Itinerary at a glance

Day 1 Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand
Day 2 Milford Sound
Day 3 Dusky & Doubtful Sounds
Day 4 Stewart Island
Day 5 Snares Island
Day 6 Auckland Islands
Day 7 Campbell Island
Day 8 At sea
Day 9 and 10 Macquarie Island
Day 11 and 12 At sea
Day 13 Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand
Our expedition begins in Invercargill, the largest urban center in New Zealand's Southland. The fishing port of Bluff, from which Orion sets sail, is a half hour drive south from Invercargill, and your transfer is included in your tour.

Day 2 Milford Sound
Orion is the perfect viewing platform from which to see World Heritage listed Milford Sound; a memorable scenic cruise that includes glacial carved hanging valleys, the iconic 1600 meter high Mitre Peak and magnificent Stirling Falls. Along with the festivities onboard, Orion guests will enjoy amazing ship based and Zodiac cruising which will allow you to fully explore the famous Milford Sound.

Day 3 Dusky & Doubtful Sounds
As Orion enters Thompson Sound on the way to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, you will experience fantastic cruising through pristine wilderness in the very heart of Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world. Doubtful is the deepest of these fiords, and emanates serenity. Abundant in both flora and fauna, these fiordlands are renowned for their excellent dolphin and seal viewing opportunities, either from Orion or onboard one of Orion's Zodiacs. Fiordland Crested Penguins are often seen on many of the small islets at the entrance of the fiord and at Nee Islets there is a fur seal colony. This National Park is strictly monitored, but we will be able to land at Astronomer's Point to take a short walk.

Day 4 Stewart Island
Stewart Island is the southern-most island of New Zealand. The forest is a haven for bird-life including Kaka, Parakeets and Bellbirds as there are fewer predators than on the mainland. New Zealand's national bird, the Kiwi, is found all round the island, often seen feeding on sandhoppers at the beach. Beaches are covered in ancient mineral infused colors of sand. Most is golden, but some beaches are covered in black iron sand while others are white with quartz or red with garnet. We will anchor in Paterson Inlet to visit the quaint fishing village of Oban in Halfmoon Bay with its art and craft shops and the wildlife sanctuary on Ulva Island. Zodiac transfers to Golden Bay Wharf allow you to visit Oban township. You will also have the choice today of a guided walking tour of Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary or a guided coach tour of Oban township and surrounds on the "Village and Bay Tour".

Day 5 Snares Islands
The Snares are two small rocky islands, North East and Broughton, and are the closest sub-Antarctic islands to New Zealand. The islands are covered with heavy tussock grass and wind-beaten forests of tree daisies. Weather permitting we'll launch our Zodiacs for an exploration of the sheltered eastern coastline as the island's wildlife protection program precludes landings. The Snares are home to huge numbers of breeding birds, 99 recorded species including albatross, Antarctic Terns and Snares Crested Penguins.

Day 6 Auckland Islands
We'll make a wet landing and visit several sites,depending on conditions, including an abandoned Maori settlement, a German expedition observation point at Terror Cove, and a WWII coast watching station at Ranui Cove. We may cruise to Victoria Passage, a dramatic opening at the end of Carnley Harbour. The birdlife of Auckland Island is profuse, and we are bound to see many species today.

Day 7 Campbell Island
Campbell is a volcanic island with fascinating rock formations. 50 years ago, between 2 and 3 million Rock Hopper Penguins were nesting on the island but since then 90% have been lost to bacterial infection. Less than 20 pairs of Wandering Albatross nest are found here. Approximately 8,500 pairs of Royal Albatross and about 74,000 pairs of Black Browed Mollymawk also call the island home. Over 40 other breeds of birds including the Southern Royal Albatross have also been observed on Campbell Island.

Day 8 At sea
Day 9 Macquarie Island
Often described as one of the "wonder spots" of the world, the sub-Antarctic island of Macquarie has been said to rival South Georgia in its magnificence, scenic diversity and prolific wildlife. Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and a World Heritage Site in 1997, Macquarie now operates a full-time manned station where biological and meteorological research is conducted. The station, located on the isthmus at Buckles Bay, is from where we will meet the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife rangers who will be our guides.
Our planned landing site is Sandy Bay, situated halfway down the island's eastern seaboard. The Zodiacs will traverse breakwaters of giant kelp before reaching rocky beaches where landing conditions can best be described as "wet and challenging." Once ashore you'll find the bay, with its rugged backdrop of mountains and tussock covered headlands, is home to 20,000 breeding pair of royal penguins, king penguins, rock hopper penguins, gentoo penguins and elephant seals. This profusion of wildlife wasn't always so protected. The rusting remains of machinery used by whalers are stark reminders of the exploitation which took place on the island during its early history.
Day 10 Macquarie Island
Day 11 At sea
Day 12 At sea
Day 13 Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand
We return to the port of Bluff and then on to Invercargill for the trip home.

Departure December 8, 2012

	Category	Type	Price	Sale price
	B	Stateroom	$8,835	N/A
	A	Stateroom	10,255	8,205
	JS	Junior Suite	12,185	9,140
	DS	Deluxe Suite	13,345	10,680
	BS	Balcony Suite	15,925	11,945
	OS	Owners Suite	18,500	13,875

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.

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