National Geographic Orion

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions

Overview

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers—practically anywhere accessible by sea.

 

At the helm of National Geographic Orion is an expert crew, capable of handling intricate operations that large cruise ships could never attempt. The ship features modern navigational equipment and technological abilities that allow her to navigate safely, even in uncharted waters​. She currently holds the distinction of having sailed further south than any other vessel in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet.

 

National Geographic Orion offers guests a spirited, almost clubby environment onboard. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outdoor deck space, which beckons in the balmy reaches of the South Pacific and beyond and offers a range of panoramic views of the region’s rich avian and marine life.

How else but on a ship could we see such marvels? And Orion comes close to the perfect expedition ship. panama-columbia
Brian Johnston, The Sydney Morning Herald

(3) National Geographic Orion Itineraries

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

Australia and New Zealand

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Duration

14 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$18,419

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Duration

14 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$18,419

Top Highlights

  • On guided walks through a rare podocarp forest, a rainforest, botanical gardens, and arboretums, learn about the country’s fascinating plant life
  • Visit sites important to Maori history and culture, Napier’s well-preserved art deco city center, and cosmopolitan Auckland, “the City of Sails”
  • New Zealand’s celebrated wines and culinary specialties add to the many pleasures of this inspiring expedition

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Dec

From

$12,994

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Dec

From

$12,994

Top Highlights

  • Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
  • Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
  • See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
  • Visit important World War II sites, including the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge and the Battle of Guadalcanal
  • See the fantastic fishing canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

20 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$28,962

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

20 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$28,962

Top Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in unparalleled beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island.
  • Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Māori people.
  • Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species
  • Delve into New Zealand’s cultural riches – from Napier’s Art Deco architecture, to historical Maori sites.
  • Visit Abel Tasman National Park where we’ll discover its golden sand beaches, abundant bird life, and native forests.

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure