Sail a storied route between the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain, where volcanic landscapes meet vibrant coastal cities and timeless medinas echo with centuries of trade and tradition. Along the way, uncover a mosaic of histories—Roman theatres, Moorish fortresses, Andalusian palaces and bustling souks—each revealing the layers of empire and exchange that have shaped these shores. From windswept Atlantic ramparts to sunlit Mediterranean plazas, step into the living history of two continents while savoring the food, music and customs that bring their cultures vibrantly to life. 


Highlights


• Venture into bustling Moroccan medinas and impressive kasbahs that showcase a cultural tapestry of Arab, Berber, Jewish and European influences

• Discover Cartagena’s rich history at the ancient Roman Theatre and Augustus Temple, then immerse yourself in modern life during a city tapas tour

• Uncover the pirate history of the Canary Islands at Castillo de San Gabriel, and travel through the volcanic landscapes and lunar-like peaks of nearby Timanfaya National Park

• Explore Málaga’s Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro, two remarkable Moorish strongholds that safeguarded the city against invaders for centuries

• Experience the Columbretes Islands, a haven for endemic bird species, such as Audouin’s gull, Eleonora’s falcon and Scopoli’s shearwater


Arrive in the vibrant city of Las Palmas and transfer to the centrally located hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, learning about its colonial past or enjoying traditional Canarian meals and local wines. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and enjoy your first evening in the Canary Islands. 

Meals Included: Dinner


Go ashore in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and venture into Timanfaya National Park to witness volcanic peaks and craters shaped by eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Explore the Castillo de San Gabriel, a 16th-century fortress set on a small island in Arrecife’s harbor and built to defend against pirate attacks. Explore the Museo de Historia de Arrecife inside the castle walls to uncover the city’s pre-Hispanic past and the unique natural history of the island. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Spend a relaxing day at sea en route to Morocco. Join the officers on the Bridge to learn about navigating the western coast of Africa, attend an engaging talk with one of the naturalists or take advantage of the ship’s amenities, such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Nestled between the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is one of Morocco’s most modern cities. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1960, the city has been rebuilt to its current vitality while still retaining its rich history. A beautiful example of this is La Medina d’Agadir, which was recreated in the 1990s using traditional Berber methods. Overlooking the city, the kasbah is one of the few structures that survived the quake. Hike to the top to take in stunning views and the medieval architecture of this impressive fortress. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Essaouira, a coastal gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is known for its windswept beaches, whitewashed medina, dramatic sea walls and blend of Berber, Arab, Jewish and European influences. Step into the fortified 18th-century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site where African and European architecture converge. Later, unwind in a traditional Moroccan hammam, or explore the city’s graceful Andalusian-inspired buildings on a guided tour. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Meaning ‘White House’ in Spanish, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and a hub of industry on Africa’s west coast. The architecture is an eclectic blend of influences, from Moorish design to the French Art Deco era and more. Explore the bustling old medina, where the twisting cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and alive with activity. Stroll along the Corniche, the popular boardwalk by the sea. Witness the vast beauty of Hassan II Mosque, built on an outcrop jutting out over the ocean.   

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Tangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Málaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Uncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Begin your exploration of Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


The ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and proceeding to the airport for onward flights. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Category 3S

Category 3S
#512 — This solo cabin features two single beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and a small table, reading lamps, coffee table a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 1S

Category 1S
#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.

Category 01

$24,774 AUD pp
Category 01
#316, 318-321 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, two bedside tables, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 02

$27,580 AUD pp
Category 02
#302-312, 314, 315, 317 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, bedside table, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 03

$36,036 AUD pp
Category 03
#401-412, 414-419 — These spacious cabins feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, and climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Ideal Upper Deck location provides easy access to Bar/Lounge and outdoor dining.

Category 04

$39,777 AUD pp
Category 04
#511, 515 — These suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, a chair, armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, espresso maker, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 05

$41,649 AUD pp
Category 05
#501, 503-506, 508 — These spacious suites feature open living areas with sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. A separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/laptop desk, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 06

$45,409 AUD pp
Category 06
#502, 507, 509*, 510 — These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. There is a living area with a sofa, two armchairs, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 1S

Category 1S
#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.

Category 3S

Category 3S
#512 — This solo cabin features two single beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and a small table, reading lamps, coffee table a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 01

$28,179 AUD pp
Category 01
#316, 318-321 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, two bedside tables, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 02

$31,370 AUD pp
Category 02
#302-312, 314, 315, 317 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, bedside table, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 03

$40,987 AUD pp
Category 03
#401-412, 414-419 — These spacious cabins feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, and climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Ideal Upper Deck location provides easy access to Bar/Lounge and outdoor dining.

Category 04

$45,243 AUD pp
Category 04
#511, 515 — These suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, a chair, armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, espresso maker, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 05

$47,373 AUD pp
Category 05
#501, 503-506, 508 — These spacious suites feature open living areas with sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. A separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/laptop desk, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 06

$51,649 AUD pp
Category 06
#502, 507, 509*, 510 — These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. There is a living area with a sofa, two armchairs, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 103 metres

Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)

Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014

With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.

Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Orion

Inclusions


• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
____________

Exclusions


• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
12 Days from
$2,065 AUD per day

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NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

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