The inaugural season of the National Geographic Orion is expected to sell out soon. The integration of Orion Expedition Cruises and Lindblad Expeditions has seen unprecedented bookings for the newly named and enhanced ship, to be launched Mar 2014. In the first few weeks of general sales, a record number...
The inaugural season of the
National Geographic Orion is
expected to sell out soon.
The integration of Orion Expedition
Cruises and Lindblad Expeditions has seen
unprecedented bookings for the newly named
and enhanced ship, to be launched Mar 2014.
In the first few weeks of general sales, a
record number of deposits were taken for its
first three South Pacific voyages.
“We are encouraging those planning to join
one of our sailings in 2014 to book well ahead
as accommodation options will be limited
and expeditions will likely sell out early,” chief
operating officer of Orion Expedition Cruises
Joel Katz said.
Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and president of
Lindblad Expeditions, is visiting Orion’s North
Sydney office this week, which serves as the
base for Lindblad’s new Australian operation.
“My main focus is to spend time with
the team in the office and on the ship, to
share our collective expertise and ensure a
seamless incorporation of our resources and
operations,” he said.
Lindblad will also meet with key members
of the travel industry in Sydney and
Melbourne and attend preview events for past
passengers.
The Sydney office is set to launch a
marketing effort for the Galapagos, Peru and
Upper Amazon itineraries, with a dedicated
brochure to be produced this month.
National Geographic Orion will be newly
equipped with sea exploration tools,
snorkelling gear, a SCUBA program and an
onboard National Geographic photographer
on most departures.
Later this year, the ship is scheduled
for dry dock, which will include technical
maintenance and refurbishment of some
public areas and guest cabins.
For the first time, dedicated staterooms
for solo travellers will be set aside on all
expeditions.
For details about the program and discounts,
see www.orionexpeditions.com.
