Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic announced three inaugural itineraries for the 102-passenger National Geographic Orion when it launches in March 2014.
They include a 25-day voyage through Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon islands; a 22-day exploration of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and Micronesia; and a 17-night cruise through eastern Indonesia billed as a voyage to the Spice Islands and the Coral Triangle.
Orion will be equipped with exploration tools, including kayaks, a remote-operated vehicle reaching depths of 1,000 feet, full snorkeling gear for all, and a scuba program that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time.
Follow Tom Stieghorst on Twitter @tstravelweekly.