Enticing travelers with voyages to remote destinations such as Antarctica, Melanesia and Australia’s rugged Kimberley region, Orion Expedition Cruises announces a special incentive for agents and consumers alike. For a limited time only, Australia’s only international-standard, five-star expedition cruise line is offering a $250 to $500 bonus to travel agents for each passenger booked on one of the below four sailings. In addition, guests receive a shipboard credit of the equivalent of USD $500 per person. The offer applies to the following Orion Expedition Cruises departures:

• 10-night Forgotten Islands & Asmat Art sailing (departs September 26, 2010)
o $500 per person Shipboard Credit & $250 per person Agent Incentive Bonus
• 11-night New Guinea Islands Adventure sailing (departs October 11, 2010)
o $500 per person Shipboard Credit & $400 per person Agent Incentive Bonus
• 12/13-night New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure sailings (13-night sailing departs December 8, 2010; 12-night sailing departs January 15, 2011)
o $500 per person Shipboard Credit & $500 per person Agent Incentive Bonus (December 8, 2010)
o $500 per person Shipboard Credit & $400 per person Agent Incentive Bonus (January 15, 2011)

Offering guests once-in-a-lifetime trips to several of the world’s most inaccessible locales, Orion Expedition Cruises combines rugged adventure with unparalleled service and comfort onboard. New in 2010, Orion’s “Forgotten Islands & Asmat Art” sailing takes guests to Wallacea, the deep water area separating the Australian and Asian continental plates, as well as to stunning tropical islands, notable for their diversity of flora and fauna and involvement in ancient trade routes. Also remarkable for its foray into ancient lands and cultures is Orion’s “New Guinea Islands Adventure” sailing. On this voyage, guests explore the rich culture of a land of 800 languages, its spectacular natural wonders – including volcanic fjords and white beaches – and historical relics from World War II. Lastly, Orion’s 12- and 13-night “New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure” sailings are island-hopping adventures which introduce travelers to pristine World Heritage-listed sites such as the Macquarie and Campbell Islands, with penguins as far as the eye can see, as well as the remarkable New Zealand fjordlands.

The MV Orion is a 53-cabin luxury expedition vessel accommodating 106 guests and a crew of 75 – the highest staff-to-guest ratio of any Australian passenger ship. Onboard luxuries include elegantly appointed staterooms with ocean views or private French balconies, private marble baths with Lanvin toiletries, spa treatments at the intimate Vega Health Spa and world-class dining by Sydney chef Serge Dansereau in the Constellation Restaurant.