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Join in on the special International Round Dance around the tip of the world

North Pole Icebreaker

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard 50 Years of Victory
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Sail for the legendary North Pole on this exciting 14-day Arctic voyage aboard the nuclear icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory. Explore the High Arctic from many angles: view the moving icebreaker from air on a helicopter ride, feel the thick pack ice under your boots while walking, and observe bears, birds, and walruses as you sail.
Celebrate your arrival at the North PoleVoyage to the top of the world aboard the 50 Years of VictoryNever-to-be-had-again photo opportunities! Visit mysterious Champ Island with its round bouldersJoin in on the special International Round Dance around the tip of the world
Highlights
  • Break through ice on your journey to the Geographical North Pole, 90◦ N
  • Walk around the world during the International Round Dance
  • Experience astonishing helicopter rides of the scenic Arctic landscape
  • Explore the islands & wildlife of Franz Josef Land during zodiac excursions
Places Visited
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 in Murmansk, Russia

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the starting point of your adventure. Upon your arrival at the airport, a transfer is provided to your hotel, which has been pre- arranged and is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2: Embarkation in Murmansk

Today a group transfer is provided to the port where you are welcomed aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. Explore the ship and get oriented as the ship slips its moorings and sails north out of Kola Bay.

Day 3-6: The Voyage North

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.

As you make your way across the ice cap, witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.

Take advantage of 24-hour daylight to enjoy a helicopter flightseeing tour. 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, ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea.

Now is the time to experience the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during the special International Round Dance. You are also treated to a barbeque meal 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 the ship turns around and heads south. But the adventure is not over yet. The High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land is still to come!

Day 8-10: Exploration of Franz Josef Land

The Franz Josef Land archipelago, part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife, such as walruses and some rare whale species, can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. Take advantage of 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing and excursions via Zodiac and helicopter.

Franz Josef Land is home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere. 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 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.

Day 11-12: The Voyage South

After your amazing time in Franz Josef Land cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by 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.

Day 13: Disembark in Murmansk, Russia | Fly to Moscow

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast on board say farewell in Murmansk. A transfer is provided to the airport or to the city center, depending on the time of your flight to Moscow. Tonight in Moscow a hotel has been pre-arranged for you. This is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 14: Moscow, Russia | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Following breakfast, depart for the airport and your journey home, or extend your stay in Moscow. Mission accomplished!

Ship/Hotel

50 Years of Victory

50 Years of Victory
Exterior image of the 50 Years of Victory.
Victory Bar at the 50 Years of Victory

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
50 Years of Victory's Standard Twin.
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
Mini Suite on 50 Years of Victory (PO)
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
50 Years of Victory's Junior Suite.
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
50 Years of Victory's Grand Suite.
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
50 Years of Victory's Victory Suite.
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
50 Years of Victory's Arktika Suite.
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.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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