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Orion adds Komodo dragons and Aboriginal dreamtime to 2006 cruises
November 10, 2005New for 2006, and extending the Orion expedition cruise concept, are exciting opportunities to see the prehistoric dragons of Komodo and the rare chance to view extensive 50,000 year old aboriginal rock art. Enhancing Orion’s already fascinating East Timor ports-of-call at Dili and Baucau the new destinations include Com, Kupang, Komodo and Flores as well Mt Borradaile in remote Arnhem Land.
During winter 2006, the luxury expedition cruise ship Orion will provide four 10-night expedition voyages sailing roundtrip from Darwin. Departing on the 9th and 30th June, 21st July and 11th August 2006, guests can immerse themselves in the remnants of colonial outposts, ancient lands and cultures, dragons, the contrasts of East and West Timor and the stunning beauty of active volcanoes, tropical islands and beaches.
Fares begin from $6,860 per person for an ocean view category D stateroom
Like a mini time capsule of life on earth, this Orion expedition captures a time line that extends from active primitive volcanoes through the dreamtime of ancient Australian aboriginal rock art (regarded as some of the best examples in the world) to the newly emerging nation of East Timor.
The 2004 scientific discovery on Flores Island of Homo floresiensis – better known as the “Hobbit Man” – is a reminder of mans evolution in a region where even today existence often revolves around subsistence farming and fishing.
European maritime and trading influence made its mark from the early 1600’s and early Portuguese colonial architecture still remains very much in evidence in Dili and Baucau. Kupang, where William Bligh set foot on shore after his epic open boat journey following the mutiny, was also visited by Mathew Flinders as part of his circumnavigation of Australia. Orion’s guests now join the list.
Apart from a personal introduction to the famed dragons of Komodo, Orion’s guests will enjoy being able to relax and swim from coral-pink beaches, snorkel in pristine waters, view the crater lakes of Keli Mutu and the impressive limestone caves of Liang Bua. No swimming in Arnhem Land though, where there is the likelihood of sighting large salt water crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks.
For many, the highlight of this voyage will come at Mt Borradaile, with the chance to view the walls of hundreds of rock-shelters, featuring extraordinary examples of Aboriginal rock art. Depicting life over many thousands of years, this prolific art gallery portrays the Ancestral Beings from the Dreaming through paintings of now-extinct animals to twentieth century sailing ships. Not only are these sites rarely seen, but Orion’s guests will have the added dimension of hearing absorbing stories of the Dreamtime as told by the traditional owners of this ancient land. 7
10 night Dragons, Dili and Dreamtime expeditions
Orion offers just four 10 night cruises departing from Darwin on the 9th and 30th June, 21st July and 11th August 2006.
DARWIN, Kupang, Komodo, Maumere (Flores), Dili, Baucau, Mt. Borradaile/Arnhem Land (overnight), DARWIN
Fares Guide
Fares begin from $6,860 per person for an ocean view category D stateroom
Suites begin from $9,360 per person for a Junior Suite (category JS)
Orion’s spacious Owners’ Suites with French Balcony are $14,360 per person
Orion offers 8 categories of accommodation 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 flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity and mini-refrigerator.
Cruise fares include all meals in an unhurried single sitting in either the dining room or outdoor café, the service of 70 experienced crew members, guest speakers and/or expedition leaders and selected landings & activities ashore.
Orion Expedition Cruises
Note: prices in Aussie dollars.