State of the art expedition cruise ship, the National Geographic Orion, arrived in Rarotonga yesterday.

Details on the number of visitors who came ashore and other information were not available when this edition went to print last night. However, it is known that Turama Pacific is the official onshore agent.

The cruise vessel last arrived in Rarotonga in March of last year, where guests participated in Turama Tour excursions, visiting the storyteller tour and participating in the Ariimoana and other island tours.

The ship can accommodate around 102 guests in 53 cabins taking their guests to islands around the Pacific including Australia, and Indonesia to experience each location’s natural and cultural wonders. 

It is equipped with kayaks and Zodiac landing craft, diving and snorkelling gear, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.

The vessel has a certified photography instructor, a video chronicler, a full-time doctor, an elevator, a fitness centre, a spa treatment room, a sauna, and laundry service. Wi-Fi is available in cabins and public spaces. Two dive masters also accompany the South Pacific voyages.

The vessel also visited Rarotonga in 2022 and 2015. Departing Rarotonga, the vessel’s next ports of call are Apia, Samoa; Wallis and Futuna and later, Fiji.