Micronesia Revealed: 12 Nights

Begin your idyllic cruise on the Orion II from Rabaul-Papua New Guinea. Unpack once, relax and enjoy leisurely days at sea as you cruise to:

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea – Embark
Set at the eastern end of the island of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting. Nestled beside Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes, one of which, Mt Tavurvur, is still active today. During more than 100 years of settlement, Rabaul has been rocked by massive volcanic eruptions and war, a testament to the resilience of the townsfolk who have rebuilt after each event.

The most recent major volcanic eruption was in September 1994 when Tavurvur and Vulcan covered much of Rabaul and surrounding villages with volcanic ash. This eruption saw the growth of the nearby coastal town of Kokopo which has now become the administrative and tourism centre for Rabaul.

The area played a significant role in WWII and the Japanese occupation in 1942 saw the building of hundreds of kilometres of tunnels underneath the town and the Gazelle Peninsula as protection against constant Allied bombing raids. It is almost hard to miss the rusting relics left over by the retreating forces. In one tunnel are five huge barges that were pulled along rails to the shore and back by prisoners of war. Dozens of sunken aircraft and ships dot the harbour and to the north are sea caves used as a drop-off point by Japanese submarines.

Tingwon Island – Wet landing
Tingwon Island, off the coast of New Ireland is home to virgin forests, unique birds and great reef systems. You will be privileged to observe special island culture and village life of the Tingwon people. The community will show us how they make sago and weave in the traditional way. You may even be able to learn to use a native canoe. Local guides will also explain their special fishing techniques and tell you of their legends including the legend of Ainanvogapa, the stone lady of the reef.

The local chiefs have placed a prohibition on slingshots and catapults which has left the island with significant bird populations that other similar sized islands have lost to that form of hunting.

Together with the expedition team your day on Tingwon will just be the beginning of this great adventure in paradise.

Nauna, Manus Province – Wet landing
The island of Nauna in Manus Province will welcome us with the beat of Manus style Garamut Drums. Whilst the Garamut, or log drum, is common throughout Melanesia, here they use several drums of different sizes in concert together to produce both melodic and rhythmic effects. The council of chiefs on Nauna is known as being highly independent and they have controversially drafted their own "constitution". The island is also famous for a unique form of kite fishing where lines are suspended from flying kites with balls of sticky cobwebs floating on the end of the line designed to entrap the teeth of certain fish.

Lorengau, Manus Province
Before departing Papua New Guinea waters for Micronesia the cruise will enter Lorengau Harbour on Manus Island for offical clearance procedures. This is a clearance stop only.

Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) – Dry landing
This is the largest lagoon in the world. A focus for Japanese and US conflict during the Second World War, it has 60 sunken wrecks still containing torpedoes, ammunition, mines, sand shoes, sake bottles, china, trucks and tanks. On shore there are temples, quaint old lighthouses and WWII remnants.

Satawal Atoll, Yap State
Satawal is one of the many solitary coral atolls in the Micronesian island group. It is the eastern most island of Yap State, one of the four states in the Micronesian Federation. A true expedition stop this island is just under 2km long and only 800m wide.

Satawal is best known for its production of large ocean going canoes and it’s links with traditional navigation methods, still used and handed down amongst the local people today.

Be warned, access to this fascinating remote community is weather dependant and landings can be complicated by swells over the fringing reef.

Ifalik Atoll, Yap State
This strikingly beautiful island has a large village facing the central lagoon, with several traditional “boat sheds”, housing the sails and fishing gear of the large canoes famously used by the Micronesian people.

Prior to European contact, warriors from Ifalik made it as far as Yap, and the island became known as “Warrior Island” amongst the Micronesian people.

Woleai Islands, Yap State
Just over 20nm from Ifilik lies Woleai Atoll, also part of Yap State. 22 islands make up the entire atoll. We will sail the short distance between the two atolls over lunch and arrive at Woleai for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. Renowned for clear waters we anticipate a great afternoon exploring the marine environment.

Sorol Atoll, Yap State
With a population living in the lagoon of over 2000, Sorol Atoll is larger than some of the other atolls we visit on this expedition. That said there are several uninhabited islands within the atoll.

This atoll is a haven for birds, and during our visit we will be on the lookout for frigate birds, noddies and boobies, all known to populate this area. The beaches are well known for turtle nesting and dependant on our luck there is a good chance to see both evidence of nests and turtles in the water. Marine life is diverse and schooling fish abundant, making for a snorkelers delight.

