Aurora Expeditions’ ice-strengthened passenger vessel, Akademik Shokalskiy has completed her inaugural voyage through Russia’s North East Passage, arriving in Anadyr on 5 September.

One of the first companies to successfully complete the voyage, 50 passengers, 10 staff and 23 crew embarked on the adventure on 10 August in Murmansk.

Cruising through nine time zones and visiting such remote places as military restricted Novaya Zemlya and the Novosibirskie Islands, passengers were privy to rare attractions including abandoned Russian polar stations and working meteorological huts.

“We will continue to push the boundaries, creating itineraries to stimulate the senses and open up some of the most far-flung parts of our planets. We’ll also continue to ensure that our destination’s environmental considerations are at the forefront of all our future voyages,” said Lisa Bolton, CEO Aurora Expeditions.

‘Across the North East Passage’ has sold out for 2012, however agents are invited to contact the company directly for information on their 2013 program.

Originally published on e-Travel Blackboard