Aurora Expeditions launches their brand new Russian Coast 2011 voyages

Adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, have launched their 2011 Russian Coast brochure featuring five Russian itineraries, including three inaugural expeditions – The Secrets of the White Sea, Voyage to the End of the Earth, featuring the remote Franz Josef Land and most incredible of all, a 26-day adventure Across the North East Passage from European Russian to the Far East.

All Russian voyages will set sail on Aurora Expeditions brand new ship the Akademik Shokalskiy – sister ship to their famed Polar Pioneer. This ice-strengthened research ship was built in Finland in 1982. Fully refurbished in 2008, the ship provides accommodation for a maximum of 54 passengers as well as two dining rooms, lounge bar, lecture theatre, sauna and an ‘Open Bridge’ policy.

“Aurora Expeditions is committed to taking our passengers to the heart of nature. Our new Russian program delivers a unique combination of history and culture set against a backdrop of incredible natural beauty and wilderness”, said Lisa Bolton, CEO Aurora Expeditions.

“These are not conventional cruises, they are expeditions to some of the most remote and least visited destinations on the planet, and I am delighted to be able to deliver them to our passengers with the care and dedication that Aurora Expeditions is famous for.”

Aurora Expeditions continue their Russian odyssey, with two itineraries returning to the Russian Far East - The Bering Sea Explorer, which will discover the volcano-rich Kamchatka Peninsula and the grand finale – The Ring of Fire, exploring the magnificent Kuril Islands.

Aurora Expeditions’ Russian Arctic and Far East voyages are staffed by premium expedition leaders, naturalists, historians and geologists and the Russian crew are keen to show off their country’s natural beauty – delivering some of the finest expedition cruises in Russia. Howard Whelan, the expedition leader on three of the voyages has a passion for exploration, which has seen him lead expeditions to some of the planet’s most remote regions, including Antarctica, the Amazon, Galapagos Islands, and the Russian Far East. He spent three months in Russia researching an article for Outside magazine, travelling from the Kola Peninsula, across Siberia to Kamchatka.

“Each landing brings a sense of wildness or intrigue. There is abundant wildlife, incredible seabird rookeries, exotic cultures and the thrill of investigating abandoned military or weather outposts. The intensity of experience and sense of discovery reminds me of our first voyages to Antarctica nearly two decades ago”, said Howard Whelan, Expedition Leader, Aurora Expeditions.

An expedition cruise to this historic-clad nation really is an adventure of a lifetime. Join us on our Russian voyages and help unlock the secrets of the remote Russian Coast.

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or for further information contact Aurora Expeditions on 02 9252 1033 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/auroraex.