Australia Cruise | Tasman Sea
Category » South Pacific Cruises
This Orion adventure, in the spirit of the explorer Abel Tasman, includes some of the most spectacular sights of the South Pacific. Balls Pyramid is a jagged basalt spire spearing 552 metres out of the sea. Formed about 7 million years ago, windswept and inhospitable, it is regarded as the world's tallest sea stack. If conditions permit, we'll take a Zodiac exploration for a close-up view of this pinnacle and the surrounding islets of this mythological seascape. Sailing from Brisbane to Auckland, there will be the opportunity to visit the historic township of Russell, a peaceful retreat with old world charm in New Zealand's magnificent Bay of Islands, a coastline of bays, white sandy beaches and 150 islands, renowned for diving, yachting and deep sea fishing. Here the Maoris first arrived; later a base for whalers, sealers and sailors. Without doubt, one of the most beautiful and peaceful seascapes in the world.
Itinerary at a glance:
Day 1 Auckland, New ZealandDay 2 At sea
Day 3 At sea
Day 4 Balls Pyramid
Day 5 Norfolk Island
Day 6 At sea
Day 7 Brisbane, Australia
Detailed Itinerary:
2012 Departures
November 21, 2012 (reverse itinerary)NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR TRIPS BOOKED BY MAY 31!
| Category | Type | Price | If booked by May 31 |
|
![]() |
B | Stateroom | $2,935 | $1,765 |
![]() |
A | Stateroom | 3,410 | 2,050 |
![]() |
JS | Junior Suite | 4,050 | 2,430 |
![]() |
DS | Deluxe Suite | 4,435 | 2,665 |
![]() |
BS | Balcony Suite | 5,295 | 3,180 |
![]() |
OS | Owners Suite | 6,145 | 3,690 |


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 AUTRegulations: 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










