from the tourist mainstream, on Orion Expedition Cruises’ “Micronesia Revealed” voyage departing 26th November 2012. This twelve-night voyage between Rabaul and Palau on Orion II combines some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots, World War II battle sites, shipwrecks, chains of coral atolls and remote island cultures.

Exploring the vastness of the world’s largest ocean, the Captain will be checking the charts for remote atolls among this scattering of 600 plus islands – a perfect workout for the Zodiacs and the chance to visit places where man rarely steps ashore.

Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays on untouched coral reefs the size of suburbs or dive the shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon. They’ll also join friendly villagers to absorb their rhythmic, throbbing, traditional dances and visit outlying islands where visitors are a rarity, even today. A fitting conclusion to this fascinating voyage is Palau with its famed Rock Islands, regarded by many as the most beautiful island group on the planet - 200 limestone islands, topped with jungle, sitting in transparent waters.

From virgin forests and the unique birdlife in Tingwon to the cultural traditions of Manus and Yap, the Japanese ship graveyard of Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon and a great eco system of coral reefs, guests will be enthralled as they explore the oceanic wonder of Micronesia.

This 12-night “Micronesia Revealed” voyage departs Rabaul, Papua New Guinea on 26th November 2012 and visits Tingwon Island; Nauna and Lorengau, Manus Province; Truk Lagoon; Satawall Atoll, Ifalik Atoll, Woleai Islands, Sorol Attol, Yap and Ngulu Atoll in Yap State; before finishing with an overnight in Koror Palau. Prices from £5,320 per person (£3,190 per person if booked before 30th November 2011) including 12 nights onboard Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.


For further information and reservations call 020 7399 7620 or visit www.orionexpeditions.com

DISCOVER THE RITUALS, HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF JAPANESE CUISINE WITH ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

This will be a remarkable journey of discovery using Japanese cuisine as a window into the culture, art and rituals of this ancient society. Orion II guests will have the opportunity to discover Japan and its ancient culture through the amazing diversity of Japanese food. At each port of call discover a different Japanese dish, learn its history and visit local markets to shop for ingredients.

Onboard, expert chefs - including special guest chef Hideo Dekura - will teach guests how to prepare and present a range of the world’s favourite Japanese dishes such as sushi; while time ashore will include visits to the markets including the famous Jalgachi Fish Market in Busan.

Guests will enjoy exploring the amazing variety of seafood, prepare mouth-watering Kobe beef and learn why the notorious fugu puffer fish can be lethal and yet is sought by gourmet food lovers the world over.

The eight-night Japanese Culinary Adventure departs Kobe on 27^th April 2012 and visits Shimonoseki, Busan, Nagasaki and Okinawa before arriving back into Kobe. Prices from £4,495 per person (£3,596 per person if booked before 30^th November 2011) including eight nights onboard Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

 For more information visit www.orionexpeditions.com or The Cruise Line

Prices From £980 Per Person Plus Single Supplement Waived on Selected Sailings -

Orion Expedition Cruises has launched its 2012 Grand Sale offerings savings of up to 50% on its full range of 2012 voyages if booked by 30^th November 2011 with prices from just £980 per person (based on the 27^th September Great Barrier Reef sailing). In addition, Orion is waiving the single supplement on selected sailings.

Incorporating the first full year of voyages for Orion II, as well as Orion, these expeditions - well off the marine superhighway - include rarely visited destinations from polar ice caps to the tropics, with voyages taking in such far flung destinations as Borneo, Cambodia, Antarctica and the Kimberley region of Australia.

New for 2012 for Orion are Pure New Zealand and Bay of Islands voyages which take a fresh look at New Zealand. Orion II’s new sailings feature the islands of Micronesia and additional voyages to Japan with Art of Japan and Culinary Voyage of Japan itineraries. China is included for the first time with expeditions that includes the Yangtze Delta (Kobe to Shanghai) and Shanghai to Tawau (Yangtze, Taiwan, Philippines), while an inaugural visit to Java includes Borobudur.

2012 will see the two purpose-built expedition cruise ships undertake 68 voyages to 17 countries and 174 destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Inland Sea of Japan, Korea, China and Micronesia (onboard Orion II). Australia’s Kimberley coast, Arnhem Land, Great Barrier Reef, the Spice Islands, New Zealand, the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea feature in Orion’s range of expeditions.

