Great Barrier Reef: Cairns to Sydney
« Orion
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Cat B - Oceanview Stateroom | Cat A - Oceanview Stateroom | Junior Suite | Deluxe Suite | French Balcony Suite | Owner | ||
| 8 | Nov 2 '10 |
$4,420 | $5,135 | $6,100 | $6,675 | $7,975 | $9,255 |
| Destinations : South Pacific, Australia |
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Day 1 Cairns, Australia
The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.
Day 2 Coonanglebah
Dunk Island was named by Lt. James Cook in 1770 after Lord Montague-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax, as he sailed along the Great Barrier Reef, remarking at the time that it was a “tolerable high island”. Aboriginal people had of course inhabited the island for a long time prior to 1770, and they called the island Coonanglebah which loosely translates as place of peace and plenty. Edmund James Banfield, easily the islands most notable resident, settled on the island in 1897 and remained there until his death in 1923. Banfield came to the island after his doctor told him he had only months to live, believing the island lifestyle would aid his health, he lived for a further 26 years! Banfield, an author and what you today would probably call an “alternative lifestyler” described the island as his Isle of Dreams—this unkempt, unrestrained garden where the centuries gaze upon perpetual summer. Banfield wrote several books whilst on the island, including Confessions of a Beachcomber, and wrote regular articles for the press on Dunk Island establishing it as a very early tourism attraction on the Queensland Coast. By 1934 Banfield’s Cottage was being operated as a resort, with tourism taking a break during WWII as the Royal Australian Air Force occupied the island as a radar and radio station. Avis Rent-a-car built the first real resort in 1956 which eventually lead to the resort that exists on the island today. Part of the Family Island’s National Park, the beautifully landscaped resort facilities and swimming pools complement the natural beauty and lush rainforest of the island. Walking trails take you through the resort and the National Park and all the way to the top of Mt Kootaloo if it is desired. Included Expeditions: Full access to the swimming pools and facilities of the Dunk Island Resort are included in your visit, as is access to the National Park and walking trails of the island.
Days 3-4 Hardy Reef & Hayman Island
Relaxed and ready to explore, Orion guests will meet the day with snorkels in hand. Hardy Reef will offer the opportunity to experience the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef first hand. The coloured coral expanses just below the surface of the warm, crystal clear tropical waters are home to an unbelievable array of sea life just below the dazzling surface. Hayman is Australia's most celebrated private island destination, and today Orion guests will have access to many of the facilities of this luxury resort.
Day 5 Percy Island
The explorer Matthew Flinders visited the Percy Isles in September 1802 and described one of the coves as "one of the prettiest little places imaginable". Middle Percy, the largest of the three islands in the group, is a favorite stop for cruising yachtsmen en route between the tropical north and southern seas. An A-frame hut on the beach is decorated with memorabilia and souvenirs from these yachts. Middle Percy was first settled in 1870 and the homestead dating from that time is today occupied by the island caretakers. What more perfect way to spend your day than to while it away in the shade or in the shallows with a glass of wine in your hand? A sumptuous beach BBQ is provided today, our fleet of sea kayaks will be available for you to explore the coast and estuaries of Middle Percy (tide and weather permitting) and the island has a series of walking trails where you may come across resident population of Emu and other native and introduced wildlife.
Days 6-7 At Sea
Day 8 Sydney, New South Wales
The oldest, largest and (some say) most beautiful city in Australia is memorable for far more than its famous landmarks. Created around one of the world's most dazzling harbours, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the city's icons. Visitors love the first class restaurants, sparkling beaches, colonial precincts, fantastic shopping and relaxed outdoor lifestyle which results in an endless choice of things to do. Where else but Sydney could you catch a ferry to visit a zoo where the animals enjoy million-dollar harbour views?
Itinerary Notes
CRUISE FARE – WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.
CRUISE FARE – WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Fares do not include airfare and items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 25% trip cost per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: http://www.alvoyages.com/four-ways/
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| Antarctic Cruises | . |
| 121 | AU $1000 |
| 120-91 | deposit |
| 90-0 | 100% trip cost |
| All other cruises | . |
| 120-91 | deposit |
| 90-0 | 100% trip cost |
Orion
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 106
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.
Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.
