Extraordinary explorer Ciara

A TALENTED travelling photographer from Finglas has won the experience of a lifetime after being selected from over 75,000 applicants to become the official Instagrammer for Royal Caribbean.

Lucky Ciara Flynn, who already has a dream lifestyle working as a tour guide to fund her travels around the world, is now looking forward to a unique ‘intern-ship’ with the leading cruise operators.

This summer she’ll be spending three weeks travelling three oceans, on three ships, with all of her food, drink, accommodation, entertainment, flights and expenses covered by Royal Caribbean.

In addition, the budding snapper will also receive €3,500.

The luxury cruise will be in stark contrast to some of Ciara’s earlier trips. She was once taken hostage in India by a scam artist masquerading as a travel agent who told her she’d end up in a bin with her head cut off unless she bought an expensive trip from him.

In order to win the prize cruise and become Royal Caribbean’s official Instagrammer, applicants had to post their favourite, most inspiring image on Instagram using the hashtag #ExtraordinaryExplorer.

Although Royal Caribbean limited their search to British and Irish candidates, it clearly struck a chord with travellers all over the world, with over 330,000 people globally, posting to the hashtag, hoping their image might be considered.

But Ciara’s snap of two young Buddhist monks taking some time out at Kathmandu was the one that impressed the judging panel comprising travel blogger Johnny Ward, Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Lucy Huxley and Royal Caribbean’s Ben Bouldin, the most.

“I spent hours sat in the monastery at Kathmandu just watching these young monks before I shot the picture,” said Ciara.

“Seeing them subtly switch between being children and monks gave me a glimpse into a different and fascinating culture. As a unique moment in time, I wanted to use Instagram to share it with the world.”

Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director, UK and Ireland said Ciara’s entry was everything the judges were looking for.

“Her image has strong visual appeal, originality and inspires viewers to jump out of the ordinary and explore the world,” he explained.

 “Most importantly, it also captures a subtle but amazing moment that draws the viewer into her story.

“We’re confident that throughout the ‘Intern-ship’, Ciara will be able to skilfully shoot similarly amazing moments onboard our fleet, capturing the imaginations of the younger generation and inspiring them to consider cruising as their next big adventure.”

Ciara has described becoming Royal Caribbean’s Extraordinary Explorer and her prize as the experience of a lifetime.

“I’ve always loved photography and have been doing it for as long as I can remember,” she said.

“Capturing the magic in the ordinary moments in life tells a much richer story than words ever could, so I’m thrilled to be able to get the chance to do this with Royal Caribbean.”