National Geographic Orion

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond

Overview

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.


At the helm of National Geographic Orion is an expert crew, capable of handling intricate operations that large cruise ships could never attempt. The ship features modern navigational equipment and technological abilities that allow her to navigate safely, even in uncharted waters​. National Geographic Orion offers guests a spirited, almost clubby environment onboard. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outdoor dining and deck space, which beckons in the balmy reaches of the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, and beyond and offers a range of panoramic views of the region’s rich avian and marine life.

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(17) National Geographic Orion Itineraries

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Oct

From

$6,993

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Oct

From

$6,993

Top Highlights

  • Navigate the iconic Corinth Canal, a spectacularly scenic cut that is inaccessible to larger ships
  • Immerse yourself in Delphi, the center of ancient Greek civilization, once home to the famed Oracle of Delphi
  • Explore Dubrovnik—the pearl of the Adriatic—while strolling atop its ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Duration

12 days
Feb

From

$11,488

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Duration

12 days
Feb

From

$11,488

Top Highlights

  • Experience warm, heartfelt welcomes from island residents and visit ancient maraes (sacred sites)
  • Taste local foods and connect with Marquesans during a cultural dance performance
  • On jungle hikes, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 10-Day

Duration

10 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$16,254

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 10-Day

Duration

10 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$16,254

Top Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$10,305

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$10,305

Top Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day

Duration

9 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$12,975

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day

Duration

9 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$12,975

Top Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

Caribbean

Central America

New Caribbean Sea Chronicles: The Panama Canal to Antigua

Duration

15 days

From

$11,944

Prices are per person

Highlights

Caribbean

Central America

New Caribbean Sea Chronicles: The Panama Canal to Antigua

Duration

15 days

From

$11,944

Top Highlights

  • Explore the Pacific and Caribbean sides of Costa Rica, inland rainforests, and mountains and see wonderful wildlife
  • Transit the Panama Canal over two days, with an exclusive visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island
  • Hike through the mist-shrouded cloud forest reserve in Monteverde with great bird watching
  • Walk suspension bridges in the dense forest surrounding Arenal Volcano and relax in nearby hot springs
  • Visit the remote, car-less town of Tortuguero and venture through rainforest-shrouded canals in small boats

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

Duration

8 days
Aug

From

$8,743

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

Duration

8 days
Aug

From

$8,743

Top Highlights

  • Experience Croatia’s stunning shades of blue and green on the forested isle of Mljet and amid the picturesque waterfalls and gem-like pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dubrovnik while strolling atop the ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class
  • Marvel at the medieval charms of fortified Montenegro, with options for wine tasting, hiking, or learning about olive oil production

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

Duration

11 days
  1. Jul
  2. Sep

From

$10,990

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

Duration

11 days
  1. Jul
  2. Sep

From

$10,990

Top Highlights

  • Approach Greece and Turkey’s iconic coastal villages from the sea, and dive into the surrounding turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding adventures
  • Enjoy hiking in Paros and sample the culinary delights of Naxos during a cooking class and wine tasting
  • Explore Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo

Europe & British Isles

Africa

New Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

Duration

16 days

From

$15,878

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe & British Isles

Africa

New Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

Duration

16 days

From

$15,878

Top Highlights

  • Enjoy a rich program of lectures by an expert team of naturalists, historians, and photographers; and take advantage of the National Geographic Explorer’s many amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options and wine tastings.
  • Go snorkeling in sparkling waters along Ascension Island, where one of the planet’s largest colonies of endangered green sea turtles lay their eggs.
  • See rockhopper penguins and albatrosses on remote Tristan da Cunha Island in the South Atlantic and meet some of the 250 hardy residents who live there.
  • Visit the vast king penguins colonies on South Georgia, tens of thousands on a single beach.
  • Learn about the 18th-century Atlantic slave trade at the Cape Verde Islands and walk through its UNESCO World Heritage-designated old town.

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Beyond: Rites and Relics of the Pacific

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$10,362

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Beyond: Rites and Relics of the Pacific

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$10,362

Top Highlights

  • Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
  • Swim in the spectacular Matevulu Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
  • Arrive at Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Tahiti: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Duration

17 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$15,570

Prices are per person

Highlights

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Fiji and Tahiti: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Duration

17 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Apr

From

$15,570

Top Highlights

  • Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons of French Polynesia and Fiji
  • Experience untouched beauty, remarkable cultures, and rare flora and fauna
  • Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug
  5. Sep

From

$7,888

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug
  5. Sep

From

$7,888

Top Highlights

  • Sail the sapphire waters of Santorini's volcanic caldera, and go ashore to explore the enchanting town of Oía, with its sugar-cube buildings and world-famous sunsets
  • On Milos, visit the Bronze Age settlement of Phylakopi and the farm where the famed Greek sculpture of ‘Venus de Milo’ was evacuated
  • Swim, snorkel, kayak, or dive in the turquoise waters of the Cyclades, and take in classic Aegean sunsets from the beautiful open deck of _National Geographic Orion_

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure