At a glance
*Wikipedia lists Orion's capacity as 102; CruiseMapper lists a 102–106 range. This site could not resolve the discrepancy against Lindblad's own current page and states it openly rather than picking one figure silently.
History
Built in 2003 in Germany as MV Orion, the ship sailed for two other operators before Lindblad acquired and renamed her in 2013–14. She is not ice-classed under the Polar Code the way Explorer, Resolution and Endurance are, which is part of why her itinerary range sits outside the polar seasons entirely for much of the year.
Equipment
Around 14 Zodiacs, roughly 24 kayaks, scuba and snorkel gear, an ROV, a glass-bottom boat and a hydrophone. She lacks a dedicated mud room, a real limitation on polar sailings compared with Lindblad's newer purpose-built ships. Lindblad guarantees a National Geographic photographer on every Orion departure — one of only two ships in the fleet with that guarantee, alongside Explorer.
What reviewers say
Based on this site's reading of the Cruise Critic sample for National Geographic Orion
Cabins are described as spacious for the ship's class and era.
Cruise CriticCrew attentiveness is a consistent point of praise across the sample.
Cruise CriticCabin layouts are non-uniform across the ship — a legacy of her build history under a different original operator — and reviewers advise checking the specific cabin category carefully before booking.
Cruise CriticFAQ
How many guests does National Geographic Orion carry?
Wikipedia lists 102; CruiseMapper lists a range of 102 to 106. This site could not resolve the discrepancy against Lindblad's own current page.
Is National Geographic Orion ice-classed?
No, not under the Polar Code the way Explorer, Resolution and Endurance are — a consequence of her build history for a different original operator.