Yap, Yap State – Dry landing
Traditional culture remains resistant to outside influence. Yap is known for its stone money, the largest currency in the world, sometimes over 4 metres wide. In villages men still wear loincloths and women grass skirts. Dancing and song is the traditional way to pass down legends. Snorkel and dive with manta rays as they enter through a channel on tidal change.

Ngulu Atoll, Yap State
Last time you looked, there were about 10 people living on the island you intend to visit today in Ngulu Atoll. The entire atoll has a population roughly double that – 20 people!

The reef and marine life of this lightly inhabited area is rumoured to be some of the best in Micronesia so its no surprise that will be the focus of today’s visit.

Koror, Palau (overnight onboard) – Dry landing
Palauans maintain ancestral worship, nature spirits and a belief in female Gods. Renowned for its World Heritage listed Rock Islands (200 limestone outcrops with dense green jungle and blindingly white sand beaches), exotic bird life, monkeys and a freshwater lake full of harmless jellyfish where you can snorkel. Snorkelling and diving is outstanding with turtles, black coral, grouper, clams, anemones, clown fish and even a Japanese Zero in shallow water.Emerging from UN Trusteeship in 1994, Palau is one of the world’s youngest sovereign states. Whilst geographically part of Micronesia, it is a separate sovereign nation to the Federated States of Micronesia where we have spent the majority of this expedition.

Koror, Palau – Disembark
Palauans maintain ancestral worship, nature spirits and a belief in female Gods. Renowned for its World Heritage listed Rock Islands (200 limestone outcrops with dense green jungle and blindingly white sand beaches), exotic bird life, monkeys and a freshwater lake full of harmless jellyfish where you can snorkel. Snorkelling and diving is outstanding with turtles, black coral, grouper, clams, anemones, clown fish and even a Japanese Zero in shallow water.

Set sail from Rabaul-Papua New Guinea on your 12 night Micronesia Revealed Cruise on Orion II. This 13 day cruise visits 10 different ports including Tingwon Island, Nauna-Manus Province,  Lorengau-Manus Province, Truk Lagoon (Chuuk), Satawal Atoll-Yap State, Ifalik Atoll-Yap State, Woleai Islands-Yap State, Sorol Atoll-Yap State, Yap-Yap State and Ngulu Atoll-Yap State before arriving in Koror-Palau.

• 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 of Govt
• Fees & Taxes
• Services of 75 experienced crew

OTHER INFORMATION

ABOUT Orion Expedition Cruises

Founded in early 2004, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering.

Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Described as the latest in the quest to build the perfect expedition vessel *, all Orion’s staterooms feature ocean views and offer internet access, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD, a choice of twin and queen sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms. Other on board amenities include a health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.

Orion offers a range of included and optional Shoreside Expeditions designed to enhance the destination exploration for our guests. From Camel Safaris in Broome to snorkelling over pristine coral formations, there are many unique opportunities for guests to visit areas of Australia that even most Australians don’t get to see. As part of our commitment to offering guests an enriching experience, on board speakers have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the regions they visit. Guests are invited to attend presentations in the 90 seat Lecture Theatre.

Our innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:
- Summer (December, January and February) Antarctica and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands.
- Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.
- Winter (April to September) in the Kimberley and Arnhem Land.
- Spring (October, November) New Zealand and south-East Asia.

For Orion, sustainability is more than a fashion, a trend or a compelling need. Sustainability is a core component of our company’s originating vision and values. To explore “a path less travelled” requires a gentle step. To work with the challenges and opportunities these environments offer is the starting point of every journey.

A small ship – featuring the latest German designed environmental management technology. This purpose built design extends from the energy efficient engine, to the collecting of air conditioning condensation and recycling of grey water onboard. A ship designed to be fully self contained for up to 22 days at sea. A ship with environmental credentials designed to meet the strictest requirements for marine management established by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators. Credentials that set the standard for best practice in all environments we operate in.

Community partnership – is the basis for all expedition itinerary design. We start first with an approach to the traditional owners, chiefs or heads of the communities, tribes or villages we hope to visit. We start a dialogue about their lives, their needs, and the opportunity of shared experience. A key ingredient in this discussion is authenticity. In most instances we are working with communities without tourism experience and it is important to us that our interaction with them is positive in ways that the communities feel are fair and beneficial to their needs and interests. They see the potential benefit to their people, but need investment, commitment and support to see this through. Our role is to nurture the partnership, ensuring both parties work together to protect their natural resources, sustain their well being and support cultural heritage.

