THREE CITIES, TWO COUNTRIES, ONE 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.

Days 1-2 Helsinki, Finland

Overview:

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. We recommend at least two nights to enjoy this beautiful port city, as well as to get over the long journey to the north.  A half -day trip to the historic island fort of Suomenlinna is also recommended.  There are many excellent hotels, with the quirky hotel Katajanokka, a converted prison, being one well placed option.  On the third morning transfer to the train station for your train trip to St Petersburg.

Days 3-6 St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is a wonderful city to spend 3-5 days exploring its many wonderful museums, galleries, theatres, buildings and other iconic landmarks.  Also known as the Venice of the North St Petersburg will likely surprise many as it is a very cosmopolitan and modern city.  Through our local partners we can organise guided half or full days your of St Petersburg and the surrounding envirions the list of place to explore is long; Church of the Saviour of Spilled Blood, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, Nevsky Prospect, Peter & Paul Cathedral and Fortress, Peterhof Palace and Faberge Museum are just a few.  In the evening you may choose to attend one of several first class ballet performances that are popular with locals and travellers alike.

Day 7 Murmansk, Russia

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for the two hour flight to the northern port city of Murmansk.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  There are several small, yet interesting museums within walking distance from your hotel.  If you want to discover a little or Murmansk’s history as one of only 8 Russian cities to withstand the German invasion they are worth a look.

Day 8 Embark 50 Years of Victory

The morning will likely be free and a trip to the Alyosha monument, which is set on a hill overlooking Murmansk and the Atomflot port where you’ll soon be boarding the 50 Years of Victory, is a good way top spend a couple of hours. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred by bus to the Atomflot port, a restricted facility (no photography please), where you’ll board one of the world’s most powerful ships and soon depart through Kola Bay and into the Barents Sea.  Passing by Severomorsk the base of Russia’s Northern Fleet.

Days 9-12 Barents Sea and Sea Ice en route North Pole

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 13 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 14-16 Franz Josef Land, Russia

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 and walrus as they are often seen.

There are many sites of interest including: Champ Island home to several massive stone spheres, Hooker Island and Tikhaya Bukhta a historical base which is being restored, Cape Tegethoff on Hall Island.  Sea, ice and wind conditions will dictate if zodiac or helicopter landings/excursions are possible.

Days 17-18 Barents 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.

The Barents Sea is home to several species of whales and dolphin.  The ship is also often accompanied by several bird species including; black-legged kittiwake, Arctic Skua, gannet, herring and back-backed gulls and the northern fulmar.

Day 19 Disembark Murmansk, Russia

After breakfast you disembark at Atomflot port and are transferred into Murmansk or to the airport for your flight home.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY ONLY
The above itinerary is a suggestion only, additional nights in Helsinki, St Petersburg, Murmansk are all easily arranged added.  We have local partners with whom we can book transfers and guided excursions.  Please call to discuss your individual requirements. It can be easily combined with the North Pole voyages departing 12 & 23 July and 3 August 2020.

VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES

1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk Russia, with breakfast;
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: 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
Telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
Tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)