Orion II Inaugural Voyage Over-Subscribed!

News of Orion II, announced to the travel industry and media last Thursday 26th November by Sarina Bratton, Founder and Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises, has received instant support, with expressions of interest to join the inaugural voyage already exceeding the ship’s capacity.

In a communication sent to Orion’s pathways past passengers celebrating the announcement of the second ship, Sarina released plans for the inaugural voyage and invited guests to join the 24 night expedition from Vancouver to Kushiro, Japan, taking in Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands to Japan. As Sarina put it “in typical Orion style, very much a path less travelled”.

With pricing not yet finalised, pathways guests were offered the chance to place a fully refundable deposit to secure accommodation for the one-off voyage. The response was immediate and overwhelming, with expressions of interest exceeding the ship’s capacity (50 suites and staterooms) within 24 hours, and a waitlist has been established.

“This support validates how highly our guests regard the Orion product, experience and family”, said Sarina, “and the announcement of Orion II has already created interest from the global charter market with three separate requests already received. We are off to a flying start!”

Sarina confirmed company policy that past passengers who booked through a travel agent for a previous Orion voyage will have their agent’s commission credited to the applicable travel agent.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.au

About Clelia II / Orion II

Originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance Four and re-launched in 2009 after extensive technical refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers fine small-ship cruise travel. In May 2011, the ship will be renamed Orion II.
This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measuring 215 to 285 square feet, and appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, and air conditioning.

• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed en-suite

BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES

Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the ship’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• 2 Lounges with audiovisual facilities
• State-of-the-art gym/spa
• Beauty salon
• Boutique
• Hospital
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform

Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigation and communications technology as well as retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull for Antarctic voyages and a fleet of Zodiacs to enable easy shore access in remote locations.
Clelia II carries a staff of 65, providing a ratio of over 1 crew member for every 2 guests. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.