Antarctica expedition cruises

National Geographic Orion

Designed and built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, National Geographic Orion is a state-of-the-art expedition ship created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency.

Class: Antarctic Category 1
Style: Luxury polar expedition
Passengers: 102 maximum
Length: 337 ft
Cruising speed: 15 knots

Cabin prices: £££, ££££

Introducing 'National Geographic Orion'

National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, equipped with the latest technology, and engineered for maximum comfort and safety. She offers a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape, including an observation lounge at the very top of the ship and plentiful outside decks.

The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal, with the focus on the exceptional experiences she brings to her guests.The roomy lounge is the heart of Orion's community of expeditioners, suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and the nightly tradition of 'Recap'. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, the dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.

While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you'll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi make packing and travelling more convenient.

Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters enable the ship to manoeuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation for up-close exploration. There is also a glass-bottom Zodiac enabling clear viewing for those who prefer to stay dry.

The ship meets strict specifications for environmental protection, and the on board waste management systems meet stringent Antarctic operational standards.

Voyages

'Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands'

21 nights

The ultimate Southern Ocean experience, this expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of some tens of thousands individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home. You'll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It's the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time.

'Journey to Antarctica - The White Continent'

11 nights

You'll get out on adventures every day in Antarctica, sometimes twice a day -- to walk or hike, kayak or Zodiac cruise among the bergs - weather permitting, no waiting around for returning parties.

You'll have a choice of activities each day, and the option to join the naturalist whose interests mirror yours. Choice also includes opting to enjoy the view from the bridge, the all-glass observation lounge, the library or the chart room. To visit the fitness center with its panoramic windows, or ease into the sauna or a massage in the wellness center.

Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor, not to mention an undersea specialist, a video chronicler, and a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for Antarctica is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience

On board 'National Geographic Orion'