NORTH POLE
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14 DAYS
We carefully navigate the icebreaker to precisely 90 degrees north for our champagne toast of this momentous accomplishment. We ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. You are now able to stand at the top of the world.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Helsinki, Finland | Transfer to your hotel in Helsinki, Finland |
| Day 2 | Embarkation in Murmansk, Russia | Charter flight to Murmansk, embark the 50 Years of Victory |
| Days 3-6 | Barents Sea | Cruising and then ice-breaking en route to the North Pole |
| Day 7 | North Pole | Circumnavigate the world |
| Days 8-10 | Franz Josef Land | Polar bears, beluga whales, walrus and many seabirds |
| Days 11-12 | Barents Sea | Presentations and birdlife |
| Day 13 | Disembark Murmansk | Flight from Murmansk, Russia to Helsinki, Finland |
| Day 14 | Helsinki, Finland | Trip ends in Helsinki, Finland |
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 Helsinki, Finland
Overview:
Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Enjoy a night here before your charter flight to Murmansk, Russia where you will embark.
Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk
From Helsinki, join your fellow travellers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you will embark on 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 Northbound in the Arctic Ocean
Being on board Victory and feeling the icebreaker as it crushes through the arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget. Just as memorable is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view over the ship and the expansive Arctic Ocean.
The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from four to six days depending on the ice conditions. This means you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your fellow travellers and be treated to lectures and discussions held by the Expedition Team. Spend plenty of time out on deck admiring the vast ice sheet and keeping an eye out for birdlife. There are also many wonderful amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap pool or basketball court.
Day 7 The North Pole
The anticipation reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! Take photos and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers sharing this unique and rare experience. Later, everyone will celebrate with a champagne toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the opportunity allows, you have the option of taking a polar plunge into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to launch passengers high above the Pole in the hot air balloon (this is highly weather dependent).
Days 8-10 Franz Josef Land
On the return voyage you can relax as the ship navigates towards Franz Josef Land. This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, we’ll launch the Zodiacs and cruise beneath towering cliffs to explore remote seabird colonies. The 50 Years of Victory helicopter will provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs will transfer you to seldom-visited landing sites. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears as they are often seen roaming the sea ice hunting for seals.
Days 11-12 Southbound at Sea
Enjoy the remainder of your time on deck or reminisce with your fellow travellers and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.
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 charter flight to Helsinki, Finland where you will spend the night.
Day 14 Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast (included with your hotel stay) the trip concludes. Make your way back to the airport or to extend your stay in Helsinki.
VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES
1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast;
1 night post-cruise hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast;
Return charter Flight from Helsinki to Murmansk
Transfers to and from the ship
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
Beer, wine, soft drink onboard
Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. Coverage: $US500,000. 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 US$500,000.
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 Helsinki, Finland.