Description
Designed and purpose built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far comers of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency.
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. Ten Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
Cruise Line
To get where we are today, we drew upon decades of family exploration and travel experience. While some fathers pass on a family business with a sign out front, my father handed down a passion for insatiable curiosity when it came to the unknown, the faraway or the undiscovered. He was in the true definition of the word, an explorer.
In the years that followed, the sea became increasingly more important, leading up to the present, where it is our entire focus.
In the early '80s', we expanded our charter activities, which were very successful. There was one drawback, however. We had became very demanding and it became increasingly frustrating in not having total control of our ships. In 1987, we launched our first ship, the M.S. Polaris, and for a decade she roamed the world from the Arctic to the British Isles to the Amazon. Since 1997, she has served our guests exclusively in the Galapagos. It was with the Polaris that many of us really cut our teeth. We were proud and very happy with the ship and what we could do with her, but at the same time, every problem was now ours and in the early stages there were no shortages.
Since then we have acquired five additional ships, Sea Lion (89), Sea Voyager (90), Endeavour (96), Sea Voyager (00) and our most recent ship the islander.
Ships
Delfin II, Harmony V, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Endeavour, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Islander, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture, Oberoi Philae, Oceanic Discoverer, Panorama II, Sea Cloud
