Cruising
Orion Expedition Cruising
Cruise aboard a luxuriously appointed modern ship perfectly configured to travel to unspoiled destinations — places big cruise ships simply cannot venture. Although custom designed for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. Her luxurious appointments mean she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; just 50 couples, all cared for in comfort by a crew of 75.There are 27 suites and 26 staterooms, all offering ocean views, Internet access, TV/DVD, twin or queen-size beds, refrigerator, sitting area or living room, marble bathrooms with shower, fluffy robes, personal safe and ample storage space. Life on board Orion is relaxed and casually elegant. From gourmet dinner menus to pampering at the beauty salon, rediscover your capacity for relaxation and indulgence.
Orion's expeditions around the continent follow the seasons. Between May and September each year, in the mid northern winter, explore the ragged red cliffs of the Kimberley coast rising dramatically out of the sea, and be astounded by the rock art evidencing an ancient Aboriginal culture going back some 50,000 years. In Spring and Fall, Orion ventures to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, the islands of the Torres Strait and beyond to the nation that time has forgotten: Papua New Guinea. The southern summer sees Orion visit Sydney over the holiday season before sailing further south to the wilds of Tasmania and on to the continent of Antarctica.
Melanesia
February: Rich in the history of battles fought during World War II, Orion’s 16-night exploration of the islands of Melanesia will reveal a special place in the Pacific. These islands offer a wealth of experiences including active volcanoes, hiking in lush rainforests, snorkeling from pristine beaches, and invitations to join the locals and be a part of their diverse cultures and customs.Papua New Guinea & the Coral Sea
March, April, September and October: These 11 night expeditions are an enchanting blend of the rich culture and friendly welcomes of these exotic islands – from iconic handicrafts, pristine beaches and amazing diving to active volcanoes, ancient tropical fjords and the iconic Sepik River.Australia’s Kimberley Coast
April to September: Orion’s 10 night expeditions explore the Kimberley coastline featuring gorges abundant with wildlife, towering sandstone cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and ancient cultural rock art. From sunrise to sunset the kaleidoscope of Kimberley colors will reveal a brilliant landscape of burnt orange cliffs and luminous turquoise waters.Kimberley – East & West (International)
May and August: These 11 night international voyages reveal Australia’s Kimberley Coast whilst also exploring the remote islands of Roti and Kupang. Sailing between Darwin and Broome, you’ll see the Kimberley opened up in a unique way. There’s age-old rock art, rugged gorges, inlets and plunging waterfalls.New Zealand
October and November: The beauty of magnificent fjords, lush sub-tropical rainforest, majestic mountains and abundant waterfalls await Orion as she undertakes her inaugural exploration of these amazing isles. Breathtaking scenery and stunning wildlife will abound along these 11 night South Island and 14 night Lord Howe and North Island expeditions.Antarctic Continent
December and January: If one destination epitomizes a path less traveled, it is Orion’s expeditions to the continent of Antarctica. On 16 or 20-night expeditions sailing between Hobart and Bluff, guests will have the opportunity to see extraordinary wildlife, towering glaciers, snow-shrouded mountains and stand inside the historical huts of famous explorers. The sense of awe and privilege that these experiences give will live with you for the rest of your life.Contact a Swain Travel Specialist for more details.
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Coral Princess Cruises
A Coral Princess cruise is a Great Barrier Reef and island experience you will never forget. Board a cruise of discovery and adventure as you explore Australia's renowned tropical paradise and World Heritage Marine and National Parks. There is as much to do as you want, or as little to do as you like — snorkeling, guided rainforest walks and presentations by a marine biologist — or simply take the time to relax on the sundeck or in the spa. The choice is yours!All accommodation is spacious and air conditioned with private en suites and the choice of single or double beds. A Coral Princess cruise is an eco-cruise — a unique, intimate environmental experience incorporating soft adventure and expedition style encounters. Looking after the world is extremely important and protecting the environment, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the company’s top priorities.
Experience the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York, the Kimberley region, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, and New Zealand expedition cruises in style – cruise from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Marine and National Parks to the Outback of Australia and beyond.
Great Barrier Reef
Let multi award-winning Coral Princess Cruises introduce you to Australia’s most famous natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef. With more than 20 years experience and an unrivaled reputation for cruising excellence, their exclusive itineraries introduce the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands in total comfort and unmatched style.Their aim is to show you the hidden jewels of the Great Barrier Reef – the reef, ancient rainforest and secluded tropical islands most visitors never see. But the beauty of a Coral Princess Cruise is that you can be as adventurous – or as relaxed – as you please. Their exclusive reef moorings mean you won’t be surrounded by hundreds of other reef visitors – and the small ships accommodate a maximum of just 50 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized reef, rainforest and island experience.
New Zealand and the South Pacific
For the complete New Zealand experience join the 12 night cruise from Auckland to Queenstown, taking in New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and natural highlights. The South Pacific offers some of the world’s most spectacular cruising, and Coral Princess Cruises is proud to introduce guests to some of the region’s most exotic destinations. Join them and discover Papua New Guinea and its mighty Sepik River or Vanuatu, the unforgettable tropical setting for the musical ‘South Pacific’.Contact a Swain Travel Specialist for more details.
