Journey to the North Pole

The ultimate in Polar voyages – a two week adventure holiday to the North Pole, only operating twice a year in the only ship capable of reaching the geographical North Pole this is a once in a lifetime experience!  The ’50 Years of Victory’ can crush through ice that is metres thick. The adventure also uses helicopters for aerial views and zodiac landings to get up close to Arctic wildlife. The expedition combines the raw power of the ship with the use of helicopter flights for aerial viewing and Zodiac landings for more intimate wildlife encounters. In Franz Josef Land discover amazing Polar bears and a birdwatcher’s paradise. This is quite simply a voyage without comparison.

Your adventure starts in Helsinki, Finland, where you spend the night in a hotel.  The next day you have a charter flight to Murmansk, Russia – where you transfer to the quay to embark 50 Years of Victory the world’s largest icebreaker ship.  From days 3 – 7 you will be crossing the surface of the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole.  Conditions are unpredictable so it could take you even longer.  The sight of the massive ship crushing through ice metres thick easilly is something never to be forgotten.  Take one of the included helicopter flights for an amazing aerial view of your ship’s progress.

Although you share the ‘top of the world’ with others on board, this is an incredible moment which is toasted with champagne on the ice!  The rest of the day is free for you to celebrate and take a polar plunge if you are brave enough!

As you turn back on your journey, making your way through churning pack ice, look out for Polar Bears on the hunt being followed by Ivory Gulls.  You will pass massive flat topped islands around Franz Josef land where seabirds nest on steep cliffs.  Transfer to the shore by Zodiac or helicopter for beach combing, hiking or just to sit and observe the wildlife. No two North Pole voyages are the same.

Returning from Murmansk by charter flight to Helsinki where you overnight in a hotel and say your farewells before onward journeys the next day.

Departure dates (starting Helsinki) for 2013 are 19th or 30th June and prices start from £14,190 per person based on a basic cabin to over £23,000 per person for the top suites.  Flights from the UK and charter to Murmansk are added to this.

Please get in touch for full trip notes, availability or options on other Arctic and Polar adventures and cruises.

SHIP INFORMATION

• Comfortable, friendly atmosphere: just 128 guests.
• Icebreaking capabilities to the top of the world where regular ships cannot go
• 74,000 hp generated by 2 nuclear reactors get you where few have ever been
• Helicopter for aerial-sightseeing.
• 4 fully enclosed lifeboats ensure your safety in all conditions
• Fleet of Zodiacs bring you up-close and personal with Arctic wildlife, icebergs and more
• Every cabin has exterior views and private facilities, for your comfort and enjoyment
• Onboard gym, two saunas, small swimming pool, and library allow you to relax between shore visits