ocean Ship

National Geographic Orion

by National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion

About this ship

The National Geographic Orion Ship

  • Built in

    2003

  • Remodeled in

    2013

  • Capacity

    102

  • By

    National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions

Designed for epic voyages to some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations, the National Geographic Orion is a sleek and capable expedition ship that blends adventurous spirit with refined comfort. At 338 feet in length and accommodating just 102 guests, this ice-strengthened vessel is ideally sized for exploring wild coastlines, hidden coves, and polar waters—with the versatility and elegance that define every Lindblad-National Geographic experience.

The ship’s 53 outside-facing cabins and suites are tastefully appointed with large windows or portholes, comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and ample storage. Select suites offer additional space, lounge areas, and prime positioning for panoramic views. With a warm, contemporary aesthetic, each stateroom serves as a peaceful retreat after full days of exploration.

Onboard, guests enjoy a range of inviting social and educational spaces, including a library with floor-to-ceiling windows, a main lounge for presentations and briefings, a well-equipped fitness center, a sauna, and a massage room. Dining is a highlight, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a rotating menu that reflects the ship’s regions of travel—from Polynesia to Antarctica.

Expedition readiness is at the heart of the Orion. The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling gear for tropical itineraries. Underwater cameras, an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), and video microscopes bring the marine world to life, while a team of naturalists, marine biologists, and a National Geographic-certified photo instructor guide every step of the journey with insight and expertise.

From the polar ice to the South Pacific’s coral atolls, the National Geographic Orion offers a seamless blend of rugged exploration and onboard comfort—delivering transformational travel experiences in some of the most remote corners of the globe.

Deckplan

Deckplan

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

Discover suites on this ship

Bridge Deck - 06

sq. feet

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#502, 507, 509*, 510 — These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. There is a living area with a sofa, two armchairs, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Bridge Deck - 05

sq. feet

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#501, 503-506, 508 — These spacious suites feature open living areas with sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. A separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/laptop desk, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Bridge Deck - 04

sq. feet

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#511, 515 — These suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, a chair, armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, espresso maker, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Bridge Deck - 3S

sq. feet

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#512 — This solo cabin 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.

Upper Deck - 03

sq. feet

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#401-412, 414-419 — These spacious cabins feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, and climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Ideal Upper Deck location provides easy access to Bar/Lounge and outdoor dining.

Main Deck - 02

sq. feet

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#302-312, 314, 315, 317 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. 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.

Main Deck - 1S

sq. feet

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#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins 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.

Main Deck - 01

sq. feet

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#316, 318-321 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. 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.

Itineraries on this ship

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

Pioneering Exploration with Expert-Led Adventures

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is a leader in small-ship expedition travel, running expertly guided voyages to some of the most remote places on earth. Its expedition vessels are built for travellers who want authentic adventure, in-depth discovery, and close access to nature and wildlife. Destinations reach from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, and Alaska, and each voyage is planned to give real cultural and ecological context.

What sets National Geographic Lindblad apart is its commitment to exploration, science, and conservation. Every voyage carries onboard naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and National Geographic-certified photographers, so guests understand what they are seeing through expert guidance and hands-on time in the field. A Zodiac, the inflatable landing craft used to reach shore, opens up close encounters. On a single voyage you might cross a glacial fjord, snorkel near sea lions in the Galapagos, or watch the northern lights in the Arctic. Each one puts you in direct contact with the natural world.

Small group sizes keep the atmosphere intimate and let guests stay close to their surroundings. The onboard experience pairs comfort with learning, with scientific briefings, photography workshops, and regional cuisine. National Geographic Lindblad also backs sustainable travel, supporting conservation work, local communities, and research projects that help protect the fragile places it visits.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the strongest small-ship expeditions, choosing the ones that meet our standards for quality, authenticity, and responsible travel. National Geographic Lindblad has been carefully vetted and chosen as a partner in our collection, which reflects how much we value transformative, conservation-minded voyages.

With its record of scientific depth, cultural access, and conservation-driven travel, National Geographic Lindblad fits how we like to plan expeditions: educational, genuinely inspiring, and well run. We work directly with Lindblad to build itineraries around what each traveller wants to see and do.

Book with Confidence

As specialists in small-ship travel, Small Ship Travel offers advisor access, considered recommendations, and concierge-level support to round out your National Geographic Lindblad voyage. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-cruise stays, private transfers, and specialised excursions, we take care of the detail.

Plan a voyage of discovery with National Geographic Lindblad and Small Ship Travel, where adventure, learning, and conservation come together across some of the most remarkable places on earth. Contact us to start planning your expedition.

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