Flights on time. Pickup service great. Hotel very accommodating. Great start.
Our transportation (provided by ViaVenture) arrived early and gave us a lot of background on Antigua. We arrived ... Full Journal »
Micronesia Revealed
« 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 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. During more than 100 years of settlement, Rabaul has been rocked by massive volcanic eruptions and war, a testament to the resilience of the townsfolk who have rebuilt after each event.
The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism centre for Rabaul.
The area played a significant role in WWII and the Japanese occupation in 1942 saw the building of hundreds of kilometres of tunnels underneath the town and the Gazelle Peninsula as protection against constant Allied bombing raids. It is almost hard to miss the rusting relics left over by the retreating forces. In one tunnel are five huge barges that were pulled along rails to the shore and back by prisoners of war. Dozens of sunken aircraft and ships dot the harbour and to the north are sea caves used as a drop-off point by Japanese submarines.
As we depart, Orion II will cruise right past the active volcano, Mt Tavurvur.
Day 2 Tingwon Island
Tingwon Island, off the coast of New Ireland is home to virgin forests, unique birds and great reef systems. You will be privileged to observe special island culture and village life of the Tingwon people. The community will show us how they make sago and weave in the traditional way. You may even be able to learn to use a native canoe. Local guides will also explain their special fishing techniques and tell you of their legends including the legend of Ainanvogapa, the stone lady of the reef.
The local chiefs have placed a prohibition on slingshots and catapults which has left the island with significant bird populations that other similar sized islands have lost to that form of hunting.
Together with our expedition team your day on Tingwon will just be the beginning of this great adventure in paradise.
A formal traditional welcome will take place before any other activities can be undertaken, in accordance with local cultural protocols. After this ceremony the local villagers will display various aspects of their culture. Local guides will also offer a village walking tour of around one hour in duration.
In the afternoon we will take advantage of the islands white sand beaches and surrounding reef systems. Swimming and snorkeling will be available weather and conditions permitting.
Day 3 Manus Province
As part of our special pathways Expedition we have included some remote expedition stops. Due to the remoteness of these type of destination very little forward planning can be done. Today will be one of those days when we take the true spirit of expedition cruising and create a unique experience.
Manus Province is the most remote province in Papua New Guinea. A collection of islands, covered in rugged jungles, the Japanese established military bases here during WWII. For some time after the war the Royal Australian Navy maintained a strategic presence on Manus with a patrol boat base at Lombrum, near Lorengau, which the fledgling Independent PNG Defense Force took over at independence in 1975. The remoteness of the islands also gave reason for it to be put forward as a location for immigration detention center under the know defunct Australian Government "Pacific Solution".
Several islands sit just east of the main island and its capital of Lorengau. It’s one of these islands which will most likely be our expedition destination today.
Our Captain and Expedition Team will select a location based on researched information and local conditions on the day. Upon arrival we will send our scout boat ashore to negotiate a landing with the local chiefs.
Actual activities will depend on the location chosen and the conditions present but we envision plenty of cultural interaction, village exploration and swimming and snorkeling.
Days 4-5 At Sea
At sea
Day 6 Truuk Lagoon (Chuuk)
This is the largest lagoon in the world. A focus for Japanese and US conflict during the Second World War, it has 60 sunken wrecks still containing torpedoes, ammunition, mines, sand shoes, saki bottles, china, trucks and tanks. On shore there are temples, quaint old lighthouses and WWII remnants.
Days 7-8 Micronesian Atolls
A scattering of 600 plus islands. Exploring the world’s largest ocean, the captain will check the charts for remote atolls and, in true expedition style, undertake opportunistic landings on untouched beaches.
Day 9 At Sea
At sea
Day 10 Yap
Traditional culture remains resistant to outside influence. Yap is known for its stone money, the largest currency in the world, sometimes over 4 meters wide. In villages men still wear loincloths and women grass skirts. Dancing and song is the traditional way to pass down legends. Snorkel and dive with manta rays as they enter through a channel on tidal change.
Day 11 At Sea
At sea
Day 12 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 13 Palau
Disembark this morning and connect to your return flights home.
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. | |