Orion Expedition Cruises has waived the single supplement on the following voyages:

Orion:
20^th February: New Zealand Bay of Islands,  26^th February – Tasman Discoverer,  3^rd March – Great Barrier Reef,  27^th September – Tropical Reefs and Culture, 15^th November – Great Barrier Reef,

21^st November – Tasman Discoverer, 28^th November – Pure New Zealand

 Orion II:

27^th February – Gulf of Siam Explorer, 8^th April – South-East Asian Odyssey, 26^th November – Micronesia – Voyage of Discovery,

For further information  www.orionexpeditions.com or The Cruise Line

Vietnam with Orion

From Ho Chi Minh to My Son, Nha Trang to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is intoxicating. With energy and charm of equal proportions, and a regal history of passion, war and conquests to rival any European history, Orion II’s nine-night Vietnam Explorer voyages include not one, or two, but four UNESCO World Heritage sites - Hue, Hoi An, My Son and Ha Long Bay. Extraordinary, even by Orion standards!

Whether it is the organised chaos of cruising the Saigon River with its junks, exploring the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, rarely seen by outsiders, or exploring Nha Trang with its Communist Party headquarters, beach brewery and $1 lobsters for lunch, a voyage with Orion promises, and delivers, the unexpected.

Even Ha Long Bay is explored with fresh eyes. Seen from onboard a traditional junk, wending peacefully through the islands, the soaring limestone karsts are spectacular; venturing into limestone caves with the expedition team on Orion II’s Zodiacs adds another dimension completely.

In both 2011 and 2012 there are three scheduled nine-night Orion II Vietnam Explorer voyages alternating between Haiphong (for Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City and including Nha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue) and Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba. 2011 departures are 18th November, 27th November and 6th December while 2012 departures are 12th, 21st and 30th March.

Prices start from £4,295 per person including nine nights onboard Orion, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For further information visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ or The Cruise Line.

Samurai and Snorkelling

Join the Orion Expedition team onboard the newly re-fitted Orion II for her maiden Ryukyu Islands voyage exploring from Japan through the rarely visited sub-tropical Ryukyu Islands to the Philippines and Sabah.

This 14-night voyage on July 28 features diverse elements for adventurous spirits seeking cultural experiences far removed from the predictable tourist hotspots of Asia, including two destinations unique to this voyage, Shimonoseki and Kagoshima, plus a visit to Coron Palawan in the Philippines, the first by a foreign ship.

Guests can try their hand at the fine art of preparing Fugu – poisonous puffer fish - warm their feet in a volcanic-heated foot bath, explore an impressive cave and underground river system and remove their clothes and inhibitions in a very elegant private hot spring onsen (public bath).

Active volcanoes and traditional samurai castles contrast with beautiful bays and islands perfect for snorkelling and diving, while a buffalo cart ride across tidal flats, cultural performances, art galleries and exploring a little township with bars and cafes offer other dimensions to this voyage.

Reminders of World War II abound, including visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as a fascinating Kamikaze museum and, in Okinawa, a former Japanese Imperial Navy HQ underground tunnel command centre. The significant red Shuri Castle has many ancient links to the unique system of paying tribute to both Japanese and Chinese emperors and an archaeological dig site guests may visit contains some of the oldest human remains found in Asia.

Orion II’s visit to Coron Palawan will be celebrated with welcoming cultural displays, performances and interaction. Guests will have time for snorkelling, relaxing in hot springs, a village visit and scenic Zodiac cruising to capture the dramatic sunset.

Lecturers in the expedition team include:

Amy Loewen - Japan expert, many years of experience leading groups in Japan

Grace Winer - expert geologist to provide interpretation on the regions stunning and active geology
Justin Friend - to lecture on Filipino and Ryukyu cultures

Expedition Leader Alastair Newton - with many years experience in the region.

The 14-night cruise also visits San Fernando (for Baguio), Puerto Galera and Coron before finishing in Kota Kinabalu. Prices start from £6,680 per person including all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For more info, visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

 

Join the Orion Expedition team onboard the newly re-fitted Orion II for her maiden Ryukyu Islands voyage exploring from Japan through the rarely visited sub-tropical Ryukyu Islands to the Philippines and Sabah.

This 14 night voyage on 28th July 2011 features diverse elements for adventurous spirits seeking cultural experiences far removed from the predictable tourist hotspots of Asia, including two destinations unique to this voyage, Shimonoseki and Kagoshima, plus a visit to Coron Palawan in the Philippines, the first by a foreign ship.

