Orion Offers Adventure and Luxury in Antarctica
January 25th 2012 Posted at Uncategorized
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Orion, the Asia Pacific region’s leading expedition cruise operator, is offering adventurous holidaymakers the rare opportunity to explore mysterious and majestic Antarctica up close, in the five star comfort of its exclusive mega yacht, Orion II.
Orion Expedition Cruises’ Antarctica Voyage is a departure from conventional polar tourism, where travellers are mere spectators to their surroundings. Instead, Orion helps its passengers to live and experience their destination and all it has to offer.
The Orion II’s size means that it can access locations that larger cruise liners can’t and has the ability to bring guests directly ashore. Adventurers are also given the rare opportunity to witness the polar marine life and icy environment at close range with guided tours on kayaks and Zodiac inflatable craft.
This unprecedented close-range access gives travellers the privilege of viewing the unique local wildlife at play against an awe-inspiring backdrop of icebergs, floes, glaciers and pristine waters. The massive penguin breeding colonies, Hooker sea lions, elephant seals and endangered Wandering Albatross are among the highlights travellers can encounter.
Orion’s expedition also allows its passengers to retrace the footsteps taken a century ago by heroic the explorers Sir Douglas Mawson, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott with visit to their huts located at Cape Denison, Cape Royds and Terra Nova respectively. These historical sites feature well-preserved relics
that provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges that the remoteness and harsh living conditions presented these pioneers of Antarctic
exploration.
Itineraries include destinations within Commonwealth Bay, the Ross Sea Region, Macquarie Island and the Auckland Islands, however final expedition routes are ultimately determined by the prevailing weather and ice conditions.
Adventure-packed days through tranquil yet unforgiving landscapes are contrasted by the five-star luxury, comfort and safety on board the Orion II. Guests can indulge and relax with gourmet food and wine by internationally acclaimed chef Serge Dansereau and facilities including a gymnasium, health spa, library and Jacuzzi. The ship’s ice-strengthened hull and sea-smoothing stabilisers mean that passenger safety is assured throughout the journey.
With the exclusivity of only 100 guests per voyage, Orion Cruises’ Antarctica Expedition offers intrepid travellers with an intimate but exciting adventure toone of earth’s most uninhabitable and mysterious frontiers.