Orion announces Tasmania Food and Wine gourmet cruise.

Orion Cruises Chief Sarina Bratton has persuaded gourmand Simon Johnson and chef Serge Dansereau of The Bathers’ Pavilion fame to join Orion’s luxury small cruising vessel for a spectacular food cruise taking advantage of Tasmania’s lush pastures, range of microclimates, some of the world’s best shellfish, seafood, dairy, meat and wines.

Orion only carries a maximum of 106 passengers, so the select and speedy few to get booking will enjoy and be entertained by Serge’s relaxed demonstration classes and experience oyster, scallop and mussel tastings and Simon’s chat on the nuances of olive oil and cheeses of Tasmania and the world, accompanied by tastings of Tasmanian wines.

Sarina says this will be a gourmet cruise to remember, with wine tastings, special dinners prepared and hosted by Serge, an antipasto lunch, a recognised speciality of Simon’s and informal presentations all balanced by a range of cruise and on-shore experiences in pristine areas of Tasmania and Australia’s east coast.

Sarina was quick to point out that Orion, better known for harder-edged expedition cruises to the Kimberley, Antarctic and Papua New Guinea, has not gone all soft and while soft brie and soft centre chocolates may be a key feature, Orion’s specialist expedition team will ensure plenty of activities ashore for guests to work up an appetite and failing that, one can always rely on Orion’s gym, sauna, spa and masseuse to help keep trim – yeah right!!

Guests can join the luxury expedition cruise ship Orion for this one-off food and wine fest in March 2007. The 7 night voyage, between Hobart and Sydney, includes Tasmania’s beautiful World Heritage-listed west coast, lush King Island, elegant Launceston, rugged Flinders Island and the historic New South Wales coastal whaling port of Eden.

Orion is Australia’s only 5 star purpose-built expedition cruise ship, featuring an unmatched range of onboard facilities. With 75 crew and a maximum of just 106 passengers Orion offers the highest staff to guest ratio and guest to public space ratio of any ship permanently based in Australian waters.

There are limited early booking savings of up to 20% on this 7 night Tasmanian West Coast voyage.

Orion’s Tasmanian 7 night West Coast cruise, 4th March 2007.

7night Tasmania West Coast Voyage – HOBART, Port Davey (South West Wilderness), King Island, Launceston, Flinders Island, Eden, SYDNEY.

7 night fares begin from $4,560 per person for an ocean view category B stateroom.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orioncruises.com.au  

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate).

Email: [email protected]

Report by The Mole