National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion at a glance
National Geographic Orion is a Lindblad Expeditions cruise ship. It entered service in 2003 (23 years ago) and was last refurbished in 2014. It carries 102 passengers and 76 crew, about 1.3 passengers per crew member. At 3,984 gross tons and 103 m (338 ft) long, it is a yacht-size ship with 6 decks and 53 cabins. It was built by Cassens Werft (Emden, Germany) and sails under the flag of the Bahamas.
The National Geographic Orion, operated by Lindblad Expeditions, was built in 2003 at Cassens Werft in Emden, Germany. This expedition vessel carries just 102 passengers and a crew of 76 across six decks, making it well suited for small-group exploration voyages to remote destinations.
The intimate ship size allows access to areas that larger cruise ships cannot reach, a key advantage for travelers seeking expedition-focused itineraries. Registered in Nassau, Bahamas, the Orion combines expedition capabilities with comfortable accommodations designed for the exploration-minded traveler looking to experience destinations up close rather than from a large resort-style vessel.
National Geographic Orion specs
- Built
- 2003
- Refurbished
- 2014
- Gross Tonnage
- 3,984 GT
- Length
- 103 m
- Passengers
- 102
- Cabins
- 53
- Crew
- 76
- Decks
- 6
- Builder
- Cassens Werft (Emden, Germany)
- Flag
- Bahamas
- Age
- 23 years old
- Size
- Yacht
- Space Ratio
- 39.1 GT/pax
- Passenger-to-Crew
- 1.3:1
- Fleet Rank
- 2nd largest of 9
- Typical Cruise
- 9 nights
- Primary Region
- Antarctica
- Next Sailing
- Nov 19, 2026
🎭 Entertainment
🏊 Recreation
🧖 Wellness & Relaxation
📚 Lifestyle
🛶 Expedition & Watersports
✨ Other
National Geographic Orion FAQ
How many passengers does National Geographic Orion carry?
National Geographic Orion carries 102 passengers in 53 cabins. It has 76 crew, about 1.3 passengers per crew member.
When was National Geographic Orion built and how old is it?
National Geographic Orion entered service in 2003, so it is 23 years old. It was last refurbished in 2014.
How big is National Geographic Orion?
National Geographic Orion is 3,984 gross tons and 103 m (338 ft) long, with 6 decks. That makes it a yacht-size ship.
How many crew work on National Geographic Orion?
National Geographic Orion has 76 crew.
Which cruise line operates National Geographic Orion?
National Geographic Orion is operated by Lindblad Expeditions.
Where was National Geographic Orion built?
National Geographic Orion was built by Cassens Werft (Emden, Germany).
How much does a cruise on National Geographic Orion cost?
The cheapest upcoming National Geographic Orion cruise we track starts from $14,303. Fares change daily, so set a price alert on a sailing to be emailed when it drops.
National Geographic Orion prices
Upcoming National Geographic Orion cruises start from $14,303. Pick a sailing below, choose your cabin, and we'll email you when the price drops.
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