trip specifics

price

Orion will explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef for 6 nights. The itinerary will include a beach barbeque, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayak exploration and cultural interaction with the Torres Strait Islanders in Thursday Island.

Day 1 - Thursday Island, Torres Strait

Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognized as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. Thus is Orion's last stop for the Australian Islands cruise. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout. Visit the Gab Titui cultural center which boasts several unique displays that explain the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islanders.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Little Boydong Island

On secluded Boydong Island, magic snorkeling is followed by a beach barbecue, sea kayaking and guided walks.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3 - Orion Reef, Queensland

Orion will take position at Orion Reef affording guests a unique and spectacular opportunity for a swim, one that stay with you for the rest of your life. You will be landed ashore by Zodiacs onto a white sand spit. From here you can swim and snorkel over a pristine and seldom visited section of the reef alive with corals and teeming with myriads of tropical fish.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Stanley Island, Queensland

Stanley Island is renowned as the site of a significant Aboriginal rock art gallery, which can be viewed from the boardwalk and viewing platforms provided. The artwork is by the Yithuwarra people, members of whom will be guiding you today. A boardwalk has been built to preserve the island's ecology and each lookout includes interpretive displays to afford visitors an insight into the importance of the area and artwork of the Yithuwarra people.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Lizard Island, Queensland

Orion will drop anchor in the beautiful blue lagoon for a day of island-based relaxation. Spectacular opportunities for underwater exploration abound around this Marine National Park. Snorkelers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beaches. Discover pristine beaches with perfect white sand sloping gently away from shore.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6 - Cairns, Queensland

The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rain forests, thus the beginning of our small ship cruise through the Australian Islands. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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