Orion Focuses on Forgotten Islands

An exciting expedition providing inquisitive explorers and photography enthusiasts alike the chance to improve their photographic skills while on location visiting a string of historically important, though rarely visited, islands just north of Australia. Orion’s Forgotten Islands Photography Expedition.

Along a visually stimulating path less travelled there will be ample opportunity to experience cultural, historic and geographic diversity, crossing the trade routes of the early navigators and traders who opened up this new world of spices, gold and pearls.

Commencing in Bali, sail in 5 star luxury for 10 nights aboard the expedition ship Orion to Thursday Island in Torres Strait, then head south through the northern Great Barrier Reef to disembark in the north Queensland port of Cairns.

Relive prehistoric times exploring Komodo to see the world’s largest lizards. Growing to over 3 metres in length Komodo dragons these dominant predators are an impressive sight. Whereas they don’t spit flames like mythical dragons they can be seen dribbling blood-red toxic ridden saliva after feeding – impressive subjects for photography.

Journey to southwest Maluku; virtually inaccessible, these unspoilt islands appear to float on seas of blue and green shot silk. Very few outsiders set foot here and a unique cultural experience is guaranteed on Yamdena Island, the former Dutch trading colony, and the tiny island of Kisar with a heritage of 400 years of European history. Wide angle landscape or portrait lens here?

Enjoy the languorous tropical outpost of Thursday Island in Torres Strait, with its pearling traditions and traditional ice cold XXXX beer. At Orion Reef snorkel (and try your hand at underwater photography) on this remote part of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, before the voyage concludes in Cairns.

Every step of the way, guests will have the experience of professional still and video photographers Nick Rains and Pieter de Vries to help improve techniques and create stunning travel photography. Onboard photography workshops include professional advice and instruction on understanding and optimizing camera settings, framing your subject to capture the moment, printing, post processing methods and file management.

Pieter will be holding workshops and screenings to help improve video skills, including how to create engaging story-telling sequences, filming animals, working from boats, tripod and handheld tips, and how to achieve the best possible audio. Invaluable information for owners of modern DSLR cameras with video capability.

As on all Orion expedition voyages, the specialist Expedition Team, selected for their knowledge and practical experience in fields that include botany, marine biology, anthropology and history, will share their in-depth knowledge to enhance guest experiences.

This 10 night Orion Forgotten Islands voyage provides a heady blend of local culture, European discovery, geology, unique flora and fauna all wrapped and presented in a series of beautiful islands forgotten in time. Priceless experiences that will stay with you for life.

Putting a price on priceless experiences:

2013 Departure: 28 November

10-night Forgotten Islands : BALI – Komodo, Kisar, Sangliat Dol, Thursday Island, Great Barrier Reef, CAIRNS

Fares: from $7,655 per person for an ocean view Stateroom /

Junior Suites begin from $8,975 per person / Balcony Suites are $11,565 per person / Owners Suites are $12,025 per person.

All prices twin share.

Details of Forgotten Islands voyage itinerary available at http://www.orionexpeditions.com/expeditions/spice_forgotten_islands

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

For reservations or to obtain a 2013 brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent.

Email: info@orionexpeditions.com