National Geographic Orion

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, and its surrounding regions

Overview

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.

 

At the helm of National Geographic Orion is an expert crew, capable of handling intricate operations that large cruise ships could never attempt. The ship features modern navigational equipment and technological abilities that allow her to navigate safely, even in uncharted waters​. She currently holds the distinction of having sailed further south than any other vessel in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet.

 

National Geographic Orion offers guests a spirited, almost clubby environment onboard. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outdoor dining and deck space, which beckons in the balmy reaches of the South Pacific and beyond and offers a range of panoramic views of the region’s rich avian and marine life.

(12) National Geographic Orion Itineraries

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Duration

12 days
Feb

From

$12,363

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Duration

12 days
Feb

From

$12,363

Top Highlights

  • Experience warm, heartfelt welcomes from island residents and visit ancient maraes (sacred sites)
  • Taste local foods and connect with Marquesans during a cultural dance performance
  • On jungle hikes, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns

Australia and New Zealand

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Duration

16 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Nov

From

$18,022

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Duration

16 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Nov

From

$18,022

Top Highlights

  • Glide into three phenomenal fjords: the legendary Milford Sound; Doubtful Sound, New Zealand’s deepest; and the lesser-known Dusky Sound
  • Delve into the rich culture of the Māori on a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Look for little blue penguins on the beaches of the Otago Peninsula, and hike the rainforests of Stewart and Ulva islands to spot rare birdlife

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea

Duration

20 days
  1. May
  2. Sep

From

$24,000

Prices are per person

Highlights

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea

Duration

20 days
  1. May
  2. Sep

From

$24,000

Top Highlights

  • Encounter Indonesia’s vibrant cultures during traditional welcome ceremonies and visits to remote island villages and markets
  • Swim, snorkel, and dive at spectacular reefs, isolated atolls, and the ivory beaches of Kri Island and Misool in Raja Ampat and West Papua
  • Search Komodo National Park for Komodo dragons, prehistoric creatures that can reach a length of 10 feet

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Beyond: Exploring the Rites and Relics of the Pacific

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$11,032

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Beyond: Exploring the Rites and Relics of the Pacific

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$11,032

Top Highlights

  • Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
  • Swim in the spectacular Matevulu Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
  • Arrive at Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Duration

17 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$16,404

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Duration

17 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$16,404

Top Highlights

  • Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons of French Polynesia and Fiji
  • Experience untouched beauty, remarkable cultures, and rare flora and fauna
  • Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Jewels of the Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali and Singapore

Duration

12 days
  1. Aug
  2. Sep

From

$11,488

Prices are per person

Highlights

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Jewels of the Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali and Singapore

Duration

12 days
  1. Aug
  2. Sep

From

$11,488

Top Highlights

  • Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore–a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
  • Swim and snorkel the coral reefs off the pristine, uninhabited isles of the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos
  • Be awestruck at the grandeur and sheer size of Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

New and Noteworthy

New Journey through Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia

Duration

11 days
Aug

From

$11,152

Prices are per person

Highlights

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

New and Noteworthy

New Journey through Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia

Duration

11 days
Aug

From

$11,152

Top Highlights

  • Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore—a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
  • Explore Malaysia's fascinating and colorful UNESCO Historical Cities: Malacca and Penang’s George Town
  • Be on the lookout for the gentle giants of Sumatra—orangutans—as we traverse the lush rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

16 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,577

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

16 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,577

Top Highlights

  • Experience both Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art dating from 4,000 to 12,000 years in age
  • Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take us up close to the unique wildlife in this region—watch for crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies
  • Visit the remarkable Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society and Tuamotu Islands

Duration

12 days
  1. Feb
  2. Mar
  3. Jun

From

$12,727

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society and Tuamotu Islands

Duration

12 days
  1. Feb
  2. Mar
  3. Jun

From

$12,727

Top Highlights

  • Discover an extraordinary undersea world of whales and dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, sharks and vast schools of colorful fish
  • Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites
  • Learn about Polynesian history and culture at Ra'iatea’s Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Polynesian Discovery: Exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus

Duration

7 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr

From

$6,373

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Polynesian Discovery: Exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus

Duration

7 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr

From

$6,373

Top Highlights

  • See iconic landscapes like Bora Bora's verdant Mount Otemanu, jutting 2,400 feet above turquoise waters
  • Dive and snorkel in crystalline waters to discover an undersea world of 16-foot manta rays, green sea turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, and enormous schools of fish
  • Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

18 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Dec

From

$12,864

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

18 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Dec

From

$12,864

Top Highlights

  • Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
  • Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
  • Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Nov
  2. Dec

From

$26,092

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Nov
  2. Dec

From

$26,092

Top Highlights

  • Get immersed in beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island
  • Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Māori people.
  • Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure