Why We Like This Ship

  • This purpose-built expedition ship is equipped with a high 1A ice class, shallow draft and powerful thrusters for superior manoeuvrability and retractable stabilisers for smoother sailing
  • With its compact guest capacity, this cosy vessel brings you closer to the awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife of the polar regions
  • Each cabin features a window for uninterrupted views of Antarctica from the comfort of your personal space
  • Onboard wellness facilities include a sauna, gym, spa treatment room and an outdoor Jacuzzi
  • The ship has carefully considered public spaces, including informal dining and a window-filled observation lounge with a bar and lecture facilities
  • As you explore, the onboard undersea specialist pilots a remotely operated vehicle to share unique footage of Antarctica’s underwater world with guests

Voyages aboard National Geographic Orion

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise

Fast-tracking your arrival into Antarctica by flying and skipping the Drake Passage means a compressed journey of only 2 hours before embarking on your spacious and well-appointed 148 guest expeditionary ship. Touches other travellers have appreciated include the onboard National…

  • 8 Days
  • $11,975
Antarctic Fly & Cruise In-Depth

Combining the twin advantages of flying to Antarctica with travelling on one of the polar fleet’s smallest and most advanced vessels, this voyage is hard to beat. Added benefits include an extra day or two on the Peninsula than usual,…

  • 9 or 10 Days
  • $13,975
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

A small ship with an adventurous spirit – we love the classic feel and cosy atmosphere aboard the Orion.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Cabin Categories

*Note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary

This ship has 53 cabins, all with sea views, private bathrooms, climate control, hair dryers and a flatscreen TV. 

There are four dedicated single cabins in Category 1 and Category 3 for those travelling solo. 

Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony

  • Located on the Bridge Deck 
  • Large glass doors opening to a non-access French balcony (except #509, which has double windows)
  • Living area with sofa and two armchairs
  • Coffee table and espresso maker
  • Marble bathroom with spacious glass-fronted shower stall (except #502, which has a soaking tub with a view as well as a shower stall and vanity)
  • A welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, special turndown service and priority booking access to one spa appointment per departure

Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony

  • Located on the Bridge Deck
  • Living areas with sliding glass doors opening to non-access shared French balcony
  • Separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/laptop desk
  • Coffee table and espresso maker
  • Marble bathroom with spacious glass shower stall 
  • Configurable beds 
  • A welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, special turndown service, and priority booking access to one spa appointment per departure

Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window

  • Located on the Bridge Deck
  • Large window
  • Living area with desk, armchair, coffee table and small sofa 
  • Espresso maker
  • Marble bathroom with spacious glass shower stall 
  • Configurable beds 
  • A welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, turndown service and priority booking access to one spa appointment per departure

Cat 3 Cabin with Window

  • Located on the Upper Deck 
  • Large window
  • Seating area with sofa (except the slightly smaller #401 & #402), armchair, writing/laptop desk, coffee table and bedside table
  • Configurable beds 
  • Marble bathroom with glass shower stall 

Cat 2 Cabin

  • Located on the Main Deck 
  • Oval window
  • Configurable beds (two single beds can be converted to a queen)
  • Compact seating area with armchair and desk
  • Marble bathroom with glass shower stall

Cat 1 Cabin

  • Located on the Main Deck 
  • Oval window 
  • Configurable beds (two single beds can be converted to a queen)
  • Compact seating area with armchair and desk
  • Marble bathroom with glass-fronted shower stall

Cat 3S Suite with Window

  • Located on the Bridge Deck 
  • Solo cabin with two single beds and panoramic window
  • Compact seating area with two armchairs
  • Marble bathroom with glass shower stall 
  • A welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, special turndown service and priority booking access to one spa appointment per departure

Cat 1S Cabin

  • Located on the Main Deck 
  • Solo cabin with a window (#301) or two portholes
  • Queen-size bed (except #301 which has a double bed)
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Marble bathroom with glass shower stall
Category 1S Cabin on the Orion

Deck Plan

Onboard Communications & Facilities

Facilities include:

  • Ethernet and WIFI connection 
  • 220V European-style sockets with two round pins
  • USB ports for mobile devices 

Find Your Antarctic Ship

Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

1-855-369-8288