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Australia Cruise | Tropical Reefs and Culture of Australia

Written by  Marie Browne

Orion's exploration of the world famous Great Barrier Reef takes you to the most pristine and unspoilt areas of this Marine Park. Discover the rich diversity of the Torres Strait Islander people at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island with fascinating historical and cultural artefacts and tools, as well as modern and traditional art. 

Explore picturesque Stanley Island, known as Yindayan. Local Aboriginal guides will share the legends, history and culture of the area as well as showing off delicious bush tucker and stunning 'first contact' rock art.

Cultural exploits combine with the sheer pleasure of swimming and diving in these turquoise waters. Journey to far northern waters, an unnamed area, which we have christened Orion Reef. One of the most diverse snorkelling areas on the Great Barrier Reef, pristine and seldom visited, alive with corals and teeming with tropical fish.

On secluded Boydong Island, magic snorkelling is followed by a beach barbecue, sea kayaking and guided walks. Unspoilt Lizard Island rises from the blue waters north of Cooktown. Snorkelers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams, pristine beaches with perfect white sand sloping gently away from the shore.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Thursday Island, Torres Strait
Day 2 Little Boydong Island
Day 3 Orion Reef
Day 4 Stanley Island
Day 5 Lizard Island
Day 6 Cairns, Queensland

Departs September 27, 2012

Category Type Price Sale price
alt B Stateroom $2,450 N/A
alt A Stateroom 2,840 2,560
alt JS Junior Suite 3,375 2,870
alt DS Deluxe Suite 3,700 3,145
alt BS Balcony Suite 4,410 3,750
alt OS Owners Suite 5,125 5,130

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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
alt100 A5 E3 Passenger Ship alt 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


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Tropical Reefs and Culture

 

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