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Polar Bears

North Pole: Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard 50 Years of Victory
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The goal of Arctic expeditions is to reach the North Pole. Few people can claim to have stood in the world's sole location where all directions point south. Crushing through the ice, watching soaring seagulls, and visiting Franz Josef Land, your journey to the North Pole is one you will never forget. With helicopter excursions and an optional hot air balloon ride to the top of the world, this Arctic adventure on the 50th Anniversary of Victory is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Travelers standing next to the North Pole.Image of the helicopter on the 50 Years of Victory.Walk the polar ice at the North PoleThe viewing deck of the 50 Years of Victory.Polar Bears
Highlights
  • Take a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the unique Arctic
  • Celebrate as your reach the most northern point on earth, the North Pole
  • Search for polar bears hunting seals on the sea ice
  • Explore historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Helsinki, Finland

Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital.  renowned for its extraordinary architecture and design scene and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Day 2: Murmansk, Russia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Day 3-6: Northbound in the Arctic Ocean

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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.

You can expect variable sailing conditions this far north. 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 shipmates and be treated to lectures and discussions by our Expedition Team while looking out for birdlife. There are also many wonderful amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap pool or basketball court.

Day 7: 90° North | North Pole

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The anticipation reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, call your family, wave a flag— just be sure you enjoy your moment at the top! 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. You may also have the opportunity to fly high above the Pole in the ship's hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is highly weather dependent).

Day 8: Southbound in the Arctic Ocean

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mission accomplished, begin your adventurous journey south. The exact route depends on local conditions. This is another opportunity to enjoy the power of the icebreaker and the spectacular and ever-changing scenery. Look out for Arctic wildlife and, in particular, your chances of encountering polar bears on the return journey are good. Join naturalists and other experts in the lecture room for more presentations on the wildlife, geology, history and other aspects of this magnificent wilderness – and take the opportunity to visit the ship’s control center and engine room.

Day 9-10: Franz Josef Land

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enter a remote world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs, and glaciers at Franz Josef Land. The most northerly point in Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands stretches 375 kilometers (233 miles) from west to east and 234 kilometers (145 miles) from north to south. Undiscovered until 1873, it is still relatively unexplored. Here explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs explore remote seabird rookeries.

It is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here visit historic places like Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to buildings and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You may see walrus and polar bears on these islands, which you can explore on Zodiac excursions.

Day 11-12: Southbound at Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff is on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.

Day 13: Murmansk, Russia | Disembark | Helsinki, Finland

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.

Day 14: Helsinki, Finland

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, your official Arctic journey comes to an end. You are encouraged to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia), and St. Petersburg prior to your continued journey home.

Ship/Hotel

50 Years of Victory

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
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Standard Twin
One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, opening windows. (151 FT²) Bed size - 78in x 32in
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Mini-Suite
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. (237 FT²) Bed size – 78in x 32in to 35in
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Suite
Bedroom with sitting area and sofa bed, Private bathroom with bathtub or shower, refrigerator, TV, DVD player, coffeemaker, exterior window opens. (280 FT²) Bed size - 78in x 39in
Select a Date
Victory Suite
Spacious bedroom with single bed and sitting room with sofa bed, private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, TV, DVD player, coffeemaker, exterior window opens. (301 FT²) Bed size – 78in x 48in
Select a Date
Arktika Suite
Spacious bedroom with single bed and sitting room with sofa bed, private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, TV, DVD player, coffeemaker, exterior window opens. (355 FT²) Bed size – 78in x 32in to 39in

Notes

Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.

Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship

  • Hair Dryer and Bathrobes in Each Cabin
  • Group Helicopter Flightseeing as Part of the Daily Program
  •  Russian Invitation Letter for Visa Application Provided After Final Payment
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Required Visas
  • Helicopter Flying Time in Excess of That Offered for the Group
  • Hot Air Ballooning at the North Pole
  • Mandatory Transfer Package fees not included, prices vary by departure

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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