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.