Orion Expedition Cruises' 2007/2008/2009 Antarctic and Southern Ocean expeditions

**Ally** · 09-05-2007, 05:23 PM

Perfectly designed and constructed for modern day expeditions, voyages to the Antarctic epitomise Orion's capabilities as a purpose-built 5 star expedition ship. Her ice-strengthened hull and over-size retractable stabilisers offer travellers the ultimate in safety and comfort, while shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to manoeuver close to shore. 10 Zodiacs offer the ideal transport for shore landings or for guests to cruise through ice flows.

In December 2007, Orion Expedition Cruises has two 18 night voyages to spectacular parts of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. In December 2008 there is one 16 night expedition to Commonwealth Bay and sub Antarctic islands and in January 2009, Orion's sixth Antarctic season, a 20 night expedition that includes the Ross Sea.

Orion's Antarctic expeditions offer modern day adventurers a rare chance to experience the world of the Antarctic explorers Mawson (Cape Denison), Scott (Cape Evans) and Shackleton (Cape Royds), including shore excursions to their historic expedition bases, weather permitting.

Depending on the chosen voyage and itinerary Orion will depart from Hobart or Bluff (NZ) to explore sub-Antarctic Macquarie, Enderby, Campbell, Snares and Auckland islands, with their unique topography, flora and fauna, before crossing the Antarctic circle into the world of pack ice and spectacular auroras with up to 20 hours of daylight.

16 night expeditions start from $15,790 per person twin share/Ocean View Stateroom. Accommodation is strictly limited to just 50 couples per voyage and sell out well in advance. There is limited accommodation left for the 2007 season, however bookings have just opened for December 2008 and January 2009 expeditions.

ORION ANTARCTIC 2007/8 /9 EXPEDITION LEADERS

Don & Margie McIntyre
Adventurers Don and Margie McIntyre are known as Australia's "Antarctic Couple". In 1995 they spent a year living together alone in a 2.4 x 3.6 metre box chained to rocks at Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay, the windiest spot on the face of the earth. Living only 400 metres from the historic 1911 Aurora

Expedition huts of Sir Douglas Mawson, they struggled to survive a frontier experience battling blizzards which at times kept them trapped in their box for up
to 20 days. The effects of this self imposed isolation are the subject of an award winning documentary and best selling book 'Two Below Zero'.

As a couple their awards and accolades are many and varied. In 1996 Margie was recognised as one of Australia's 12 most outstanding women and togetherthey were presented with the Australian Geographical Societieshighest honour - a gold medal as Adventurers of the Year, the youngest ever to receive it. They both ran with the Olympic torch on the day of the Opening Ceremony and have been Australia Day Ambassadors since 1998. Don & Margie are both AAP Mawson Huts Foundation Ambassadors along with Sir Edmund Hillary, Tim Bowden and Sir Peter Durham

From 1993 to 2000, the McIntyre's organised and participated in nine sailing expeditions in their own expedition yachts and worked on Russian Antarctic tourist ships as Lecturers, Field Guides, Boat Drivers and joint Expedition Leaders. In 2000 they purchased their own 36 metre 500 tonne helicopter equipped ice ship 'Sir Hubert Wilkins' in Finland.
During the next three years theysailed half way around the worldandthen set out onfour Antarctic expeditions in support of education, research and adventure. To thaw out, the McIntyre's headed north to the Philippines on a six month treasure hunting expedition.

(Source: Orion Expedition Cruises)