Coral Triangle Discoverer
« All Orion II cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Ocean Suites - B | Ocean Suites - A | Ocean Suites - AA | Junior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Balcony Suite | Penthouse Suite | |
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| 40% | All Departure Dates | |
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
Day 1 Palau
Palauans maintain ancestral worship, nature spirits and a belief in female Gods. Renowned for its World Heritage listed Rock Islands (200 limestone outcrops with dense green jungle and blindingly white sand beaches), exotic bird life, monkeys and a freshwater lake full of harmless jellyfish where you can snorkel. Snorkeling and diving is outstanding with turtles, black coral, grouper, clams, anemones, clown fish and even a Japanese Zero in shallow water.
Day 2 At Sea
At sea
Day 3 Pulau Gam, Raja Ampat
Today the Captain and Expedition Team will choose the best locations to visit, including Gam Island, where we will be welcomed with traditional dances and village visit. In the afternoon we may visit Pulau Jerief or another island such as Kri. Whichever is chosen, we will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the superb snorkeling of this area.
Day 4 Pulau Misool, Raja Ampat
Misool is a region with thousands of islands. Here there are caves, caverns and rocks as big as cathedrals. The views are breathtaking. These sights continue under water, with a vast variety of fish, hard and soft corals, sponges, nudebranches, shrimps, crabs, cuttle fish and octopus.
Day 5 Kokas, McClure Gulf
Sailing at night through the most westward point in our journey along the coast of the island of New Guinea, we will reach the McClure Gulf. Interestingly, thanks to the one time transmigration program the government ran for many years in the region, many of the population here are Muslim. These differences will be evident in their cultural performances today. This area is also home to some significant rock art, which we will go in search of in out Zodiac fleet.
Our day today will be split into two halves. In the morning we will visit Kokas Village in Fak Fak province. Kokas is a village of approximately 500 Muslim West Papuans, the beaches of Kokas contain the remains of wartime bunkers, attesting to the occupation of the Japanese forces in WWII. We will disembark our Zodiacs at a long cement jetty, where friendly villagers will greet us and help us ashore and into the village for a cultural performance and welcome. A series of dances will be performed including the local version of the bamboo stick dance seen across Asia from Cambodia to the Philippines. Here the dance is called Gabagaba, a dance in which two women jump between clicking bamboo poles. After our time in the village we will relocate for an afternoon Zodiac cruise in search of ancient Papuan rock art. The exposed rockwalls in the bay display sprayed pigment from layers of stenciled hands with varying tones of red (from ochre), black (from ash), and white (from ground limestone). Predominant designs show hand stencils, fish, birds, angled boomerang-like objects, and depictions of mixed animal-human figures.
Day 6 At Sea
At sea
Day 7 Banda
Today we explore Banda in the Spice Islands, once source of the world’s most valued foodstuffs, rare nutmeg and mace. Spices enriched a chain of traders and merchants with profits beyond belief, multiplying in value perhaps a thousand-fold by the time the spices reached the markets of Europe.
Day 8 At Sea
At sea
Day 9 Ternate, Halmahera
Dotted among the thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, just six islands provided the right combination of soils and climate to support a tree whose dried flower buds we know as cloves. Occupied by Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch, Ternate is just 15 sq. km in size yet it offers a treasure of sights and experiences including an active volcano, lakes and an old Sultan's palace.
Day 10 Manado
Manado boasts beautiful beaches where you can swim in clear tropical waters and snorkel over another wonderland of coral reefs. For the energetic venture into town for your first hint of urban environment you will have seen for many days.
Day 11 At Sea
At sea
Day 12 Pulau Mataking Kecil, Sabah
Mataking is in fact two islands connected by a sandbar. Mataking Besar (Big Mataking) has a small resort and a police station, Mataking Kecil (Small Mataking) also known as "offspring island" on the other end of the sand bar is a much smaller than its larger counterpart and has no buildings on it. Here on Mataking we will be in the heart of the coral triangle with some amazing diversity in coral species. Powdery sand, crystal clear turquoise water, enchanting reefs and magical undersea paradise all combine for the makings of a great day.
