The Northern Adventure returned to the islands Thursday night (May 14) for the first time since engine problems took it out of service a week ago.BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said the vessel is now working smoothly. The Northern Adventure was fixed by Tuesday afternoon but made its first voyage to Port Hardy, returning to Prince Rupert to take passengers to Skidegate on Thursday.The problems were caused by a bearing on the port engine shaft which disintegrated during the May 7 Rupert-Skidegate crossing. BC Ferries flew engineers and a new part to Rupert to fix it. The Northern Adventure has only been in service for about three weeks after spending the winter season in refit.The unexpected breakdown cancelled five sailings on the Rupert-Skidegate route, inconveniencing many islanders. Some found themselves unable to leave the islands while others arrived in Prince Rupert and had to pay out of their own pockets for hotels or floatplane tickets.Meanwhile, the brand new Northern Expedition will carry its first passengers on Monday, May 18. The ferry leaves Port Hardy at 7:30 am and Ms Marshall said it will be carrying reporters from television stations CBC, CHEK, Global and A Channel. Islanders will be able to travel on the Northern Expedition at some point this winter when the Northern Adventure goes out for its annual refit.