Vessel: Orion II (formerly Clelia II).
Location: Port of Kagoshima, Japan
As we set sail from this busy port city,
the newly re-christened Orion II is
altering course to avoid the projected
path of Typhoon Muifa, a newly
categorised tropical storm threatening to
collide with Okinawa, our intended
destination.
Following an earthquake thrill in the
Aleutian Islands last month, we passed
the volcano Sakurajima this afternoon
as it puffed harmlessly into the air above us.
Now we steam for Keelung on the island of Taiwan as Muifa lurks ominously in the
waters to the NE of the Philippines.
Captain Frank Allica, an ex-RAN skipper and lifetime sailor, briefed the assembled
passengers advising us plainly, “My responsibility is to the safety of you, my passengers,
and this vessel”.
“A possible category 5 typhoon? Sorry, we’re outta here!”
Just as quickly as the port visits of Okinawa and Iriomote in the Ryuku Islands were
cancelled, expedition chief, Justin Friend, manifested a new program for Taiwan, proving
that adventure cruising is all about flexibility and preparedness.
“The port arrangements are made and our new itinerary includes a visit to one of the
world’s tallest buildings,” a surprisingly relaxed Justin told me, clearly pleased with his
new plans.
The former Clelia II was delivered to Orion Expeditions earlier this year and
immediately underwent an extended technical and cosmetic overhaul.
While the technical aspects might be less obvious, the completely rejuvenated suites
instantly bring the creature comforts up to a level recognisable to the many repeat
passengers aboard.
Long time Orion executive chef, Lothar Greiner, is joined by new arrival, Frederick Cyr
from Quebec, and the food is indistinguishable from the high quality standards already
set aboard Orion.
Launched in 1991, the new Orion II belongs to the well-regarded “Renaissance” class
of ships, of which eight were built for the now defunct cruise line of the same name.
Other vessels include the new Sea Spirit (formerly Spirit of Oceanus), Corinthian II and
Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky.
At just 88m and a little over 4000 GRT, passenger capacity is a very comfortable 100,
with ample public spaces including a club/library, main lounge/lecture space, dining
room, boutique, salon, Jacuzzi deck and large reception.
Passenger accommodation is in seven classes on five decks with 16 balconies.
While there are a few niggling technical issues, like the non-functioning elevator, the
many Orion past-passengers
seem perfectly happy with this
latest addition to the fleet.
True, some programs on
Orion’s new expanded fleet
may be softer in some areas
than offered elsewhere, the
choice is there and should
continue to draw new recruits
to the growing Orion family
of converted adventure cruisers.
For more on Orion II’s new
cruises, visit –
www.orionexpeditions.com.