 

Guests can try their hand at the fine art of preparing Fugu – poisonous puffer fish, warm their feet in a volcanic heated foot bath, explore an impressive cave and underground river system and remove their clothes and inhibitions in a very elegant private hot spring onsen (public bath).

 

Active volcanoes and traditional samurai castles contrast with beautiful bays and islands perfect for snorkelling and diving, while a buffalo cart ride across tidal flats, cultural performances, art galleries and exploring a little township with bars and cafes offer other dimensions to this voyage.

 

Reminders of World War II abound, including visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as a fascinating Kamikaze museum and, in Okinawa, a former Japanese Imperial Navy HQ underground tunnel command centre.

 

The significant red Shuri Castle has many ancient links to the unique system of paying tribute to both Japanese and Chinese emperors and an archaeological dig site guests may visit contains some of the oldest human remains found in Asia.

 

Orion II’s visit to Coron Palawan will be celebrated with welcoming cultural displays, performances and interaction. Guests will have time for snorkelling, relaxing in hot springs, a village visit and scenic Zodiac cruising to capture the dramatic sunset.

 

This voyage features:

 

Unique Japan content in Kagoshima and Shimonoseki

WWII History in Okinawa

Unique sub-tropical Japan including snorkelling in Iriomote

Unique Ryukyu Culture in Okinawa

Filipino culture in Baguio and Coron

Snorkelling and beaches in Puerto Galera and Coron

Volcano and hot springs in Kagoshima

Hot Springs in Coron

Exclusive art gallery access in Kagoshima

Incredible art gallery access in Baguio at BenCab

Fugu fish cuisine in Shimonoseki; Filipino banquet in Baguio

First foreign ship to visit Coron.

Lecturers in the expedition team include:

Amy Loewen - Japan expert, many years of experience leading groups in Japan

Grace Winer - expert geologist to provide interpretation on the regions stunning and active geology

Justin Friend to lecture on Filipino and Ryukyu cultures

Expedition Leader Alastair Newton with many years experience in the region.

The 14-night Ryukyu Islands Voyage of Discover departs Kobe on 28th July and visits Hiroshima, Shimonoseki, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Ryukyu Islands - Okinawa, Iriomote Island – San Fernando (for Baguio), Puerto Galera and Coron before finishing in KOTA KINABALU. Prices start from £6,680 per person including 14 nights onboard Orion II, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

 

For further information visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ 

Orion launches New 2012 Expedition Brochure

Free Flights on Selected Kimberley, Borneo & Vietnam Itineraries plus 15% Early Booking Discounts on Selected Sailings.

Orion Expedition Cruises has released an expanded range of path-less-travelled itineraries for 2012, which include free flights from the UK on selected Kimberley, Borneo and Vietnam voyages as well as early booking discounts of up to 15% on most sailings.

Incorporating the first full year of voyages for Orion II, as well as their original boutique cruiser Orion, these expeditions - well off the marine superhighway - include rarely visited destinations from polar ice cap to the tropics.

In addition to existing itineraries, Orion takes a fresh look at New Zealand with new Pure New Zealand and Bay of Islands voyages. Orion II’s new sailings feature the islands of Micronesia and additional voyages to Japan with Art of Japan and Culinary Voyage of Japan itineraries. China is included for the first time, with expeditions that includes the Yangtze Delta (Kobe to Shanghai) and Shanghai to Tawau (Yangtze, Taiwan, Philippines), while an inaugural visit to Java includes Borobudur.

Free flights are available on all Kimberley sailings between April 13 and September 10; on three Vietnam sailings departing March 12, 21, 30 and on one Borneo sailing departing February 17.

In all, 2012 will see the two purpose-built expedition cruise ships undertake 68 voyages to 17 countries and 174 destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East, including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Inland Sea of Japan, Korea, China and Micronesia (onboard Orion II). Australia’s Kimberley coast, Arnhem Land, Great Barrier Reef, the Spice Islands, New Zealand, the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea feature in Orion’s range of expeditions.

The complete 2012 Calendar of Sailings is now on sale. Prices start from £1,630 per person, cruise-only, for a five-night Great Barrier Reef voyage on September 27 and from £4,400 per person for a nine-night Vietnam Explorer voyage, including free flights, with departures on March 12, 21 and 30.

For more info, visit http://www.orionexpeditions.com/ or the UK's expedition cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd