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quote:Orion headed for AustraliaMarch 23, 2005Sarina Bratton, Managing Director of Sydney-based Orion Expedition Cruises, (pictured here on the bridge after the official handover in Papeete with the Chief Engineer) officially takes delivery of Orion, a 5 star, 106 guest luxury expedition cruise ship.Orion is destined for Australian waters, with a series of year-round itineraries that include both remote and iconic destinations like the Kimberley, Top End, East Timor, Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica.“With cruising generally, and expedition cruising in particular, showing such dynamic worldwide growth, it is timely that we should be bringing Orion to Australia. And, with such an extensive and diverse coastline, Australia is the perfect continent for expedition cruising”.“Apart from the vastness, much of Australia's coast is difficult to reach by land, and so travel by sea is the perfect answer - especially in a ship purpose built for expedition cruising”, said Mrs Bratton.The German built 18 month old Orion, will provide Australian and international guests alike true 5-star standards of comfort and service plus all the amenities you would expect of a much larger vessel. However, her size permits access to remote areas that large cruise ships simply cannot reach.Orion is scheduled to arrive in Sydney Harbour at sunrise on the morning of Saturday 2nd April, after her inaugural voyage from Papeete.After a week of activities in Sydney, Orion will head north for Cairns and the commencement of its Great Barrier Reef cruises, before voyaging around Cape York to be based in Darwin during the winter period.Orion Expedition Cruises
Sarina Bratton, Managing Director of Sydney-based Orion Expedition Cruises, (pictured here on the bridge after the official handover in Papeete with the Chief Engineer) officially takes delivery of Orion, a 5 star, 106 guest luxury expedition cruise ship.
Orion is destined for Australian waters, with a series of year-round itineraries that include both remote and iconic destinations like the Kimberley, Top End, East Timor, Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica.
“With cruising generally, and expedition cruising in particular, showing such dynamic worldwide growth, it is timely that we should be bringing Orion to Australia. And, with such an extensive and diverse coastline, Australia is the perfect continent for expedition cruising”.
“Apart from the vastness, much of Australia's coast is difficult to reach by land, and so travel by sea is the perfect answer - especially in a ship purpose built for expedition cruising”, said Mrs Bratton.
The German built 18 month old Orion, will provide Australian and international guests alike true 5-star standards of comfort and service plus all the amenities you would expect of a much larger vessel. However, her size permits access to remote areas that large cruise ships simply cannot reach.
Orion is scheduled to arrive in Sydney Harbour at sunrise on the morning of Saturday 2nd April, after her inaugural voyage from Papeete.
After a week of activities in Sydney, Orion will head north for Cairns and the commencement of its Great Barrier Reef cruises, before voyaging around Cape York to be based in Darwin during the winter period.
Orion Expedition Cruises
******
Cheers
The ORION was operated by Travel Dynamics during the past time, crew is mainly from Ukraine, the captain from Germany, capt. Sven Gärtner.
The vessel is controlled by the same owners as XPEDITION, both chartered out to Celebrity (XPEDITION) and Orion Expedition Cruises (ORION) for a specific market. CONSTELLATION, which also operated a short season as CORINTHIAN for Travel Dynamics, is now owned by Russian company Mitridat / Dolco Investments and operates as a private yacht.
Meanwhile, Travel Dynamics operates the CORINTHIAN II (ex ISLAND SUN) which is owned by the Clipper Group and managed by ISP. Crew is also from Ukraine, provided by the same supplier than on XPEDITION and ORION.Travel Dynamics also operates the CLELIA 2.
Let's hope the ORION will be a good addition to the Australian market. At least Sarina Bratton will do a far better job than ATW did !
Patrick
quote:Orion Expedition Cruises adds another dimension to the cruise experienceMarch 24, 2005Most guidebooks provide travellers with a scant overview, just enough to grasp a basic understanding of the places they are visiting. However, to truly benefit from the experience of travel, there is nothing like having a true expert beside you, sharing insights and information gained from first-hand experience. As just one more stimulating element on every voyage, every Orion expedition will have one or more qualified experts along, imparting knowledge in their area of expertise. Depending on the itinerary, guests will travel with marine biologists, diplomats, artists, historians, distinguished academics, explorers, award winning chefs, ecologists and scientists. Subjects diverse as reef ecology, marine habitats, island cultures and traditions, politics, history, local cuisine, indigenous art, exploration, environmental impact, flora and fauna are just some of the topics Orion's guests can explore. On Orion's voyages to the Antarctic continent the principal expedition leaders are Don and Margie McIntyre. These adventurers are well known as Australia's "Antarctic Couple". In 1995 they chronicled an extraordinary year spent living together in a metal box measuring just 2.4 x 3.6 meters. Their home was chained to rocks at Cape Denison, a mere 400 meters from the 1911 base of Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. To ensure everyone captures the true essence of the Antarctic, they will share their experiences and vast knowledge gathered from thirteen Antarctic expeditions. Someone who knows her way across the oceans of the world is famed solo around-the-world yachts person, Kay Cottee. As part of the team on the 9 th April Coral Sea Exploration, Kay will share stories of her extraordinary sailing exploits. No risk of getting lost on this voyage! Dr Susan Boyd, former Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu has broad experience in government and politics. An authority on human rights and international relations, Dr Boyd will be onboard imparting her perspective on the many Pacific Islands visited during the inaugural cruise to Australia. Author, Len Zell, a biologist with over 30 years' experience in marine and coral reef research and eco-tourism, will be onboard during the April 30 voyage to Cape York and the Torres Strait islands. Well known for his contributions to the Lonely Planet publications, Len will be sharing his wealth of experience as a marine scientist, photographer, diver and expeditionary with Orion's guests. Another well-known Australian underwater adventurer and photographer, Ben Cropp, will lead three expeditions (Great Barrier Reef/ April 16, Top End /May 21 and Kimberley/May28, 2005). Following on from being named Underwater Photographer of the Year (joining other luminaries such as Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hass), Ben has since produced over 150 marine and wildlife adventure documentaries broadcast by National Geographic Channel and Network 7's “The World Around Us”. Ben was part of the team which discovered the wreck of the Pandora, and was awarded an Order of Australia AM in 1999 for his marine and coastal conservation work Destination & Fares GuideOrion explores the Australian coastline year-round, her schedule reflecting the seasons. In Spring and Autumn each year Orion can be found exploring remote sections of the Great Barrier Reef, and beyond to the Torres Strait Islands. 7-night voyages are offered from Brisbane or Cairns. From May to September Orion undertakes a series of 10 and 11-night expeditions to Arnhem Land, The Kimberley and further afield to the emerging nation of East Timor. In the Summer, after spending Christmas & New Year in waters close to Sydney , the ship heads south to Tasmania , offering three 7-night expeditions. Two voyages to the Antarctic continent are offered in January of each year, exploring pristine wilderness and the historic bases of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton.
Most guidebooks provide travellers with a scant overview, just enough to grasp a basic understanding of the places they are visiting. However, to truly benefit from the experience of travel, there is nothing like having a true expert beside you, sharing insights and information gained from first-hand experience.
As just one more stimulating element on every voyage, every Orion expedition will have one or more qualified experts along, imparting knowledge in their area of expertise. Depending on the itinerary, guests will travel with marine biologists, diplomats, artists, historians, distinguished academics, explorers, award winning chefs, ecologists and scientists.
Subjects diverse as reef ecology, marine habitats, island cultures and traditions, politics, history, local cuisine, indigenous art, exploration, environmental impact, flora and fauna are just some of the topics Orion's guests can explore.
On Orion's voyages to the Antarctic continent the principal expedition leaders are Don and Margie McIntyre. These adventurers are well known as Australia's "Antarctic Couple". In 1995 they chronicled an extraordinary year spent living together in a metal box measuring just 2.4 x 3.6 meters. Their home was chained to rocks at Cape Denison, a mere 400 meters from the 1911 base of Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. To ensure everyone captures the true essence of the Antarctic, they will share their experiences and vast knowledge gathered from thirteen Antarctic expeditions.
