Orion

 | Lecturers

Go here for departures, prices and availability.

A Vessel for a New Age of Expedition Cruising

The creation of the 106-guest Orion heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel that combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a fine cruise ship. Built in Germany in 2003, Orion is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering and features a top-rated ice-strengthened hull, bow and stern thrusters for easy maneuverability, retractable fin stabilizers for smooth and comfortable sailing, and environmentally friendly mechanical systems.

More Than a Place to Rest Your Head

While its technical features enable it to explore some of the worldıs most remote regions, it is Orionıs accommodations that set it apart from other expedition ships. All 53 suites and staterooms are exterior and feature a sitting area or living room, TV, DVD and CD player, mini-refrigerator, safe deposit box, private bathroom, ample closet space, and twin beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed. A large oval or square window or sliding glass doors afford excellent views of the passing scenery and ports of call.

Its inviting public areas and other cruise ship amenities also make it easy to forget that Orion is an expedition ship. Among Orionıs features are a spa with gym, sauna and masseuse, whirlpool, hair salon, boutique, sophisticated lecture theatre, comfortable lounges, library, and an Internet centre. A spacious restaurant accommodates all guests at a single unassigned seating, and a cafe off the main lounge is also available for dining alfresco. A magnificent glass atrium wraps around the elevator linking all the main decks. Orion is served by 65 seasoned European officers and crew.

A Calling for Discovery

As elegant and comfortable as it is, Orion never loses sight of its purpose as an expedition ship. A spacious observation lounge on the top deck opens onto a full wrap-around deck for optimal viewing. A mud room on the lower deck stores equipment used during a day of exploration. And a fleet of ten heavy-duty, Zodiac inflatable motorized boats make it possible to land in shallow areas and navigate small rivers and waterways .

All staterooms and suites have a marble bathroom with shower. Suites 502, 507, 520, 509, and 510 have a shower and compact bathtub. Several of Orion's staterooms and suites can accommodate a third person in an upper pullman bed
or a convertible sofa-bed.

Category Description
E Outside staterooms with oval window and sitting area.
Deck 3. 175 sq.ft. Staterooms 301; 322; 323
D Outside staterooms with oval window and sitting area.
Decks 3 & 4. 180 sq. ft. Staterooms 316; 318-321; 418
C Outside staterooms with oval window and sitting area.
Deck 3. 180 sq. ft. Staterooms 302-312; 314; 315; 317
B Outside staterooms with square window and sitting area.
Deck 4. 190 sq. ft. Staterooms 401; 402; 419 (419 has an oval window.)
A Outside Junior Suites with square window and sitting area.
Decks 4 & 5. 220 sq. ft. Suites 403-412; 414-417; 512
SC Outside Suites with large window and living room.
Deck 5. 230 sq. ft. Suites 511 & 515
SB Outside Suites with French balcony and living room.
Deck 5. 230 sq. ft. Suites 501; 503-506; 508
SA Outside Grand Suites with French balcony, separate bedroom, and living room. Deck 5. 345 sq. ft. Suites 502; 507; 509; 510
(Suite 502 has a permanent double bed. Suite 509 has two windows instead of a French balcony.)

  1. Elevator
  2. Galaxy Lounge
  3. Vega Health Spa
  4. Cosmos Lecture Hall
  5. Sun Deck with Whirlpool
  6. Bridge
  7. Beauty Parlor
  8. Boutique
  9. Internet Center
  10. Reception
  11. Library
  12. Leda Lounge
  13. Security Office
  14. Delphinus Outdoor Cafe
  15. Constellation Restaurant
  16. Marina
  17. Hospital
  18. Mud Room
  19. Zodiac Embarkation Platform

 

Orion's Main Technical Specifications
Length:
 		 337 feet
Beam: 46 feet
Draft: 12.2 feet
Hull: Ice-reinforced for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
Ice Class: E3 (Germanischer Lloyd)
Gross Tonnage: 4,050
Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HP
Speed: 16 knots
Stabilizers: Blohm & Voss, retractable fin stabilizers
Year Built: 2003
Builder: Cassens Shipyard -- Emden, Germany
Suites & Staterooms: 53
Guest Capacity: 106 (in lower beds; additionally, 33 convertible sofas or pullman beds)
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. Inflatable Rubber Boats: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5
Kayaks: 10
Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system
Registry: Bahamas
  Go here for departures, prices and availability.