Orion chartered for 2009 Top End cruise

**Ally** · 08-24-2007, 05:28 AM

Brett Dudley of ecruising.travel believes it pays to plan ahead. He has chartered the 4,000gt Orion for a 10-night Top End voyage from Broome to Darwin on May 22, 2009.

‘I know mid-2009 may seem a long way off, but a lot of people have already organised 2008,’ Dudley said.

Dudley, who will be on board with his wife, Philippa, has come up with an exclusive itinerary and other ‘enhancements’ that include a pre-cruise night at Cable Beach Club Broome and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner aboard the 106-passenger expedition ship.

There is a choice of complimentary tours in Broome, including a sunset camel ride along the beach and activities during the voyage include bird watching, barramundi fishing, swimming in ‘crocodile- free’ rockpools and barbecues under the stars.

A highlight of the voyage, that takes in a 12km Zodiac excursion along the King George River and a visit to the Argyle diamond mine from Wyndham, will be the opportunity to go ashore at Raft Point to see aboriginal rock carvings only accessible by sea.

Lead price for the 11-night package is A$8,499 (US$6,955) per person twin-share. Accommodation in double suites with French balconies costs A$14,799 (US$12,107) per person and the owner’s suite is A$17,599 (US$14,400) per person.