North Pole
Cruise Highlights:
- Champagne toast at the top of the world
- 75,000 horsepower icebreaking experience
- Landings in Franz Josef Land, the habitat of polar bears and walrus
- Helicopter sightseeing included
At a glance
Duration: 14 Days, 13 Nights
Coverage: Roundtrip Helsinki, Finland
From: $22,690
Season: June-July
Activities: Birding, History, Zodiac Exploration, Wildlife
The Most Exclusive Arctic Expedition Just Got Better
Be one of only 250 people to stand at the top of the world in 2012.
Located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean on shifting ice, atop waters that have been measured at 13,980 feet, the North Pole can only be reached by ships like 50 Years of Victory, a nuclear-powered 75,000 horsepower icebreaker.An onboard helicopter provides aerial views of the icebreaker crushing through pack ice during the most exclusive Arctic vacation ever offered. Shore landings will be made on the remote islands of Franz Josef Land.
Beyond the wildlife (polar bears, walrus, seals, etc.), this is a yachtman's dream. Imagine cruising at 13 knots while breaking ice that is 3-5 feet thick with full access to the bridge and a friendly Captain who tries his best to converse in english with you. A magnificent ship that takes you on an unusual voyage to a place that only few get to visit-it does not get better than this! While it carries the usual dinghy/Zodiac complement, the twin-engine MI-8 helicopter used for disembarkations/tours is the cherry-on-top!
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland
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Staying up to the wee hours is easy in Helsinki, as daylight fades to twilight for only a few hours during the summer. You'll spend the night at a centrally located hotel.
- Day 2 - Embarkation Day
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After a flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, you are transferred to the quayside to embark 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest icebreaker.
- Day 3-8 - The Arctic Ocean
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In 2008, 50 Years of Victory made the fastest ever surface crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole - 4.5 days. Arctic Ocean conditions are always unpredictable, so it could take as many as 8 days to reach our goal. Unpredictability heightens the sense of adventure that underlies all our cruise itineraries.
Watching Victory break through the formidable pack ice is a sight you'll never forget. The icebreaker can sail in conditions that would defeat most other ships. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a fascinating aerial view of the icebreaker's progress.
- Day 9 - 90 North
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Although the moment that we reach the top of the world is shared with others, the experience is as individual as you are. Some travelers mark the occasion holding a special memento carried thousands of miles for that one brief event. Others hold signs created on the spot. Others wave their national flags. How will you celebrate?
- Day 10 - Southbound
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In 2008, polar bear sightings always seemed to occur after midnight. No one grumbled as they tumbled from bed to watch the ice bear devour dinner or climb ice pressure ridges. Ivory Gulls, the rarest of Arctic birds, fearlessly danced on the ice within the bear's reach, eager to dine on the scraps. Should a polar bear be sighted during your expedition itinerary, you will have a different story to tell. No two polar bear sightings or North Pole voyages are the same.
- Day 11-13 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
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These massive flat topped islands, with steep cliffs where seabirds nest, are often surrounded by fast ice. A helicopter will transfer you ashore to hike, beachcomb or to just sit quietly watching Snow Buntings feed.
- Day 14 - Disembarkation in Murmansk
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The return to Helsinki requires a flight from Murmansk and just the right tide conditions for docking the ship. Overnight in Helsinki, Finland.
- Day 15 - Helsinki, Finland
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Depart for home or extend your stay. We have a variety of packages from which to choose.
Dates & Rates
| 50 Years of Victory | Categories | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Twin | Mini Suite | Suite | Victory Suite | Arktika Suite | ||
| June 23 | $22,690 | $25,290 | $31,390 | $32,390 | $33,390 | ||
Included in Cruise Fare
- 1 night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast.
- 1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland with breakfast.
- Day 2 group transfer from Helsinki hotel to airport
- Day 2 group transfer from Murmansk airport to ship
- Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping.
- Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- Shore landings included in daily program
- Group helicopter transfers and sightseeing flights included in the daily program
- Professional Expedition Leadership.
- All Zodiac excursions and transfers.
- Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team.
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
- The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage.
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin.
- Day 14 group transfer from the ship to the Murmansk airport.
- Day 14 group transfer from Heslinki airport to the hotel.
- Comprehensive pre-departure package including Quark's meticulously researched Arctic Reader and map
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All shipboad luggage handling.
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
- All Zodiac excursions and transfers included in the daily program
Not Included in Cruise Fare
- Airfare to and from your hometown
- Mandatory charter flights from Helsinki to Murmansk and back again - cost per person $1,690.
- Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore, other than the breakfasts included with the hotel accommodation.
- Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges.
- Shipboard and land telecommunication fees.
- Voyage-end gratuities for Crew, Hospitality and Expedition Team members
Map
Ships
50 Years of Victory
50 Years of Victory, the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker ever launched crushes ice up to 3 meters (10 feet) thick and carries a maximum of 128 guests. The ship is equipped with a helicopter and a fleet of Zodiacs for shore transfers and landings. View ship details...
Svalbard, A Guide to Plants of the High Arctic - by Stephen MacLean - $14.95