National Geographic Orion cruise ship in Antarctica with glacier in background

National Geographic Orion

Featuring 53 cabins, gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to the far reaches of our globe to experience incredible wildlife and natural wonders up close. Built in Germany by the Cassens shipyard, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion was created with a high-ice class to be able to sail safely into the Antarctic waters. A ship of her size is seldom built with such ice-cutting ability, which makes her a rarity. She is yacht-scale, yet rugged enough to venture far afield, making her a perfect expedition vessel for the polar regions.

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 Antarctica and offers a range of panoramic views of the region’s stunning icy landscapes and rich marine life.

Ship Features

  • All voyages will have a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and a video chronicler onboard. 
  • Public Areas: Reception; two dining areas; lounge with bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; B&H Photo locker; sundeck with a whirlpool hot tub; observation lounge and library; global gallery; a marina platform; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers and on-duty wildlife spotters (conditions permitting).
  • Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private bathroom, and climate controls. Cabins feature a coffee table, lounge chair, desk, phone, TV with on demand entertainment, multiple outlets and USB, mini refrigerator, and safe. Luxury linens and pillows. Botanically inspired shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers, complimentary insulated water bottles and a National Geographic Atlas is available in each cabin.
  • Meals: Meals are served in the dining room, or weather permitting, the outdoor café, at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible.
  • Wellness: A fitness center, spa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists.
  • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, a fleet of double kayaks, a crow’s nest camera, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, video microscope, and an ROV. 

Ship Specifications

  • MAX # of guests: 102
  • Ice Class: 1A
  • Year Launched: 2003
  • Cruising Speed: 14 knots

National Geographic Orion Ship Gallery

Trips and Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD

Mandatory Charter Flights are an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See neon green box in pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.

  • Charter flights for Antarctica Direct Itineraries are between Puerto Natales, Chile and King George Island, Antarctica

Single Travelers

  • Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category 1 Solo or Category 3 Solo at the prices listed above
  • Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
  • If booking Cat 1 – 6 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price

Adventure Options

  • Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Category 1
$13,975
 
Category 2
$15,486
 
Category 3
$15,891
 
Category 4
$16,926
Limited
Category 5
$20,589
 
Category 6
$23,577
 
Category 1 Solo
$19,914
 
Category 3 Solo
$22,713
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$11,675
Full
Category 2
$12,848
 
Category 3
$13,208
 
Category 4
$14,120
Limited
Category 5
$17,376
 
Category 6
$20,032
 
Category 1 Solo
$16,792
 
Category 3 Solo
$19,272
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$13,975
Limited
Category 2
$15,486
 
Category 3
$15,891
 
Category 4
$16,926
Limited
Category 5
$20,589
 
Category 6
$23,577
 
Category 1 Solo
$19,914
 
Category 3 Solo
$22,713
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,472
 
Category 2
$11,753
 
Category 3
$12,068
 
Category 4
$12,873
Limited
Category 5
$15,722
 
Category 6
$18,046
 
Category 1 Solo
$15,197
 
Category 3 Solo
$17,374
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$11,975
Full
Category 2
$13,432
 
Category 3
$13,792
Full
Category 4
$14,712
Full
Category 5
$17,968
 
Category 6
$20,624
 
Category 1 Solo
$17,368
Full
Category 3 Solo
$19,856
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$13,975
Full
Category 2
$15,486
Limited
Category 3
$15,891
 
Category 4
$16,926
Full
Category 5
$20,589
 
Category 6
$23,577
 
Category 1 Solo
$19,914
Full
Category 3 Solo
$22,713
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$12,416
Full
Category 2
$13,760
 
Category 3
$14,120
 
Category 4
$15,040
Limited
Category 5
$18,296
 
Category 6
$20,952
 
Category 1 Solo
$17,696
 
Category 3 Solo
$20,184
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage – 10 Days

Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2025 - 2026 (10 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$15,475
Limited
Category 2
$16,962
 
Category 3
$17,412
 
Category 4
$18,546
Limited
Category 5
$22,623
 
Category 6
$25,944
 
Category 1 Solo
$21,885
 
Category 3 Solo
$24,999
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$13,475
Limited
Category 2
$14,744
 
Category 3
$15,144
 
Category 4
$16,152
Limited
Category 5
$19,776
Limited
Category 6
$22,728
 
Category 1 Solo
$19,120
 
Category 3 Solo
$21,888
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,975
Full
Category 2
$12,120
 
Category 3
$12,440
 
Category 4
$13,248
Full
Category 5
$16,144
 
Category 6
$18,504
 
Category 1 Solo
$15,624
Full
Category 3 Solo
$17,832
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$9,597
Full
Category 2
$10,605
 
Category 3
$10,885
 
Category 4
$11,592
Limited
Category 5
$14,126
 
Category 6
$16,191
Limited
Category 1 Solo
$13,671
 
Category 3 Solo
$15,603
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,975
 
Category 2
$12,120
 
Category 3
$12,440
 
Category 4
$13,248
Full
Category 5
$16,144
 
Category 6
$18,504
 
Category 1 Solo
$15,624
 
Category 3 Solo
$17,832
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,975
 
Category 2
$12,120
 
Category 3
$12,440
 
Category 4
$13,248
Limited
Category 5
$16,144
 
Category 6
$18,504
 
Category 1 Solo
$15,624
 
Category 3 Solo
$17,832
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,975
 
Category 2
$12,120
 
Category 3
$12,440
 
Category 4
$13,248
Full
Category 5
$16,144
 
Category 6
$18,504
 
Category 1 Solo
$15,624
 
Category 3 Solo
$17,832
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.

Cabin Descriptions

National Geographic Orion - Cat 6 cabin with bed, sofa, chairs and balcony

Category 6

These large, elegant suites are located on the Bridge Deck (cabins #502, 507, 509*, 510) and feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two armchairs, coffee table, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. All cabins have reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 5

These spacious suites have a mid-ship location on the Bridge Deck (cabins #501, 503-506, 508) and feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (enquire for details). A separate sitting area with armchairs and a sofa, a writing/ laptop desk, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 4

There are just two Category 4 suites (#511, 515 ), located forward on the Bridge Deck. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (enquire for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 3

Category 3 suites are located on the Upper Deck (#401-412, 414-419 ) and feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except in slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (enquire for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. 

Category 2

A more mid-ship location on the Main Deck (cabins ##302-312, 314, 315, 317) Category 2 cabins feature an oval window and can be configures with either one queen or two single beds. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, bedside table, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 1

Located on the Main Deck (cabins #316, 318-321) these entry level double/twin cabins feature an oval window and can be configured with either one queen bed or two single beds. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, two bedside tables, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 1 Solo

These solo cabins are located on the Main Deck and feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.

Category 3 Solo

This solo suite (#512) on the Bridge Deck features two single beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and a small table, reading lamps, coffee table a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Deck Plan