Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Helsinki, the cozy Finnish capital. Upon your arrival and subsequent transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by your ship's representative in the lobby of your hotel.
Day 2: Helsinki-Murmansk Flight / Embark
After a group transfer from your hotel, board a chartered plane for the short two-hour flight to Murmansk. There you will board the 50 Years of Victory, one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world. After settling in, depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.
Day 3: Barents Sea
While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put into place to ensure you complete protection. These instructions pertain to both life aboard the 50 Years of Victory as well as during your expedition in the higher Arctic altitudes. You will likewise have the opportunity to become familiar with the ship and learn all about its unique icebreaking capabilities and how ice fields are negotiated. One of the highlights of the day will be a tour of the engine room - amazing! All this and more are on the day's agenda.
Day 4-6: Voyage to the North Pole
As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days voyage there will leave you feeling no less so. Adrenaline and awe await you as you go up on deck and witness first-hand the sheer power of your ship as it battles its way through the mighty icefields that separate you from your arrival at the top of the world. No less inspiring will be the views and panoramas of the astonishing arctic landscape.
Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way north. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breath-taking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. For those wishing to take some time away from their new-found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.
Day 7: The North Pole
Seven is more than just a lucky number; it's the day you can expect to reach the North Pole. With heart-pounding anticipation, the Victory will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90 degrees North. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole.
But this is just the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of standing on top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during a special International Round Dance.
Topping off this day will be a North Pole barbeque and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.
Day 8-10: Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic
During the many years your ship has been operating in the Arctic, your crew has gained a truly unique experience exploring the many arctic islands in this region, one of the most remote in the world. It is truly their pleasure to share it and their love for these vast lands with you.
Given favorable weather and ice conditions, exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is in the offering. It can be described as consisting of about 190 islands, most of which are more reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the "Moon Archipelago." It is home to polar bears, walruses and many species of arctic birds, and also is the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found no where else in the earth. Enjoy the unique and possibly never-to-be-had again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty.
Day 11-13: Barents Sea / Helsinki
During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories or all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn't do so before, take some time out to enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort - a game of volleyball, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. Or simply relax in the ship's lounge, library or bar.
After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Helsinki where you will spend a last evening in the Finnish capital.
Day 14: Return Home
Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Standard Twin
Averaging 151 sq ft. One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV, DVD player, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 32in
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Mini Suite
Averaging 237 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, separated sleeping area, private bathroom with shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size – 78in x 32in to 35in
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Junior Suite
Averaging 258 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private bathroom with a shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 39in
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Grand Suite
Averaging 280 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private bathroom with a shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 39in
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Victory Suite
Averaging 301 sq ft. Large bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private bathroom with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV,DVD player, and opening windows.
Bed size – 78in x 48in
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Arktika Suite
Averaging 355 sq ft. Very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV.
Bed size – 78in x 32in to 39in
Notes
Travel Insurance
All passengers are covered by a medical travel insurance policy to the value of 100,000 EURO which includes medical emergency evacuation and reparation for the cruise portion of the tour only. Additional insurance is strongly recommended.
Solo Travelers
Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Single supplement: 1.7 for Standard cabin; 2 for Mini Suite, Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Victory Suite and Arktika Suite.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