Facilities:
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 has a glass elevator, centrally located in the atrium for ease of access. It services all stateroom decks and Deck 6, where you will find the Galaxy Observation Lounge and Cosmos Lecture Theatre.
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 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 and consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.
Internet
A laptop is available in the Library with internet connection. Internet access is also available in your stateroom using your own laptop. If your laptop is wireless enabled you may use it anywhere in the Galaxy Observation Lounge or the Leda Lounge. Two laptops are available for loan from the Reception Desk. Internet access cards can be purchased for A$30.00 (60 minutes) or A$50.00 (125 minutes). Communications at sea are subject to satellite connections.
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 Theatre
Our state-of-the-art lecture theatre with surround-sound is the scene for themed presentations by our Expedition team and Guest Speakers. All guests are comfortably accommodated in arm-chair style seating.
Leda Lounge and Cocktail Bar
Centrally located on Deck 4, the Leda Lounge and Cocktail Bar is the hub of social life aboard Orion, comfortably seating all guests at once. 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 Platforms
You'll embark the Zodiacs from either the Stern Marina Platform (accessed by the rear stairs from the Outdoor Café) or the Portside Embarkation Platform (accessed via the Mud Room on Deck 2). Cruise staff will direct you to the platform in use each day.
Mud Room
Located on Deck 2, this is a "wet area" allowing you to wash down boots after returning to the ship, thereby minimising the risk of cross-contamination between pristine locations ashore, such as those found in Antarctica. You may also use this room to store your snorkel and flippers in designated lockers.
Observation Lounge
Located high atop Orion on Deck 6, the intimate Galaxy Observation Lounge affords stunning 270º views. Early Riser breakfast and Afternoon Tea are both served here.
Outdoor Café
The Delphinus Outdoor Café, located aft on Deck 4, 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.
Outdoor Bar
Located high on the ship adjacent to the Sun Deck Jacuzzi spa on Deck 6.
Reception Desk
Manned 24 hours a day, the Reception Desk is your 'first port of call' for all administrative matters.
Restaurant
The Constellation Restaurant offers guests a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining aboard Orion is a leisurely experience with a single, open sitting allowing you to choose when and with whom you dine. Special signature menus designed for us by Sydney's Serge Danserau of 'The Bathers' Pavilion' fame complement our other alternatives.
Sporting Facilities
Orion is equipped with a fleet of 10 inflatable 2-man kayaks and when in warmer waters you are welcome to borrow goggles, snorkels and fins for the duration of your stay with us.
Sun Deck
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.
Vega Health Spa
The Vega 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.
Technical Information
Length: 103 metres
Beam: 14.25 metres
Draft: 3.82 metres
Hull: Ice-reinforced for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
Ice Class: E3 (Germanischer Lloyd)
Gross Tonnage: 4,000
Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HP
Speed: 12.5 knots
Stabilisers: Blohm & Voss, retractable fin stabilisers
Manoeuvrability: Bow and stern thrusters
Built: 2003
Delivery Date: November 2003
Builder: Cassens Shipyard-Emden, Germany
Staterooms and Suites: 53
Guest Capacity: 106 (twin occupancy). 19 additional guests may be accommodated in convertible sofa or upper Pullman beds.
Elevator: Yes
Classification: Germanischer Lloyd
100 A5 E3 Passenger Ship MC E3 AUT
Regulations: Orion is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway.
Additional Craft: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 10 Kayaks
Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system
Registry: Bahamas
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat B - Oceanview Stateroom Outside Staterooms with oval window and sitting area. Deck 3. 175 sq. ft. #301, 322, 323. |
 | Cat A - Oceanview Stateroom Outside Staterooms with oval window and sitting area. Deck 3. 180 sq. ft. #302-312, 314-321. |
 | Junior Suite Outside Junior Suites with rectangular window and sitting area. Decks 4 & 5. 218 sq. ft. #401-412, 414-419, 512. |
 | Deluxe Suite Outside Suites with large window and living room. Deck 5. 230 sq. ft. #511, 515. |
 | French Balcony Suite Outside Suites with French balcony and living room. Deck 5. 230 sq. ft. #501, 503-506, 508. |
 | Owner Outside Grand Suites with French balcony, separate bedroom and living room. Deck 5. 345 sq. ft. #502, 507, 509, 510. |
