Your Cruise Your Way Cruise Blog

If you’ve always wanted to do an expedition cruise, Orion Expedition Cruises has a number of great cruises available to you in Australia for 2009. The little cruise ship with the five star luxury was built specifically for expedition cruising, carrying only 106 guests, but also Zodiacs and kayaks for getting up close and personal with the land down under. A super relaxed atmosphere on board, a 90 seat lecture facility, and a host of interesting ports make this not only the ultimate vacation, but a first class learning experience as well. Every room offers you ocean views, room to relax during the day and a choice of either queen or twin bed sleeping arrangements. Read on to pick a trip you can enjoy.

Here is a sampling of the expedition schedule for 2009. These cruises offer a host of of opportunities to see Australia at your own pace.

Kimberley Expedition
2009 Departures – May 12, June 1, 11, July 22, August 1, 11, 31
Orion’s 10 night Kimberley Expeditions will undertake an in-depth exploration of this remote coastline, one way from Darwin to Broome or vice versa. Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in the historic pearling town of Broome, the colours of nature are vibrant and intense: rich red earth, azure blue seas and brilliant white sand beaches. North of Broome lies the ragged Kimberley coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea. Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 metres all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can’t have by travelling overland.

Kimberley Expedition – OPERA UNDER THE STARS®
2009 Departure – August 21
Enjoy the award winning, world-class event, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® (29 August 2009) featuring an outstanding cast of Australian stars, each of whom is acclaimed for their thrilling performances in the world of Opera. Performing variously in Australia and Europe, this vibrant and inspiring group of Artists will perform together at an exciting new venue, the Cable Beach Amphitheatre – situated adjacent to the turquoise waters and white sands of one of the world’s most picturesque beaches, Broome’s stunning Cable Beach.

Kimberley Highlights
2009 Departure – May 2
Our 10-night Kimberley Highlights showcase the breathtaking splendours of Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast. Orion’s Expedition Team will lead your exploration of secluded beaches and river inlets – waters famous for an abundance of wildlife. From spectacular waterfalls and awe inspiring gorges, to ancient cultural history and indigenous rock art, the only way you can access the best of the Kimberley is from the sea onboard Orion. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin, affording wonderful touring opportunities in the Top End and the most convenient air connections to northern Australia.

Kimberley- East & West (International)- Guide to the Southern Skies
2009 Departure – June 21
Orion’s 11 night voyage will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion’s guests. This international expedition reveal not just the rugged west Kimberley coast but include a visit to Wyndham, gateway to the dramatic East Kimberley. Sailing between Darwin and Broome, you’ll see the Kimberley opened up in a unique way.
Click here to Learn More

Art of Arnhem Land
2009 Departure – April 25
Hosted by Australia’s pre-eminent collectors of indigenous art, Orion’s 7 night voyage will depart from Thursday Island undertake an in-depth exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s Arnhem Land coastline. This will be the perfect voyage for experienced and novice collectors alike.

For more information on these expedition cruises, call me at 1-888-579-8706 or email me. Technorati also offers a few articles about Orion Expedition Cruises.