The state-of-the-art, 102-passenger National Geographic Orion is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice reinforced hull. She is at home navigating polar ice, as well as island harbors in the South Pacific.
National Geographic 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.
Public Spaces and Amenities
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our 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, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While National Geographic 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 makes packing and traveling more convenient.
Tools for Exploration
National Geographic Orion carries Zodiac landing craft—a full fleet—allowing us to get the entire expedition community out, engaged in activities quickly, comfortably, and safely. The addition of a glass-bottom craft to our fleet of Zodiacs allows for undersea exploration without diving or snorkeling. A fleet of kayaks allow gust to freely explore by water. A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. On warm weather itineraries, snorkeling gear & wetsuits are available.
Lounge & Bar
Centrally located, the lounge and cocktail bar is the hub of social life aboard National Geographic Orion, comfortably seating all guests at once. Lounge seating is arranged to provide good views of the center podium; and multiple, state-of-the-art monitors on the surrounding walls ensure optimal views of presentations, slideshows, and videos. It’s here where the expedition community gathers for presentations, photography talks, guest speaker presentations, and the evening Recap, a long standing Lindblad tradition.
Dining
Much of the food prepared aboard National Geographic Orion is sourced locally whenever possible from sustainable providers. Breakfasts are hearty and always healthy, with a seasonal selection of fruit and yogurts, freshly baked breads and pastries, cheeses and freshly made omelets to order. Lunch is a favorite on-deck experience, perfect for a more relaxed afternoon, and is usually served buffet-style on the outside deck. Dining features culinary styles which evolve from a la carte to casual ‘on deck’ barbecues, with classics like fresh fish from the markets or prime lamb cutlets.
National Geographic Orion Details
All accommodations are outside, and most cabins feature oversized picture windows that connect you with the passing views. Double occupancy cabins come in a variety of configurations, including two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-sized bed, and queen-sized beds.
Soothingly decorated in elegant tones, National Geographic Orion’s spacious cabins offer a large desk, with ample drawer space. All offer a comfortable armchair or sofa for reading. Cabins designed for solo travelers are similar to double-occupancy cabins and feature the same amenities.
Individual climate control is available in every cabin. Reading lamps above the bed allow for a focused beam of light to ensure your neighbor sleeps undisturbed.
Orion’s balcony cabins feature a “French Balcony” with a large sliding glass door opening to a Juliette Balcony that provides easy access to exceptional views. Her balcony and owner’s suites are radiant spaces with expansive windows or glass sliding doors and offer a living room-style area appointed with a couch that converts to accommodate a third person.
Each cabin has a flat-panel TV with several channels: for movies; for documentaries; and one for displaying the ship’s electronic chart system with the ship’s current position. Other channels allow you to view presentations from the comfort of your cabin, or to follow progress on the crow’s nest camera. A public address system keeps you alerted to the daily activities, including any wildlife sightings such as an early morning whale or dolphin sighting.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. They are stocked with environmentally-inspired bath products and shower gel, cotton towels, and cozy white robes. Beds are cossetted in duvets and crisp cotton sheeting.
There is ample room to hang your parkas and plenty of drawers and hooks for the amount of clothing you might need on a longer voyage. In addition, there is abundant under-bed storage space for luggage. The generous desk space can handle camera equipment, your laptop, and peripherals. In addition to a personal safe, hairdryer, and a mini-refrigerator, you’ll find Ethernet jacks are available for in-cabin Internet access.
| Category | Description | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 06 | Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. All cabins have reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. |
|
| 05 | Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. |  |
| 04 | Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. |  |
| 03 | Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. The main lounge is the social heart of the ship, on this deck, along with the outdoor café where breakfast & lunch are served. |  |
| 02 | Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck. |  |
| 01 | Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck. | |
| 3S | Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door. | |
| 1S | Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck. | |
| Specification | Information |
|---|---|
| Built | 2003 at Cassens-Werft, Emden, Germany |
| Last Refurbished | 2014 |
| Former Names | MS Orion |
| Guests | 102 |
| Cabins | 53 |
| Crew | 75 |
| Tonnage (gross tons) | 3984 |
| Length (feet) | 335 |
| Width (Beam) (feet) | 46 |
| Depth (Draft) (feet) | 13 |
| Speed (knots) | 15 |
| Registry | Bahamas |
| Elevator | Yes |
| Accessible Cabins | No |
