Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions have launched the 2012 brochure for Scotland, the European Arctic and the Russian Coast with a ten per cent off Earlybird offer.

The program introduces two sensational new voyages, Arctic Ocean Discoverer and Treasures of the Russian Far East.

Arctic Ocean Discoverer departs Anadyr for Wrangel Island, via the Arakamchechen Archipelago, visiting World Heritage-listed Whalebone Alley and Chuckchi villages.

Bering Strait, gateway to the Arctic, gives access to the rugged Chukotka coast, alive with migratory birds. Ice permitting, we explore Wrangel Island Nature Reserve, with its scientific research station, Inuit settlement and the highest density of polar bear dens in the world!

Treasures of the Russian Far Eastdelves deep into Chukotka’s fjords along the Koryakskiy Coast, from hikes to alpine lakes, bird cliffs and walrus haulouts.

We discover abandoned fish factories, brown bears and grey whales. Kamchatka’s glorious summer flowers and majestic volcanoes lure hikers, while the Commander Islands’ spectacular sea cliffs, albatross, Steller sea lions and fur seals make for unforgettable Zodiac cruising.

Also new for 2012, Aurora Expeditions returns to Wild Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Seabird – speckled cliffs, towering sea stacks, secret waterways, glorious mountains and windswept moors create a wonderland of islands west and north of Scotland, perfect to explore by Zodiac or kayak.

All passengers on this voyage will receive a free 12-month membership to the National Heritage Trust, allowing them to make the most of their time in the UK with free entry to over 300 National Trust properties.

Celebrating their 16th Season to the Arctic, allowing expeditioners to explore Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland, a region of polar bears, walrus and whales, active volcanoes and deep fjords – an adventure not to be missed!

The Scottish and European Arctic voyages will set sail on Polar Pioneer, and the Russian Coast voyages will set sail on her beloved sister ship, Akademik Shokalskiy. These ice-strengthened ships have an excellent reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to their strength, size and manoeuvrability.

“Both our vessels carry a maximum of 54 passengers – by taking smaller groups we have a minor or transitory impact on these fragile regions. Sensitivity to environmental considerations has been a key part of Aurora Expeditions development and culture.

“It is our aim to awaken our passengers’ environmental awareness and give them a deeper understanding of the large scale natural forces that shape our planet” said Lisa Bolton, CEO Aurora Expeditions.