| Orion announces inclusive value-added accommodation packages |
Orion Expedition Cruises has announced a range of inclusive value-added accommodation packages aimed at enhancing guest experiences on all Orion Australian 7 night voyages in November and December 2010.
This effectively adds another 2 or 3 nights to the holiday experience at no additional cost to the regular Orion expedition fare.
Guests can select from one of the following pre or post voyage accommodation options, staying in some of the finest and most sought after hotel and spa/lodge properties available:
• Cairns – qualia or Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
• Sydney – Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort or Four Seasons Hotel
• Melbourne – Chateau Yering or Crown Metropol Hotel
• Hobart – Saffire, Freycinet or Henry Jones Art Hotel
These premium 2 and 3 night accommodation packages are worth up to $5,000 and include meals, transfers and private tours, representing significant added value for guests.
Complete voyage and accommodation details are available in a 20 page booklet available directly through Orion Expedition Cruises or travel agents.
Prices for all these Orion packages start at the regular price of $6,040 per person based on twin share in a Category A stateroom. pathways receive an additional 5% saving.
For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition
Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.au
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Note: Offer only available for new bookings on Orion 7 night voyages departing 2 November 2010 – Great Barrier Reef – Cairns to Sydney / 9 November 2010 – Australia’s Wild South-East – Sydney to Melbourne / 24 November 2010 – National Parks of Tasmania – Melbourne to Hobart / 1 December 2010 –Tasmanian Wilderness – Hobart round trip in a Category A Stateroom or above.
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| Orion Expedition Cruises expands with the addition of a second specialist expedition cruise ship |
SYDNEY (26 November 2009): Orion Expedition Cruises is to increase the size of its fleet with the addition of a second specialist expedition cruise ship to join the existing 106 passenger Orion.
Orion Expedition Cruises today released details regarding the forthcoming long term charter of Clelia II, a 100 passenger all-suite luxury expedition cruise ship, to be renamed Orion II. The ship, configured to Orion’s exacting requirements, is scheduled to commence expedition voyages under the Orion Expedition Cruises banner in May 2011.
Making the announcement today from onboard Orion in Sydney Harbour, Sarina Bratton, Orion’s Managing Director, was upbeat about the expansion of the business she started in 2004, citing a strong existing market – despite tough current worldwide economic conditions – and growing interest from international markets in expedition cruising in this part of the globe.
A loyal Orion past-passenger base, resurgent growth by independent travellers and significant opportunities afforded through charter and incentives markets have provided the platform for the expansion.
Based on thorough research, and following the success of Orion’s recent voyages, Orion II will be based in South East Asia offering a wide range of expeditions that will include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan and Borneo. Details of destinations and itineraries will be released in 2010 once voyage details and expedition team scouting are finalised.
Recently subject to a €13 million (A$21 million) refurbishment undertaken by the present operators, with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, the ship will also undergo additional cosmetic enhancements to bring her fully into the Orion style.
Commenting on the additional range of destinations and itineraries, Sarina said that Orion Expedition Cruises will be able to provide exclusive expeditions from Antarctica to Asia, and the Kimberley to Melanesia and New Zealand, with the two ships offering a balance of onboard service and luxury combined with unique personal experiences in environmentally and culturally sensitive parts of the region. Together, Orion and Orion II will be two of the most modern and capable expedition cruise ships cruising in Australasia.
The long term charter of a second purpose built ship able to access remote
regions in comfort is a further step to fulfilling the company’s original vision to have Orion Expedition Cruises regarded as the operator of choice in the Asia Pacific.
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| Orion Voted Best Cruise/Sailing Experience |
Judged by an international panel of Premier Aussie Specialist travel
agents, Orion Expedition Cruises’ Kimberley voyages has been voted Best Cruise/Sailing Experience in Travelling in Australia magazine’s 20 Best Experiences Awards.
“We’re seeing a strong shift towards tourism product that demonstrates a genuine commitment towards sustainability,” explains Chantal Dunbar, Editor of Travelling in Australia magazine. “This is not solely on an environmental level, but also a cultural one too. This is where Australia’s future lies, as our nature-based and Indigenous experiences cannot be replicated by other countries competing for the tourism dollar.”
Of Australia’s 20 ultimate tourism experiences, 18 were either eco or Indigenous. Today’s highly educated traveller has a social and environmental conscious and sees travel as a learning opportunity, seeking a sense of community engagement and authenticity.
As a country with the oldest living culture in the world and one of the highest levels of biodiversity, savvy travellers have realised that this is what the Australian Experience is really about. It’s something impossible to replicate elsewhere and something that’s becoming increasingly hard to find.
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