Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Limited Availabilities for 2014 aboard Orion

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced its last remaining availabilities for 2014 sailing to the Pacific Islands and Australia aboard the 102 guest National Geographic Orion. These expeditions explore the undersea and natural history, as well as the diverse and fascinating cultures of each destination visited, including the likes of the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti.

Following are the 2014 itineraries. Rates are per person, in Australian dollars based on a double occupancy in a category 1 cabin:

Kimberley with Spice

Discover the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes etched with ancient human history and sail to remote island villages of Indonesia. Search for spectacular wildlife, snorkel and dive at Rowley Shoals and witness giant manta rays glide through the water. A chance to learn the history of the Spice Islands – fought over among English, Portuguese and Dutch colonisers.

Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, will join this voyage as a Global Perspectives guest speaker. Following in the footsteps of his father, the first mountaineer to summit Mount Everest alone with Tenzing Norquay, Peter has climbed the highest mountain on every continent, including Mount Everest five times on different routes, as well as travelled extensively around Australia. The 15-day voyage departs 10 August 2014. Rates begin at $11,155, departing Broome and disembarking in Bali.

Spice Island Adventure

Set sail from Bali and discover Indonesia’s rich tapestry of cultures and lush tropical islands. Experience the thrill of spotting rare Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkel and dive at coral reefs from the Moluccas to West Papua and take part in exuberant welcome ceremonies at the secluded villages. Explore the fascinating riverine world of the Asmat region and the underwater of the Great Barrier Reef. The 17-day voyage departs 20 October 2014. Rates begin at $15,540, departing Benoa, Bali and disembarking in Cairns.

Exploring the Coral Sea: Papua New Guinea

See the location of some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific theatre during World War II. As National Geographic Orion makes her way from Papua New Guinea to the Solomons, Vanuatu and Fiji, those onboard will snorkel and dive pristine reefs and famous wrecks, trace the history of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the legends of the ancient Melanesians. The 14-day voyage departs 5 November 2014. Rates begin at $12,550, departing Cairns and disembarking in Lautoka, Fiji. Book this expedition before 30 June 2014 and receive $1,000 air credit. Valid on new bookings only, not combinable with any other offers.

Reefs, Lagoons and Volcanic Isles

Sail from the sparkling white shores of Fiji to Tahiti’s lush volcanic crags, discovering fascinating geology and an abundance of bird species and marine life. Dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava, meet island communities and explore the far-flung reefs of Kiribati, chosen as part of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project. The 18-day voyage departs 18 November 2014. Rates begin at $18,420, departing Lautoka, Fiji and disembarking in Papeete, Tahiti. Book this expedition before 30 June 2014 and receive $1,000 air credit. Valid on new bookings only, not combinable with any other offers.

Legends of the South Pacific

The tropical seas that stretch from French Polynesia to Easter Island have seen missionaries, mutineers and explorers pass their way. Travelling aboard National Geographic Orion, encounter volcanic landscapes in Bora Bora and uplifted atolls of Henderson Island. End the voyage among the moai of Easter Island. The 19-day voyage departs 4 December 2014. Rates begin at $17,410, departing Papeete, Tahiti and disembarking on Easter Island.

For more information on Lindblad Expeditions visit www.orionexpeditions.com.

About Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expeditions‐National Geographic, pioneers in expedition travel, offers voyages in the Galápagos, Antarctica, the Arctic, Baja California, Alaska, Costa Rica, Panama, the Amazon, Asia & Pacific, Africa, Europe and beyond. They work in alliance to inspire travellers to explore and care about the planet. Their collaboration in exploration, research, technology and conservation provides extraordinary travel experiences and disseminates geographic knowledge around the globe. Lindblad Expeditions‐National Geographic has won numerous awards and accolades, most recently in 2013:

Awards 2013

Condé Nast Traveler 2013 World Savers “Doing it All” Award

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Readers’ Poll – Top Small Cruise Ships in the World: #2 National Geographic Explorer, #3 National Geographic Endeavour

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Readers’ Poll – Top Cruise Line

Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine – Best Adventure Cruise Lines – 2012/2013 (Lindblad Expeditions and Orion Expedition Cruises)

Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards 2013 – Top Small Ship Cruise Lines

Virtuoso 2013 Award: Sustainable Tourism Leadership – Supplier

Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards – Top 25 Cruise Lines

2013 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards – Best For Adventure Cruise Line

Contact Lindblad Expeditions on T: 1800 EXPEDITION (1800 397 3348)

E: info@orionexpeditions.com or see your travel agent