Someone who knows her way across the oceans of the world is famed solo around-the-world yachts person, Kay Cottee. As part of the team on the 9 th April Coral Sea Exploration, Kay will share stories of her extraordinary sailing exploits. No risk of getting lost on this voyage!
Dr Susan Boyd, former Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu has broad experience in government and politics. An authority on human rights and international relations, Dr Boyd will be onboard imparting her perspective on the many Pacific Islands visited during the inaugural cruise to Australia.
Author, Len Zell, a biologist with over 30 years' experience in marine and coral reef research and eco-tourism, will be onboard during the April 30 voyage to Cape York and the Torres Strait islands. Well known for his contributions to the Lonely Planet publications, Len will be sharing his wealth of experience as a marine scientist, photographer, diver and expeditionary with Orion's guests.
Another well-known Australian underwater adventurer and photographer, Ben Cropp, will lead three expeditions (Great Barrier Reef/ April 16, Top End /May 21 and Kimberley/May28, 2005). Following on from being named Underwater Photographer of the Year (joining other luminaries such as Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hass), Ben has since produced over 150 marine and wildlife adventure documentaries broadcast by National Geographic Channel and Network 7's “The World Around Us”. Ben was part of the team which discovered the wreck of the Pandora, and was awarded an Order of Australia AM in 1999 for his marine and coastal conservation work
Destination & Fares Guide
Orion explores the Australian coastline year-round, her schedule reflecting the seasons.
In Spring and Autumn each year Orion can be found exploring remote sections of the Great Barrier Reef, and beyond to the Torres Strait Islands. 7-night voyages are offered from Brisbane or Cairns.
From May to September Orion undertakes a series of 10 and 11-night expeditions to Arnhem Land, The Kimberley and further afield to the emerging nation of East Timor.
In the Summer, after spending Christmas & New Year in waters close to Sydney , the ship heads south to Tasmania , offering three 7-night expeditions. Two voyages to the Antarctic continent are offered in January of each year, exploring pristine wilderness and the historic bases of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton.
quote:7 night fares begin from $4,550 per person for an ocean view category D stateroomSuites begin from $6,300 per person for a Junior Suite (category JS)Orion's spacious Owners' Suites with French Balcony are $9,800 per personOrion offers 8 categories of accommodation for 106 guests across 53 staterooms and suites. All feature ocean views, the option of queen size or twin beds, fully-equipped marble bathrooms and modern amenities like flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity and mini-refrigerator.Cruise fares include all meals in an unhurried single, the service of 70 experienced crew members & expedition leaders, and selected landings & activities ashore.
quote: Let's hope the ORION will be a good addition to the Australian market. At least Sarina Bratton will do a far better job than ATW did !
i think your right there! Sabrina has had a lot more experience in the industry.
WRT her size and target market... i would be interested to see how often she leaves full. 100 pax isnt a lot, but the prices they are charging are.
also have they purchased this ship? or is it on charter for a year? what will happen after this time?
(it was not working at time of posting this link... however i guess it will be back up and running soon)
quote:bmajor wrote:I would have thought the results of Ms Bratton's previous venture with the Norwegian Star do not inspire great confidence with the Orion project.... Am I missing something maybe??
bmajor, you are not missing anything. Maybe she has learnt something since then. Let's give her the benefit of doubt.
phil_a, the website is working.
quote:Orion joins ICCAMarch 31, 2005 Orion Expedition Cruises has joined the International Cruise Council of Australasia.The cruise company’s md, Sarina Bratton, said joining the council was an important step for Orion, as the ICCA represented the collective voice of 17 member cruise lines.“The council provides excellent specialist cruise training for the travel industry, and now boasts a national membership in excess of 600 accredited cruise travel agencies,” Bratton said. ICCA general manager Karen Christensen said Bratton was one of the original founding members of the council in 1996. “Orion Expedition Cruises has created an exciting new dimension to cruise product available in Australia by broadening the category with the introduction of five-star quality expedition cruising,” Christensen said. The Orion is expected to arrive in Australia this week on its inaugural voyage from Papeete to Sydney.Reed Business Information
Orion Expedition Cruises has joined the International Cruise Council of Australasia.
