Orion, Pearls of the Pacific ex Papeete Return

9 Night Cruise Only

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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
24 Aug 2022 Papeete, Tahiti
25 Aug 2022 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
26 Aug 2022 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
27 Aug 2022 Fakarava, French Polynesia
28 Aug 2022 Fakarava, French Polynesia
29 Aug 2022 Makatea, French Polynesia
30 Aug 2022 Tahaa, French Polynesia
30 Aug 2022 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
31 Aug 2022 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
31 Aug 2022 Raiatea, French Polynesia
1 Sep 2022 Moorea, French Polynesia
2 Sep 2022 Moorea, French Polynesia
2 Sep 2022 Papeete, Tahiti
9 Night Cruise sailing from Papeete roundtrip aboard National Geographic Orion.

From snorkeling with sea turtles and sharks to swimming into a hidden grotto and dining on a privatemotu, this South Pacific expedition is an adventure in paradise. Begin with bucket-list underwater explorations in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Fakarava, whose flora and fauna are so diverse that its breathtaking reefs and other habitats are protected by UNESCO. Makatea’s sheer volcanic cliffs, Bora Bora’s jagged Mount Otemanu, and the tall green peaks of Mo'orea create indelible memories and complement the underwater Gardens of Eden that surround these remarkable remote tropical islands.

Highlights of this cruise:

Papeete
Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands with its population most concentrated in Papeete which is a major shipping crossroad located on Tahiti's northwest corner.

Shopping-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, busy municipal market, waterfront area and lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Its suburbs sprawl up the mountains overlooking the city for miles along the coast in both directions.

The interior of the island offers splendid and unforgettable opportunities for hiking or safari 4x4 excursions, with impressive waterfalls, archeological sites, grottos and more.

Fakarava
Fakarava is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. The nearest land is Toau Atoll, which lies 14 Km to the northwest. The atoll is rectangular in shape and has a wide and deep lagoon with two passes. The main pass to enter the lagoon, located in its northeastern end, is known as Passe Garuae and it is the largest pass in French Polynesia; the southern pass is called Tumakohua. The island’s main village is called Rotoava.

Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, stunning white sand beaches and is dotted with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds. The passes provide excellent conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the largest island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 kilometres northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. The main settlement on the island is Vaitape.

The main attraction on the island is its lagoon, which is excellent for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are a variety of other nautical activities, as well as horse riding, biking and jeep tours of the island.

Moorea
Moorea is situated approximately 17 km’s northwest of Tahiti, in the French Polynesian Society group of islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The scenery on Moorea is spectacular with its volcanic peaks best viewed from Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, or from the Belvedere Lookout point between the two bays. Its mountain slopes are covered with rain forest or pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystal blue lagoons.

Attractions on the island include the Tiki village, the beautiful large garden and old colonial home at Kellum, Opunohu valley and island tours. There are a broad range of nautical activities on offer, including deep sea fishing, motor boat cruising, sailing, scuba diving, coral gazing and shell collecting using glass-bottom boats.

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
  • Maiden voyage: 2003
  • Tonnage: 4,000 tonnes
  • Length: 103 mtrs
  • Beam: 14.25 mtrs
  • Draft: 3.82 mtrs
  • Speed: 15.5 knots
  • Ship registration: Bahamas
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 100
  • Crew nationality: Australian
  • Officer nationality: European
  • Dining nationality: Phillipino
Ship Amenities
  • Flat Screen TV
  • Internet access
  • Mini refridgerator
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ample closet space
  • DVD/CD Player
  • Marble bathroom with shower
  • Sitting Area
  • Hairdryers
  • 220 volts 50/60 hertz. All cabins have 2-prong European outlets and adaptors accommodating Australian 3-prong flat plugs are provided
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
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.

Bridge Deck

Expedition Deck

Main Deck

Oberservation Deck

Top Deck

Upper Deck

Category 1S Photo
#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.

Category 3S Photo
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.

Category 06 Photo
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.

Category 05 Photo
Click cabin categories for more information
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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.

Category 04 Photo
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.

Category 03 Photo
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.

Category 02 Photo
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.

Category 01 Photo
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.