Orion Expedition Cruises has increased the size of its fleet with the addition of the Orion II, a second specialist expedition ship which will join the line's existing 106-passenger Orion. The ship, configured to the brand's exacting requirements, is scheduled to commence expedition voyages under the Orion Expedition Cruises banner in May 2011.

Orion Expedition Cruises announced the forthcoming long-term charter of Clelia II, a 100-passenger, all-suite luxury expedition cruise ship, to be renamed Orion II from onboard the Orion.

Orion II will be based in South East Asia offering a wide range of expeditions that will include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan and Borneo. Details of destinations and itineraries will be released in 2010, once voyage details and expedition team scouting are finalized.

Recently subject to a €13 million (approximately USD $19 million) refurbishment coordinated by the ship's current operators, with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, Clelia II will also undergo additional cosmetic enhancements to bring her fully into the Orion Expedition Cruises style.

Until April 2011, she will continue to be marketed and operated by Travel Dynamics International, New York, a leading U.S. expedition cruise company serving the American educational and cultural non-profit groups.

Originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance Four and re-launched in 2009, after extensive technical refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers fine small-ship cruise travel. In May 2011, the ship will be renamed Orion II.

This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measuring 215 to 285 square feet, and appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, and air conditioning.

The vessel complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigation and communications technology as well as retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull for Antarctic voyages and a fleet of heavy duty Zodiacs to enable easy shore access in remote locations.

Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, and a high crew-to-guest ratio of more than 1:2, the luxury liner's spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

For more information and to book an Orion Expedition Cruise adventure, travelers can contact the cruise line at (877) ORION US, inquiry@orionexpeditions.com or visit www.orionexpeditions.com.

Orion II Photo Courtesy of Orion Expedition Cruises