New date set for the official launch of Orion II, godmothers announced.

Sarina Bratten, the founder and managing director of Orion Expedition Cruises, has taken delivery of the line’s second vessel and announced that June 9 is the new launch date after the original date was delayed.

Orion II, formerly Clelia II, has been in drydock in Curaçao for a complete refurbishment ahead of the official christening in Seattle. But the first people to sample the new ship will be trade and media, when she hosts events in both Los Angeles and San Francisco from June 1 to 6.

Orion Expedition Cruises has chosen regular godmothers to christen the ship: Jill Bennette, Laurel Norris and Shirley Turtle are repeat passengers of the cruise line and, between them, have clocked up more than 50 expeditions.

Orion II’s maiden voyage will depart for Otaru on June 10 followed by a maiden season cruising the Russian far East, Inland Sea of Japan, Ryukyu Islands and Borneo.