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Orion II Brochure 2012-13%lt;br%gt;Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights%lt;br%gt;Cairns to Rabaul

Orion II Brochure 2012-13
Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights
Cairns to Rabaul

Ship: Orion II
Cruise Line: Orion Expedition Cruises
Departures:  15 November 2012
Duration: 11 Nights
Ports: Sepik, Madang, Tami Island, Rabaul, Tufi Harbour, Trobriand Islands, Kitava Island, Samarai & Kwato Islands, Milne Bay, Alotau, Cairns
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Cairns
Airport gateway (Departure) : Rabaul


**ALL INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY PACKAGE**

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1 Board Orion II in Cairns, Australia
Day 2 At sea
Day 3 Alotau, Milne Bay
Day 4 Samarai & Kwato Islands
Day 5 Kitava, The Trobriands
Day 6 Tufi
Day 7 Tami Islands
Day 8 Madang
Day 9 Sepik River & Watam Village
Day 10 At sea
Day 11 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Day 12

Disembark Orion II in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Charter flight back to Cairns, Australia

 

 

 

TWIN SHARE ex Cairns
 
Cat. B Cat. A Cat. AA Cat. JS Cat. DS Cat. BS Cat. PHS
Ocean Suite Ocean Suite Ocean Suite Junior Suite Deluxe Suite Balcony Suite Penthouse Suite
$9,595 $11,045 $12,035 $13,010 $14,190 $16,820 $19,440
 
 
 
 
 


 

ASK ABOUT THE LATEST AIRFARE SPECIALS AND BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES.

Single fares available upon request.
Prices are per person in Australian dollars based on twin share. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency.
 
 

 

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

 

Cabin Pricing

For pricing and availability information for this cruise, please complete and submit the following form: (* indicates a required field)

Preferred Cabin Category

Title First Name Middle Name Surname Age Group Qantas Frequent Flyers No
NOTE: Names should reflect your passport

 

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Ports

Tami Island

Tami Island
Latitude: 6°45'S
Longitude: 147°53'E

The beautiful Tami Islands are a quiet, simple, island idyll. Tami comprises four atolls, including one that's barely more than a white sandy beach. There are two main villages on the two large islands that face each other across the cove which is filled with reef and deepens to a volcanic pit at its centre. Explore the village for intricate carvings and souvenirs or inspect native produce gardens. You won't want to leave after swimming and snorkelling above the myriad corals that form the extensive reef.

Source: www.orionexpeditions.com

Rabaul

With its lagoon, tiny islands, and north coast drive through amazing length of coconut plantations, Madang Province is a perfect example of relaxed Pacific outlook.

Country -  Papua New Guinea
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 65kms
Currency - Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK)

Places of Interest
Beehive Islands, Tavui Point, New Britain Volcanoes, Kokopo

Tufi Harbour

Tufi Harbour
Latitude: 9°4'S
Longitude: 149°17'E

The magnificent coast around the north of the mainland is a well-kept secret. Over 30 fjords are carved into the shoreline. You'll be surrounded by dense rainforest above sheer basalt walls and sandy white beaches. Walk to the spectacularly scenic Suicide Point and along the way is a chance to see the huge Blyth's hornbill and the world's largest butterfly - the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing with a wingspan of up to 30cm.

Source: www.orionexpeditions.com

Trobriand Islands

 

Country
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency

Places of Interest

Samarai & Kwato Islands

Samarai & Kwato Islands
Latitude: 10°36'S
Longitude: 150°39'E

In the early 1900's tiny Samarai Island was the thriving colonial capital of the territory of Papua and the town's streetscape carries reminders of those bygone, halcyon days. Back then it was described as one of the most beautiful places in the South Pacific. 

Kwato Islands
Just 3 kilometres west of Samarai is Kwato Island where European traders broke their journey en route to the South Pacific in search of gold and to trade in mother of pearl, sandalwood and sea cucumbers (beche de mer). In 1891 the Reverend Charles Abel founded a church and mission here and he is best remembered for his theory that the game of cricket would have a civilising influence over the tribes. The sweeping view from the impressive stone church at the top of the hill is well worth the climb.

Source: www.orionexpeditions.com

Milne Bay



Country - Papua New Guinea
Distance from port to City
Distance from Port to Airport
Currency - Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK)
Places of Interest

Alotau

 

Country - Papua New Guinea 
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms
Currency - New Guinean Kina (PGK)

Places of Interest

Cairns

The picturesque town of Yorkey's, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns, one of Australia's hottest vacation destinations, which basks in tropical sunshine with balmy breezes that waft in from Trinity Bay.

The city's graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. Cairns boasts three of Australia's great natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and 16 miles of superb beaches that stretch to the north of the city to the famed Marlin Coast. Inland lies the immense Daintree National Park. Discover the rainbow of sea life, marvel at the rain forest or relax along the long stretch of sunny coastline.

Country - Australia
Distance from port to City - 17kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Australian Dollars (AUD)

Places of Interest
Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda

 

Map

Orion II Cabin Info

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Cruise line info

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.


Ship facts

Ship Details
Gross Tonnage 4,077 Tonnes
Star Rating Yet to be rated
Size/Style of Ship Boutique
Entered Service Late 1990 (refurbished 2009)
Registry Bahamas
Former Name Renaissance Four
Length 88.1 metres
Beam 15.3 metres
Draft 3.82 metres
Propulsion/Propellers Mak; 8M25 (3,265HP)
Maximum Cruising Speed (knots) TBA
Passenger Capacity (twin) 100
Crew 70
Nationality of Officers TBA
Nationality of Crew International
Total Cabins 50 Suites
Total Inside cabins 0
Total Outside cabins 34
Cabin/Suites with Balcony 16
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins TBA
Passenger Decks 5
Cabin Electricity 110/220v
Elevators 1
Self-Service Laundry No
Onboard Currency (subject to change) Australian Dollars

 

Orion II Deck plans

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