Today we will spend the day relaxing, swimming and snorkeling in the waters off Mataking. Take a stroll down the sand bar to visit the larger island and its resort. The marine life is abundant and the snorkeling is some of the best anywhere in the world. Snorkel expeditions further off shore will be conducted by the expedition team today for the more advanced and adventurous snorkelers.
Optional Expeditions: Malay Cooking Class or Mataking SCUBA Dive. Please contact us for rates.
Day 13 Tawau, Malaysia
Tawau is the third largest town of the state of Sabah. It is a relatively new town in Malaysia, boomed in early 1980's for its lumber and cocoa farming industry. Today Tawau is a bustling town where it is a transit point to the rest of the world and your farewell from this expedition.
Itinerary Notes
CRUISE FARE – WHAT’S INCLUDEDIncluded 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 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, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx.
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 |
|---|---|
| 121 days or more | $100 |
| 120-90 days | Deposit |
| 89-0 days | 100% cruise cost |
Orion II
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 100
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built in Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilizers.
The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tenders to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
Life on Board the Orion II
Accommodation onboard Orion II comprises of 50 Suites.
Every room offers you ocean views and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds and marble bathrooms. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complementary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, air conditioning, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water.
Dining Aboard the Orion II
The goal of the Orion is to create a unique experience in everything and theaward-winning cuisine exemplifies this. Desiring more than “cruise ship fare”, she has initiated a partnership ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ to create a gourmet dining experience to rival the best boutique restaurants in the world. The focus is on quality produce, locally sourced from the regions you are visiting. Orion II’s alternatives menu will be inspired by Asian culinary traditions allowing you to sample from each menu at your whim.
Whether you are a fan of gourmet menus served in the restaurant, or the deluxe seafood barbeques served on the stern deck under warm and starry skies, the flavours of your voyage will linger on your palate long after you have disembarked.
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 II has an elevator centrally located in the atrium for ease of access. It services decks 2 to 6.
Gymnasium and Health Spa
Located on Deck 3 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. A range of massage/spa treatments are also available.
Hair and Beauty Salon
Your 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 II 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 II and consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.
Internet
A laptop is available in the Library with internet connection.
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.
Lounge
Located on Deck 3, the Lounge is the hub of social life aboard Orion II, comfortably seating all guests at once. Tour briefings are held here before dinner and a duo plays for your entertainment later in the evening. Our lounge is also the scene for themed presentations by our Expedition Team and Guest Speakers.
Library/Nautilus Club
The 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 Deck Platforms
You'll embark the Zodiacs from the Stern Marina Deck Platform (accessed by the rear stairs).
Outdoor Café
The Outdoor Café, located aft on Deck 5, 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.
Reception Desk
Manned 24 hours a day, the Reception Desk is your 'first port of call' for all administrative matters.
Restaurant
The Restaurant offers guests a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining aboard Orion II is a leisurely experience with a single, open sitting allowing you to choose when and with whom you dine.
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.
Technical Information
Length: 88 meters
Beam: 15.3 meters
Draft: 4.5 meters
Hull: Ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
Gross Tonnage: 4,077
Engines: MAN B&W Diesel 2 x 2520 KW
Speed: 14 knots. Cruise speed 13.5 knots
Stabilizers: Retractable fin stabilizers
Built: January 1991. Refitted 2009
Suites: 50
Guest Capacity: 100 (twin occupancy).
Crew: 68
Elevator: Yes
Regulations: Orion II 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: 6 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 1x36 passenger tender
Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system.
Registry: Bahamas
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
| Ocean Suites - B Deck 4, windows and sitting area. The average area is 215sq ft. | |
 | Ocean Suites - A Deck 3, portholes and a generous average area of 275sq ft. |
| Ocean Suites - AA Deck 3, average size 225 sq ft, with windows and a comfortable sitting area. | |
| Junior Suite Deck 4, ten Junior Suites. These 235sq ft suites have a window and sitting area. | |
| Deluxe Suite Two Deluxe Suites, 285 sq ft on Deck 5. Forward windows and a sitting area lets you relax after a day of exploration. | |
 | Balcony Suite Twelve Balcony Suites on Deck 5, sitting area and a private balcony. |
| Penthouse Suite Four spacious Penthouse Suites, Deck 6. 260sq ft, private balconies, window and sitting area. | |
