National Geographic Orion will return to Australasian waters next year and spend its first Kimberley season here in almost a decade.

Operated by Lindblad Expeditions since the company acquired Orion nine years ago, the line will offer four 11-day Kimberley coastal itineraries in July next year as well as a 15-day expedition to Indonesia’s Komodo Island and Rowley Shoals in August 2023.

Prices for the Wild Northwest Kimberley cruise start from $13,540 per person.

While the ship is in Australia, guests will have the opportunity to see many notable landmarks and tourist attractions such as the Bungle Bungle Range during a scenic flight, the King George Falls, Gwion Gwion paintings, which is some of the oldest Indigenous rock art in the world.

There will also be excursions where cruisers can explore mangroves, narrow inlets and reefs near Zodiacs. If they’re lucky enough they will also see crocodiles and a number of birds. 

A National Geographic expert or photographer will also be on board the 102-passenger Orion. Guests can also dine in the onboard restaurant and admire the scenery from the marina platform on the main deck meanwhile the upper deck consists of an outdoor cafe, a lounge and a global gallery.  Every stateroom has a viewing window or a balcony.

Lindblad Expeditions  will also offer several voyages in New Zealand including coastal itineraries visiting the Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Stewart Island. There will also be a 22-day Southern Odyssey expedition, embarking from Auckland to the Subantarctic Islands from December 27, 2022 until January 17, 2023. Prices for the Southern Odyssey journey start from $29,370 pp.

Bookings are available through Adventure World on 1300 363 055.