Orion II 10 Night Gulf of Siam Explorer Singapore to Ho Chi Minh
Ship:
Orion II Cruise Line:
Orion Expedition Cruises
Departures:
09 January 2013
Duration:
10 Nights
Ports: Singapore, Tioman Island, Kuala Terrangganu, Ko Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park, Ko Kut, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Singapore Airport gateway (Departure) : Ho Chi Minh City
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Singapore
This prosperous, ultra-modern city-state stills holds many surprises, sporting diverse cultures, world class hotels, street eateries and duty free. Explore cultural enclaves like Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. Visit such attractions as the Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa Island. Or Simply head to Orchard Road for world-class shopping.
Country - Singapore Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 5kms Currency - Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Places of Interest Sentosa Island, Little India, Thian Hock Kheng Temple, Orchard Road, Singapore Zoo
Tioman Island
Set like a glittering jewel amidst the South China Sea, Tioman Island, the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, beckons the visitor with its white beaches and crystal clear azure seas. A sense of excitement and mystery pervades the island and the visitor will be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of this tropical paradise. Populated by friendly villagers who live an unhurried lifestyle, Tioman Island has a way of making your troubles seem like a thousand miles away
Country - Malaysia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - kms Currency - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Places of Interest
Kuala Terrangganu
Kuala Terrangganu, Malaysia Latitude: 5°20' N Longitude: 103°08' E
At the mouth of the Terengganu River, this city of 350,000, is surrounded by the the South China Sea on three sides. Despite it's size, the pace of life here seems unhurried. the Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu is a must sea and you will be in awe of and fascinated by the hustle and bustle of activities taking place there. Stroll down the waterfront and watch fishmongers haggling for the price of fish and other seafood. The local market is another must see, locally known as Pasar Payang and located by the Terengganu River, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, along with other fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and 'Keropok Lekor', which is a special local delicacy made from a mixture of fish and sago. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices.
Source: www.orionexpeditions.com.au
Ko Samui
Ko Samui, Thailand – Wet landing Latitude: 9°28' N Longitude: 99°60' E
Surrounded by sixty other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Appearing on maps since the time of the Ming Dynasty the island was probably first settled by Malay fisherman and people from Southern China. Historically Ko Samui and its people survived in a subsistence style but that has steadily changed since the 1980's as tourism took over as the predominate industry on the island. Despite the dominance of tourism Ko Samui has not lost its charm, there are still undeveloped quiet beaches (as well as the more well known busier ones) the people are friendly and the villages welcoming.
Source: www.orionexpeditions.com.au
Ang Thong Marine Park
Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand – Wet landing Latitude: 9°37' N Longitude: 99°44' E
Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Ko Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations.
Source: www.orionexpeditions.com.au
Ko Kut
back to top Ko Kut, Thailand – Wet landing Latitude: 11°39' N Longitude: 102°34' E
Ko Kut, whilst officially part of Thailand, sits right on the maritime border with Cambodia. What draws visitors and many locals to come to this island is its completely pristine nature, both inland and underwater. The rugged hills inland are home to several waterfalls and fast flowing streams whilst the coast has the white sand beaches and surrounding reef life one would expect of such a pristine island. The original inhabitants were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. Many of the local residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, coconut trees and from basic fisheries, just as they always have. The island is a well known shelter for fisherman from all around the region.
Source: www.orionexpeditions.com.au
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sihanoukville, Cambodia – Dry landing Latitude: 10°37' N Longitude: 103°31' E
The ship will berth at Sihanoukville to allow access to the World Heritage Listed temples of Angkor Wat.
Source: www.orionexpeditions.com
Ho Chi Minh City
Over a quarter of a century has passed since the Vietnam War ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The port city of Vung Tau is a seaside beach resort located about two hours east of Ho Chi Minh City, with shopping, discos and a range of eateries. As the closest beach in the vicinity, Vung Tau is a daytrip from Ho Chi Minh City offering a retreat from the city heat.
Country - Vietnam Distance from port to City - 60 kms Distance from port to Airport - 80kms Currency - Vietnam Dong (VND)
Places of Interest Cu Chi Tunnels, City Hall, Renufication Hall, War Remnants Museum
Map
Orion II Cabin Info
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Orion Expedition Cruises
Founded in early 2004, Australian owned and operated, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering.
Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.
Described as the latest in the quest to build the perfect expedition vessel * , all Orion’s staterooms feature ocean views and offer internet access, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD, a choice of twin and queen sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms. Other on board amenities include a health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.
Orion offers a range of included and optional Shoreside Expeditions designed to enhance the destination exploration for our guests. From Mallard sea plane flights and outback 4WD tours, to snorkeling over pristine coral formations, there are many unique opportunities for guests to visit areas of Australia that even most Australians don’t get to see. As part of our commitment to offering guests an enriching experience, on board speakers have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the regions they visit. Guests are invited to attend presentations in the 90 seat Lecture Theatre.
Our innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons: - Winter (May to September) in the Kimberley, Top End, East Timor, Arnhem Land and Komodo - Spring (October, November) and Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea - Summer (December, January and February) in the Tasman Sea, Tasmania and Antarctica.
We would be delighted to have you join us on a voyage to some of the most wonderful but rarely seen places on earth.
Ship info
Orion II
Originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance Four and re-launched in 2009 after extensive technical refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Orion II offers fine small-ship cruise travel.
Orion II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigation and communications technology as well as retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an icestrengthened hull for Antarctic voyages and a fleet of Zodiacs to enable easy shore access in remote locations.
Orion II carries a crew of 70, providing a ratio of over 1 crew member for 2 guests. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Orion II's spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages. Each ocean view suite has a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, flat screen television and DVD, iPod dock and air conditioning.
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the ship’s public spaces are warm and inviting.
Please note all of the below information is subject to change.
Boutique Open daily when the ship is at sea, the Boutique offers a wide range of gifts ranging from signature clothing to the most beautiful pearls in the world from Paspaley. A limited supply of sundry items is available.
Elevator Orion II has a glass elevator, centrally located in the atrium for ease of access. It services decks 2 to 6.
Gymnasium Located on Deck 6 with sweeping ocean views, the gymnasium is equipped with the following LifeFitness equipment: a step machine, a treadmill, a cross trainer, 2 bicycles, free weights and exercise mats.
Hair and Beauty Salon
Our hair stylist is available by appointment, offering a range of services from a simple shampoo and blow dry to a complete make-over including manicure and pedicure.
Hospital & Infirmary
Orion II has a doctor on board at all times and consultations should be arranged through the Reception Desk. A very limited range of pharmaceuticals is maintained on board so please be sure to pack sufficient quantities of medicines for your journey. Please note the Australian Medicare system does not extend to Orion II and consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.
Internet
A laptop is available in the Library with internet connection.
Jacuzzi
A Jacuzzi spa is located on the Sun Deck, Deck 6. In warmer climes you'll find the spa affords a cool dip, doubling as a plunge pool.
Lecture Hall Our lecture hall with surround-sound is the scene for themed presentations by our Expedition team and Guest Speakers.
Lounge
There are two Lounges onboard. Each is the hub of social life aboard Orion II. Tour briefings are held here before dinner and a duo plays for your entertainment later in the evening.
Library
Our library is well-stocked with a wide variety of informative books and journals on our destinations, and both novels and games are also available. You'll also find a laptop here for internet access.
Marina Deck Platforms You'll embark the Zodiacs from the Stern Marina Deck Platform (accessed by the rear stairs).
Outdoor Café The Outdoor Café, located aft on Deck 5, offers al fresco dining for buffet breakfast and lunch. On balmy evenings you may book a table outdoors for dinner enjoying the same menu and service as presented in the restaurant.
Reception Desk
Manned 24 hours a day, the Reception Desk is your 'first port of call' for all administrative matters.
Restaurant The Restaurant offers guests a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining aboard Orion II is a leisurely experience with a single, open sitting allowing you to choose when and with whom you dine.
Sun Decks You'll find padded teak steamer chairs on Deck 6 beside the Jacuzzi spa affording you a relaxing spot to read a book or simply doze in the sun. You'll find an ample supply of large blue beach towels close by on each of the two sun decks.
Health Spa The Spa offers a uni-sex dry sauna, the gymnasium is equipped with cardio vascular exercise machines and a range of massage/spa treatments are available.
