Orion Expedition Cruises has been bought by US-based small ship operator, Lindblad Expeditions.
The current Orion vessel will become part of Lindblad’s fleet from March 2014 onwards. Lindblad currently owns five ships, all of which are branded as National Geographic vessels due to a partnership with the US scientific network, and charters a further five.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to offer global expedition cruising to Australians and we intend to bring the full weight of our experience and that of National Geographic to the Orion organisation and the ship”, said Sven Lindblad, president & founder of Lindblad Expeditions.
Lindblad’s current itineraries stretch from the Arctic and Antarctica to Africa, the Amazon and Mediterranean. But the acquisition of Orion will give it a major foothold in the Australian, South Pacific and Southeast Asian market.
Following the takeover, Orion’s founder Sarina Bratton will leave the company – a move she described as “amicable and timely”.
“I will welcome a break in which to travel and work on my golf handicap,” Ms Bratton said.
“Sarina has created something quite wonderful in her nine years at the helm of Orion Expedition Cruises” said Lindblad. “It is our job now to ensure that the Orion travellers continue to receive remarkable travel experiences, both on Orion and our other ships. After all, it is their full faith and confidence that is the essence of this enterprise.”
