Orion, French Polynesian Discovery ex Papeete to Hiva Oa – 16 May 2021

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For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been turning vacationers into informed and engaged explorers. Together with National Geographic we offer intimate small-ship expedition cruises that, unlike traditional cruises, are your opportunity to encounter the world’s most pristine and inspiring places up close with the seasoned experts who know them best.

Our expedition cruises provide the safest and most innovative ways to explore places already “discovered” and those that are still very, very wild. Whether you choose to go on a Galapagos cruise, an Alaska cruise, a cruise to Egypt, or any of our other cruise destinations, each expedition cruise features an unmatched combination of adventure travel technology as well as well-appointed cabins, regional and sustainable cuisine and friendly, personal service.

We believe the more closely our guests are able to connect with a destination, the more valuable an affect it will have on their lives and on the more they will come to care about and protect it for future exploration.

Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Dinner is served in the dining room, located on this deck.

Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. The main lounge is the social heart of the ship, on this deck, along with the outdoor café where breakfast & lunch are served.

Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

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Images are representative of the cabin category. Some aspects of individual cabins may vary.

Details
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. All cabins have reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

National Geographic Orion - Expedition Deck

National Geographic Orion - Main Deck

National Geographic Orion - Upper Deck

National Geographic Orion - Bridge Deck

National Geographic Orion - Oberservation Deck

National Geographic Orion - Top Deck

Designed and purpose built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency.

Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.

National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 103 mtrs
  • Tonnage: 4,000 tonnes
  • Maiden Voyage: 2003
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 100
  • Crew Nationality: Australian
  • Officer Nationality: European
  • Dining Staff Nationality: Phillipino
  • Ship Registration: Bahamas

Ship Facilities

  • Wireless Internet Connection
  • Boutique
  • Vega Health Spa
  • Leda Lounge & Cocktail Bar
  • Hair & Beauty Salon
  • Galaxy Lounge
  • Sun Deck
  • Cosmos Lecture Theatre
  • Library
  • Delphinius Outdoor Cafe
  • Constellation Restaurant
  • Hospital
  • Mud Room
  • Zodiac Embarkation Platform
  • Snorkelling Equipment
  • Gymnasium
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Lecture Theatre
  • Marina Platforms
  • Observation Lounge
  • Constellation Restaurant
  • Outdoor Bar
  • Sporting Facilities


Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
16 May '21
Papeete, Tahiti
Hotel
17 May '21
Papeete, Tahiti
Embark
18 May '21
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
19 May '21
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
20 May '21 At sea    
21 May '21
Fatu Hiva, Marquesa Islands, France
22 May '21
Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
23 May '21
Hiva Oa, Marquesa Islands
24 May '21
Hiva Oa, Marquesa Islands
Disembark

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

7 Night Cruise sailing from Papeete to Hiva Oa aboard National Geographic Orion. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Papeete.

DAY 1: Papeete, French Polynesia
Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti early this morning and check into your room at the tropical InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Spend the day adjusting to island time and enjoying the resort’s many amenities, or join us for a leisurely afternoon excursion. This evening, connect with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail party.

DAY 2: Papeete/Embark
Today, join an island tour and have lunch at a local restaurant before embarking National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D)

DAY 3-4: Tuamotu Archipelago
Spend two days exploring this idyllic archipelago. Experience with all your senses while learning the geological distinction between volcanic islands and atolls. The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second-largest in the world. Visit the village, and kayak, snorkel, and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of pelagic fish, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Snorkelers will revel in the protected reefs of gorgeous Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conditions permitting, ride the current into the vast lagoon on a world-famous drift dive or snorkel. (B,L,D)

DAY 5-6: At Sea/Fatu Hiva, Marquesas
A relaxing day at sea brings us to one of the most remote and historic island groups on Earth, the Marquesas. One never forgets the first sight of lovely Hanavave Bay, fronting one of the world’s most soul-stirringly beautiful islands-Fatu Hiva. Be sure you’re on deck and camera-armed as we arrive at one of the most storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Enjoy a warm Polynesian welcome on a visit to a remote village where you’ll see displays of well-made, uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a challenging hike through landscapes studded with sculptural granite and stunning flora to a remote waterfall, or Zodiac to the next bay where local transport takes you birdwatching deep in the Omoa Valley. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
If you read Herman Melville’s Typee in prep for your voyage, you’ll thrill doubly to the green-mantled, rugged silhouette of Nuku Hiva, the largest and most imposing of the Marquesas. Visit ancient petroglyphs and witness a spectacular dance performance at a Marquesan me’ae, or hike up the valley with the naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and spectacular views. Later, sample local foods in the village, and peruse unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)

DAY 8-9: Hiva Oa, Marquesas/Disembark/Papeete/Home
At Hiva Oa, we plan to land at Atuona. We’ll visit the village of Puamau to explore a well-maintained Marquesan sacred site, a me’ae Iipona. Accompanied by our team and knowledgeable local guides, we’ll learn about religious rites, and photograph one of the largest, most arresting ancient tikis in Polynesia. Choose to end your Polynesia adventure here, and fly back to Papeete, where you’ll connect to your flight home. Or continue: spend seven relaxing days at sea following in the wake of the great Polynesian explorers north to Hawai’i. (Day 8: B,L,D)

vid: 3198 | cfid: 80549-cruise

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