Natural Treasures of the Russian Far East - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departures - June 18 & 28
From Petropavlovsk to the Kuril Island chain, you will experience something very special, “The Northern Ring of Fire”, an environment dominated by the effects of volcanic activity. Thirty two volcanoes stretch across the Bering Sea, between Russia and Japan. These, the Kuril Islands, are sparsely inhabited, their people living from a sea which is still among the most productive in the world. Huge bird colonies dot the cliffs and large seal rookeries are scattered along the coast. Early in the expedition, we cruise into a fiordland of granite cliffs and active volcanoes created by glaciers thousands of years ago. Orcas are known to inhabit these rich hunting grounds, along with sea otters, seals, thousands of sea birds, bears and foxes. Fortunately, the Russian people have protected many of these islands for the creatures that occupy them and those who visit. This journey will be a milestone, leaving you with unique memories.

Inland Sea of Japan - Discovery of an Ancient Culture - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departures July 18 & 28
We are especially captivated by the Japanese talent for integrating the country’s proud ancient culture with its equally proud embrace of the modern. With a coastline longer than the United States and 6,852 islands, with only 426 inhabited, you can appreciate the logistical complexities that are overcome through travelling by a ship such as Orion II. Your luxury hotel goes with you. Unique islands and cities become accessible overnight. The sea is Japan’s life blood. The cultures, art and cuisine are the links you will come to appreciate on this remarkable itinerary.

Ryukyu Islands and Sabah - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departure - August 7
This itinerary is unique as the cultures are disassociated by faiths and history. From the fascination of Japan and its Ryukyu Islands we travel south to the Spanish-American influenced Philippines, then onto the cultural melting pot of Kota Kinabalu. A mixture of many different races and ethnicities. There are thirty-six islands in the Ryukyu group stretching from Japan to Formosa. The islands enjoy a magnificent climate and are highly cultivated and productive. The coral reefs of the Ryukyus are one of the World Wildlife Fund’s Global 200 ecoregions. The reefs are endangered by sedimentation and eutrophication, mostly a result of agriculture, as well as damage from fishing.