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Orion ventures into Tasmania, a place renown for its amazing diversity. On our 7 night small ship cruise you'll discover World Heritage and Wilderness areas of Tasmania as you land by Zodiac along this rugged and magnificent coastline. The Port Davey region is one of the most spectacular in Australia. The area has experienced little human impact and as a result remains a pristine World Heritage destination. Maria Island is a special place with historical ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains and remarkable wildlife. Created with convict labor Port Arthur presents impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities - this is a must to explore.

Day 1 - Auckland, New Zealand – Embark

In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbors - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. It is here where we get settled into your new home aboard Orion and embark on our fantastic journey.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - At Sea

Spend these two days at sea relaxing aboard, enjoying the sights and getting to know your fellow travelers. Orion's staff will take care of your every need as well as provide informative presentations on the regions we will soon be visiting.

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

Day 4 - Balls Pyramid

Just 23km southeast of Lord Howe, spectacularly spearing 552 meters out of the sea is the jagged basalt spire of Balls Pyramid. Formed about 7 million years ago, windswept and inhospitable, it is regarded as the world’s tallest sea stack. Ball's Pyramid has a few satellite islets. If conditions permit, Zodiac exploration will take guests for a close-up view of this pinnacle and surrounding islets. No landings are permitted on Balls Pyramid.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Lord Howe Island

Set in the South Pacific Ocean, crescent shaped Lord Howe is a remarkable eroded remnant of one of a series of volcanic pinnacles, part of a submarine ridge that links to the north island of New Zealand. Dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, Lord Howe is known for its spectacular beauty, picturesque lagoon and amazing coral reef (the southern most coral reef in the world), and is one of just four island groups in the world possessing World Heritage status. The island's extensive flora and fauna has been attracting botanists, zoologists and naturalists ever since. There are over 240 different species of native plants and at least 168 bird species either living at, or regular visitors to, this island group which comprises Lord Howe Island, Admiralty Islands, Mutton Bird Islands and Ball's Pyramid.

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

Day 6 - At Sea

Another day spent at sea will provide for more relaxation and sight seeing as we make our way to Australia.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Brisbane, Australia - Disembark

Situated midway up the east coast of Australia is Brisbane, capital city of Queensland. With the Gold Coast beaches to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is well situated to end your Orion journey and it is well worth staying a few days after to enjoy the city and surrounds.

Accommodations: Orion
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 programmes, 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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