The cruise company’s md, Sarina Bratton, said joining the council was an important step for Orion, as the ICCA represented the collective voice of 17 member cruise lines.
“The council provides excellent specialist cruise training for the travel industry, and now boasts a national membership in excess of 600 accredited cruise travel agencies,” Bratton said.
ICCA general manager Karen Christensen said Bratton was one of the original founding members of the council in 1996.
“Orion Expedition Cruises has created an exciting new dimension to cruise product available in Australia by broadening the category with the introduction of five-star quality expedition cruising,” Christensen said.
The Orion is expected to arrive in Australia this week on its inaugural voyage from Papeete to Sydney.
Reed Business Information
Also in the meantime, Orion Expedition Cruises has become the 10th member of the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance.
~Brian
For this itinerary.....
Day Date Port Arrive Depart Saturday Apr 23 Brisbane, Australia 4:00 pm Sunday Apr 24 Fraser Island, Australia 12:00 pm 7:00 pm Monday Apr 25 Lady Elliot Island, Australia 8:00 am 12:00 pm Tuesday Apr 26 Whitsunday Islands, Australia Wednesday Apr 27 Hinchinbrook Island, Australia 8:00 am 3:00 pm Thursday Apr 28 Willis Islets, Coral Sea 8:00 am 12:00 pm Friday Apr 29 Cape Tribulation, Australia 8:00 am 12:00 pm Friday Apr 29 Port Douglas, Australia 1:00 pm 7:00 pm Friday Apr 30 Cairns, Australia 8:00 am
The fares areOcean View $NZ 5291.00Ocean View $NZ 6919.00Suite $ NZ 7326.00Suite $NZ 9767.00
plus from an email from my TA todaythey wil throw in FREE RETURN BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARES.
Anyway bmajor are you booked for this cruise? common its only 10k for a 7night cruise! bargin if you ask me
Bargain??? Yeah right!!!
quote: Bargain??? Yeah right!!!
if i had to spend 10k on a cruise, i would purchase an around world airfare then cruise 7 days in the carribean, a week up in alaska and maybe chuck in an atlantic crossing also
i imagine there is a naming cermony or somthing similar this weekend? or did this happen in Papeete?
[ 04-01-2005: Message edited by: phil_a ]
quote: if i had to spend 10k on a cruise, i would purchase an around world airfare then cruise 7 days in the carribean, a week up in alaska and maybe chuck in an atlantic crossing also
Properly planned you could still have change over!!!!
Many thanks for the Webcam shots phil.
I went to the cam and captured this shot.
It gives a comparison in size of Orion,Captain CookCruises , MV Sydney,(A tourist cruise ship on Sydney harbour) and the Manly ferry.
Comparison of MVSydney and Orion.
MV Sydney
Ship Information:Ship Name: Sydney 2000 Country: Australia Port: Sydney HarbourShip type: Sightseeing & Restaurant vessel Class: DeluxeTonnage: 1684 tonnes Length: 63 metres Beam: 14 metresDraft: 2 metres Maximum speed: 9 KnotsYear built: 1998, Henderson, Western AustraliaCapacity: Sky Deck 150 - 220 passengers, Club Deck 180 - 280 passengersShow Deck 180 - 190 passengers, Total Vessel Capacity 690 passengers
MV Orion
Ship Information:Length: 103 metersBeam: 14.25 metersDraft: 3.82 metersHull: Ice-reinforced for voyages in the Artic and AntarcticaIce Class: E3 (Gernabuscher Lloyd)Gross Tonnage: 4,000Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HPSpped: 15.5 knotsStabilisers: Blohm & Voss, retractable fin stabilizersManoeuvrability: Bow and stern thrustersYear Built: 2003Delivery Date: November 2003Builder: Cassens Shipyard-Emden, GermanyStaterooms & Suites: 53Guest Capacity: 106 (twin occupancy), 24 additional guests may be accommodated in convertible sofa or upper Pullman bedsElevator: YesAdditional Craft: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 10 KayaksCommunications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; Internal telephone systemRegistry: Bahamas
[ 04-02-2005: Message edited by: phil_a ]
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