NORTH POLE

Ship Offering This Itinerary

50 Years of Victory

The Russian name of the vessel 50 Let Pobedy translates to 50 Years of Victory. The ship is powered by two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower and capable of crushing a clear path through multi-year ice up to three meters thick, she is the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built.

Cruising aboard this marvel of engineering is an unforgettable experience in itself. She is a working ship, purpose-built to pilot cargo and research ships through heavy ice. For you she provides a friendly, casual atmosphere with unexpected amenities, comfortable accommodation, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.

Day 1 Murmansk, Russia

Overview:

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, starting point of our adventure. Upon your arrival at Murmansk airport you are met and transferred to your hotel, which is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk

Today a group transfer takes you to the port where you are welcomed aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. You’ll have time to explore the ship and get orientated as she slips her moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

Days 3-6 Barents  Sea

Nowhere can it be more truly said that “getting there is half the fun”. As you cruise northward through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. Meanwhile, you have the opportunity to learn about the unique icebreaking capabilities of the ship. You are also treated to a tour of the engine room – which given the ship’s engine is a nuclear generator – it’s no standard ‘engine room’.  The North Pole is a little over 2,300 km from Murmansk.

As you make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The ship’s crew also take advantage of 24-hour daylight to offer you helicopter flightseeing tours. From the air you can observe the ship crushing a path through the ice. You also have a unique vantage point from which to witness the stunning beauty of this vast polar icescape.

Day 7 The North Pole

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North the 50 Years of Victory drops the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and you disembark onto the frozen sea at the Top of the World! Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance. You are also treated to a barbeque out on the ice. You may even have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water! After your memorable time at the North Pole we turn around and head south. But the adventure is not over yet. The High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land is still to come!

Days 8-10 Franz Josef Land

The Franz Josef Land archipelago (a group of 191 islands), is part of the Russian Arctic National Park.  Polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and for the very fortunate narwhal or Bowhead whales—can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. The cliffs and scree slopes around the islands host enormous  colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, little auks, and ivory gulls. Taking advantage of 24-hour daylight every opportunity for wildlife viewing is utilised for  excursions via Zodiac and helicopter.

Franz Josef Land is home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses, and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by the expert lecturers.

Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby, the fascinating columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.

Days 11-12 Barents Sea

After your amazing time in Franz Josef Land the 50 Years of Victory crosses back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by the expert staff ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. You may also take advantage of onboard facilities and amenities such as a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, warm seawater pool, gift shop, and massage treatments. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.museum of natural and exploration history.

Day 13 Disembark Murmansk

After breakfast on board we say farewell to the 50 Years of Victory and Murmansk. A transfer is provided to the airport for your flight home.

VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES

1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk, Russia, with breakfast;
Transfer from airport to the hotel in Murmansk 1 day prior to departure;
Transfer from hotel to the port in Murmansk on embarkation day;
Transfer from the port to the airport or central location in Murmansk upon disembarkation;
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter;
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiacs;
Expedition parka;
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. Coverage: 100,000 EUR. Duration: cruise days only. This is only for passengers under 85 years old. Passengers over 85 years old are to purchase their own insurance policy with coverage not less than 100,000 EUR.

Letter of Invitation. This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area in order to obtain a Russian Visa. Please, contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa.

NOT INCLUDED
International flights to and from Murmansk, Russia.
Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group.
Passport and visa expenses. A Russian visa is required for this voyage.
State arrival and departure taxes
Meals ashore
Telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
Tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)