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National Geographic Orion is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, designed to safely explore the remote regions of the planet. Orion carries 102 guests in 53 cabins, nine of them with balconies. She is equipped with a full complement of tools to explore the environment, including kayaks, Zodiacs, an ROV and the capacity to accommodate scuba divers. Her size and nimbleness offer the perfect combination of safety and the ability to go to the out-of-the-way islands and other places where large cruise ships cannot go.

National Geographic Orion Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ National Geographic Orion review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard the Orion firsthand. Please read our National Geographic Orion review below then contact our experts to compare the National Geographic Orion with other with other small cruise ships, expedition ships offering Antarctica cruises, Greece small ship cruises, Mediterranean small ship cruises, Italy small ship cruises and Patagonia Cruises.

Designed and purpose-built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, Orion is a modern, elegant ship with an intimate ambiance. In 2013, expedition cruise pioneers National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions purchased Orion Expeditions and rechristened the Orion as the National Geographic Orion. The ship itself remained the same with new cabin categories and the added benefit of onboard experts from National Geographic. The National Geographic Orion has since maintained the high standards of quality and service that the vessel has always been known for, while adding a special focus on education. Food & Wine magazine sets sail with National Geographic Orion, curating an unforgettable culinary adventure at sea. Food & Wine magazine's wine experts have curated an extensive wine list featuring over 40 regional varietals, perfectly complementing the journey with nightly onboard tastings. Choose the National Geographic Orion if you are seeking an upscale exploration with outstanding service and programs. 

Design & Technology Aboard National Geographic Orion

National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency. Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, 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 provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. Ten Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration. National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the onboard waste management systems meet the stringent polar operational standards enabling travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.

Common Areas Aboard National Geographic Orion

Orion's public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge/cocktail bar and library, as well as an observation lounge perched at the very top of the ship. The spacious lounge is the heart of the vessel's expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and the nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated state-of-the-art theater with surround sound provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows.

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 traveling more convenient. In addition there is an outdoor bar; a mud room; a glass elevator; a sundeck with padded chairs and a Jacuzzi spa; a gym with a step machine, treadmill, cross trainer, two bicycles, free weights and exercise mats; and a health spa with a unisex dry sauna.

In the library, a wide range of books run the gamut from fiction to regional guides and reference books on the wildlife and region you’re exploring, as well as board games and cards. A laptop with internet access is available. An onboard Wellness Program offers everything from early morning guided yoga to massages and body treatments.

Dining Aboard National Geographic Orion

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.

After your day exploring, unwind in Orion's Galaxy or Leda Lounge. Share stories with fellow adventurers over a curated wine tasting, a classic cocktail, or a refreshing drink. Then, settle in for another evening of exquisite dining.

Seating is open, allowing you to choose where to dine, and table sizes range from 2 to 12. More than opportunities to eat well, mealtimes are also opportunities to engage in the diversity of the expedition community—to join or be joined by naturalists, guest speakers, ship’s officers and fellow guests for stimulating and entertaining conversation.

Breakfasts are designed to set you up for a day of physical and mental activity: hearty and healthy, with a seasonal selection of fruit and yogurts, freshly baked breads and pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, and freshly made omelets to order. An early riser continental breakfast is served as well, and many guests choose to take their coffee and morning pastries out on deck. Lunch is a favorite on-deck experience, perhaps accompanied by a beer or glass of wine, perfect for a more relaxed afternoon, and is usually served buffet-style on the outside deck (weather permitting), with salads and both hot and cold buffet choices available. Depending on the day’s activities, an afternoon tea with cookies, cakes or pastries, is served buffet-style in the lounge.

With the entire expedition team dedicated to delivering the best expedition possible, meal times are always flexible. If a pod of dolphins is sighted shortly before lunch, the crew is adept at quickly changing meal times so you don’t miss a moment, and the quality of lunch is uncompromised.

Activities Aboard National Geographic Orion

The National Geographic Orion is purpose-built for exploration, outfitted with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a fleet of Zodiacs. Additionally, this ship features a custom-designed swim and kayak launch platform, secured between two Zodiac boats, to create a stable base for swimmers and kayakers. Outside of polar regions, Nat Geo Orion's on-shore activities are limited to group sizes of 15 guests or less.

Crew & Guides Aboard National Geographic Orion

Accompanying every departure is an undersea specialist, a National Geographic-Lindblad-certified photography instructor, a National Geographic Photography Expert, a wellness specialist and a full-time medical professional.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Orion

All accommodations have external doors and most cabins feature oversized picture windows. Double occupancy cabins come in a variety of configurations. Soothingly decorated in elegant tones, National Geographic Orion’s spacious cabins all offer beds cossetted in duvets and crisp cotton sheeting; an armchair; reading lamps; generous desk space; Ethernet jacks for in-cabin Internet access; personal safe; mini-refrigerator; individual climate controls; ample room to hang parkas and plenty of drawers, hooks and under-bed storage space; a public address system; and a flat-screen TV with several channels for movies, documentaries, lounge presentations, the Crow's Nest camera and the ship's electronic chart system displaying the ship’s current position. Generously sized marble bathrooms feature a spacious shower stall with a glass door and are stocked with environmentally inspired bath products and shower gel, hair dryer, cotton towels and cozy white robes.