Orion cruises to all of Australia
By: Katrina Archer and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Orion Expedition Cruises has seen strong demand for its pathways itineraries for past guests, auguring for a good season in 2010.

Orion's General Manager Global Marketing and Sales Strategy, Karen Wiseman, gave us an exclusive overview of the firm's programs for next year, which will see the luxury vessel cruise for the first time to every state in Australia.

The voyages include maiden calls in Melbourne and Phillip Island, with Wiseman saying that pathways customers had given pre-release details of the trips an "enthusiastic reception".

Other interesting features of next year's Orion cruises include a 'Kimberley Art Exploration' as a follow-up to the very successful 'Art of Arnhem Land' voyage, which was conducted in conjunction with experts from the NSW Art Gallery.

Orion will also visit New Zealand and Antarctica as well as the pristine Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, while another highlight is the 'Wild PNG and Bismarck Archipelago' itinerary, which explores "really remote Papua New Guinea", Wiseman said.

A pathways sailing in the Kimberley also overlaps with the 'Opera Under the Stars' concert in Broome and this was a particular drawcard, she said.

Wiseman said prices for 2010 are almost unchanged, with a 3% increase on Kimberley itineraries but most other voyages having similar pricing to this year.

She emphasised that there is still availability on Kimberley cruises for August this year, with land content also available.

"Usually at this time of year hotels in the Kimberley are fully booked already, but 2009 provides a great opportunity to experience this unique destination by booking now," Wiseman said.

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