Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Sail the long-established colonial trade routes of Chinese, Malay, and European merchants as we travel the Malaccan Strait to the Andaman Sea. Discover how the different cultures left a lasting imprint on architecture, cuisine, religion, and many other aspects of daily life. Trek into lush rainforests on the lookout for the many species who call these protected areas home. Explore the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the small islands dotting the coast of Thailand. This journey beautifully weaves a diverse tapestry of culture, wildlife, and the sheer wonder of this region.
- Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore—a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
- Explore Malaysia's fascinating and colorful UNESCO Historical Cities: Malacca and Penang’s Georgetown
- Be on the lookout for the gentle giants of Sumatra—orangutans—as we traverse the lush rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Immerse yourself in the earthy aromas and fresh ingredients used in some of the best local food in Asia, and cast your own vote on who has the tastiest chicken rice in Penang
- Snorkel, dive, and kayak along reefs teeming with brightly colored fish, reef sharks, and spectacular corals; explore pristine white sand beaches and mangroves—all found on the picturesque islands of the Andaman Sea
11 August, 2024 to 21 August, 2024 on National Geographic Orion
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Category 1
£ 9063 GBP pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3 Solo
£ 19312 GBP pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 2
£ 10992 GBP pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 4
£ 14055 GBP pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
£ 12880 GBP pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
£ 16972 GBP pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 1 Solo
£ 13587 GBP pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 6
£ 19692 GBP pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
20 August, 2024 to 30 August, 2024 on National Geographic Orion
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Category 6
£ 19692 GBP pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Category 2
£ 10992 GBP pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
£ 12880 GBP pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 4
£ 14055 GBP pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1
£ 9063 GBP pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
£ 16972 GBP pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
£ 19312 GBP pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 1 Solo
£ 13587 GBP pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
20 August, 2024 to 30 August, 2024 on National Geographic Orion (reverse)
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Category 2
£ 8793 GBP pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
£ 13577 GBP pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 4
£ 11242 GBP pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 6
£ 15750 GBP pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Category 3
£ 10301 GBP pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3 Solo
£ 15449 GBP pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 1
£ 7248 GBP pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
£ 10868 GBP pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1: Singapore
Arrive in Singapore and transfer to the Fullerton Hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the welcome reception. (D)
DAY 2: Singapore / Embark Ship
This morning we check out of our hotel and set off to explore this landmark city-state. Cosmopolitan Singapore, a former British colony, has transformed itself into one of the world’s leading and most innovative commercial centers. As we tour the old sections of the city, we’ll see how Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures thrive side by side. We’ll also see the ultra-modern styles along the skyline of high rises and in the whimsical creations of the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is truly a melting pot of culture, style, and cuisine. This afternoon we will embark National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: Malacca, Malaysia
Step ashore in the UNESCO Historical City of Malacca with its eclectic blend of Portuguese and Dutch colonialism, traditional Chinese influence, and bright colors of India. The port is packed with eye catching cycle trishaws adorned with bright ruffles, hearts, flowers, and Hello Kitty—each a work of art. Explore this beautiful city known as the unofficial historical capital of Malaysia: Jonker Street, the main throughfare of Chinatown; Christ Church and Stadthuys, some of the oldest surviving Dutch architecture; and Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace. (B,L,D)
DAY 4-5: Belawan / Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Arrive in the seaport of Belawan—known as one of Indonesia’s busiest ports, second only to Java. Pass through the city of Medan with its chaotic energy of modern-day trade and ties to the architecture of the past when Chinese and Dutch merchants settled here. Head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gunung Leuser National Park. The entire biosphere covers a vast area of rainforest and other varied ecosystems. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants—orangutan, gibbons, elephant, hornbills, Sumatran partridge, monitor lizards and the biggest flower in the world— Rafflesia Arnoldi (the corpse flower or giant padma). Wildlife sightings are never predictable, but this stunning biosphere never disappoints with its mind-blowing variety. (B.L.D)
DAY 6: Penang, Malaysia
Enjoy a full day of adventure in Penang Island’s capital, George Town. Vibrant and colorful, this UNESCO multicultural city is a mix of colonial history of the first British settlement in Southeast Asia and modern day skyscrapers. A beautiful jumble of temples, mosques, and the Clan Jetties —wooden stilt houses built by the Chinese who settled on the water. Follow the “art trail” that weaves its way past amazing murals tucked on side streets and painted directly on old buildings. Explore the boardwalk trails and canopy of Penang National Park. It may be the smallest national park in the world, but it is packed with lush jungle, beautiful beaches, monkeys, and birds of every color. Or choose to immerse yourself in the fragrant herbs and spices grown in the Tropical Spice Garden, the cornerstone of some of the best food in Asia. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Langkawi
Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia— white sand and crystal water stretch for miles. Kayak among the karst outcroppings, fringed by healthy mangroves and lush rainforest jungle. Be on the lookout for the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, and kingfishers in stunning plumage. Head to the sky on the Langkawi Cable Car—glide over cliffs, jungle and Telaga Tujuh— Seven Wells waterfall. Once at the top, enjoy the views from the skybridge and explore the boardwalk trails into the jungle. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Ko Tarutao, Thailand / Tarutao National Park
The first national marine park of Thailand, Tarutao offers some of the most beautiful coastline on the Andaman Sea. Explore the underwater world where the clear waters support healthy coral reefs and the wide array of life that call this region home. Be on the lookout for the elusive and rare dugong, irrawaddy dolphin, and hundreds of brightly-colored fish. Head inland on one of the many white sandy beaches in search of crab eating macaques, otters, common palm civets, flying bats, and a multitude of birds—scarletbreasted flowerpecker, pied trillers, grey-headed sea eagles, and more. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Ko Rok Noi / Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Today begins off the coast of the small, pristine gem—Ko Rok Noi. Fringed with a healthy shallow reef system, this bit of paradise offers a morning of exploration both above and below the pristine waters. Snorkel and dive this unspoiled paradise or choose to take a leisurely kayak paddle or standup paddle board along the rocky coastline, with a clear view below the surface. Follow the white sandy beach into the jungle and the beauty of Koh Rok waterfall. Enjoy lunch on deck as the ship positions to Ko Lanta, the largest island in the marine reserve where we continue explorations above and below the sea. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Phi Phi Islands
A small archipelago of six islands known as Koh Phi Phi lies just off the coast of Krabi province. Postcard visions of spectacular karst formations, clear turquoise waters, and brightly painted long tail boats are found on these shores. Enjoy Zodiac cruises along the high cliffs and through the mangroves; snorkel or scuba dive the vibrant reefs; view the ancient rock art of Tham Phaya Nak, Viking Cave; or walk a deserted white sand beach in quiet reflection—the choices are endless. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Phuket / Disembark Ship / Bangkok
Wake up this morning in Phuket province, the largest in Thailand. After breakfast, disembark and explore Old Phuket Town. As a center of trade, see the influences of the Chinese, Indian, and European merchants who settled here. Following a traditional lunch, transfer to the airport for flights to Bangkok and homeward. (B,L)
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest…
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