Library

Bars and Lounges

Shopping

Sports and Spa

Salon

MV Orion II Photos

MV Orion II

MV Orion II

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THIS CRUISE

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer

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Once you have paid a deposit against your cruise, any changes made to the booking will incur an amendment fee of $25 plus and applicable fees set you by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Cancellations

Once a deposit is made towards your cruise holiday it is deemed that you have accepted our terms and conditions, so are subject to any cancellation fees. Bookings canceled after the deposit is paid,  will incur a cancellation fee of $200. Plus any additional cancellation fees set out by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Payments

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Orion Expedition Terms and Conditions

Placing a reservation
Orion Expedition Cruises will make an offer of accommodation, the offer being valid for 4 days. The payment of the required deposit will confirm acceptance of the offer , the offer automatically expiring should a deposit not be received.

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 4 days of booking. Final payment must be received by Orion Expedition Cruises no later than 100 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Guest form
A completed and signed Guest Form must be submitted with your deposit. For immigration purposes, on International Expeditions, a copy of your current passport must be received prior to the release of cruise documents.

Ticketing
Travel Documents will include passage ticket, baggage labels, itinerary, life onboard information, details of included and optional shoreside experiences, embarkation & disembarkation instructions.
Documents will be forwarded approximately 20-35 days prior to sailing. Failure to send Guest Form will delay documentation. For late payments and reservations placed within 7 days of sailing, documentation may be collected at the pier.

Cancellation fees
The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which notice is received by Orion Expedition Cruises will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received                     Penalty
121 days and over - Antarctic cruises             $1000 pp
                                  - All other cruises                    No penalty
120 - 91 days prior to sailing                          Loss of deposit
90 days or less                                                  100% of fare
No show - no written notice                            100% of fare

*Please see Cruises Online (the agent) cancellation policy in their terms and conditions below.

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations, fuel price and tax increases and so can only be guaranteed once full payment has been received by Orion Expedition Cruises.

Cruise fare – What's included

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 of Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Cruise fare – What's 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.

Money matters

All onboard prices are quoted in Australian dollars and, for your convenience, you may charge onboard expenses to your shipboard account. You can choose to settle your onboard account with

a credit or charge card. We accept American Express, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa. You may also use Travellers Cheques or cash. Please note there are no cash withdrawal facilities onboard and regretfully we are unable to accept personal cheques.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not expected, however if you wish to recognise exceptional service from an individual staff member , you are welcome to do so entirely at your discretion.

Passports and Visas

Passports are required for all expeditions including one or more international ports. Photo ID, such as a driver’ s licence, is required for all domestic expeditions. Our Reservations & Customer Service centre can provide specific advice for your selected departure.

Medical conditions & Physical considerations

Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to Orion Expedition Cruises 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 Orion Expedition Cruises 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.

Insurance

Orion Expedition Cruises strongly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive international travel and medical insurance to cover lost or damaged baggage, personal property, medical evacuation. Australian Medicare system does not apply onboard Orion.

Life onboard Orion
DINING

All meals onboard Orion may be taken in a leisurely single sitting, free of fixed table assignments. Dining hours for the Constellation Restaurant and the Delphinus Outdoor Café will be provided with your tickets. 24 hour room service is also available.

Dress

During the day dress onboard is casual and relaxed. When venturing ashore we suggest you select practical clothing suitable to the part of the world you are visiting. Evening dress code onboard Orion is "smart casual", gentlemen being asked to wear a collared shirt. Jackets, ties and formal wear are not required.

Hairdressing

Our hairdressing salon is located on Deck 4. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a hairdryer .

Health facilities

The Vega Health Spa includes a gymnasium, sauna and massage facilities.

Laundry / Pressing facilities

Laundry and pressing services are available at an additional charge. Orion is not equipped with self service facilities.

Medical facilities

There is a doctor onboard. Consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.

Security / Visitor policy

As part of our security policy we regret visitors are not allowed onboard at any time.

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.

Sports facilities

Orion is equipped with a fleet of ten 2-man kayaks for the use of guests in addition to a 4-man fishing boat. Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins & snorkel ) is available to all guests free of charge when conditions permit.

Valuables

Be sure to personally carry all valuables onboard and be sure not to pack them in the checked luggage. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a mini safe.

Voltage

The voltage on board is 110 and 220 volt (plugs are round sockets with two round pins). Adaptor plugs are available.