Icebreaker Expedition to the North Pole

Day-by-day Itinerary

Please keep in mind that this is a unique expedition to a remote and very little explored part of the globe. Our sample itinerary should therefore be considered as a guide only, as it is heavily dependent on both weather and ice conditions.

Day 1. Welcome to Helsinki, the cozy Finnish Capital.
Following your arrival in Helsinki and subsequent transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by our representative in the lobby of your hotel.

Day 2. Helsinki-Murmansk flight and embarkation.
After the group transfer from your hotel, you will board a chartered plane for the short two hour flight to Murmansk. There, you will board «50 Years of Victory», one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.

Day 3. The Barents Sea.
While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put in place to ensure your complete protection:
• while aboard the «50 years of Victory»,
• during our expedition in the higher arctic latitudes.
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 this day will be a tour of the engine room - amazing! All this and more are on the day’s agenda.

Days 4 - 6. Voyage to the North Pole.
As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days of voyaging 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 our ship as it battles its way through the mighty ice fields 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 breathtaking 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 we expect to reach the North Pole. With heart-pounding anticipation, the «Victory» will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90ºN. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole.

But this is only the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of standing on the top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during our special International Round Dance.

Topping off the day will be our North Pole barbecue and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.


Days 8 - 10. The Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic.
During the many years that we have been operating in the Russian Arctic, we have gained a truly unique experience exploring the many arctic lands in this region, one of the most remote in the world. It is truly our pleasure to share it and our love for these vast lands with you.

Given favorable weather and ice conditions, exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is in the offering.

The Franz Josef Land Archipelago can be described as:
• consisting of about 190 islands most of which are reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the “Moon Archipelago”,
• home to polar bears, walruses and many species of arctic birds,
• the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found nowhere else on Earth,
• a unique and possibly never-to-be-had-again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty.

Days 11 - 13. Barents Sea Revisited.
During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories of all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn’t do so before, then take some time out to really enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort - a game of volleyball or table tennis, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library. After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Helsinki where you will spend a last evening in the Finnish capital.

Day 14. Farewell to Helsinki.
Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!

 

Expedition rates include:

• 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 expedition 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 Helsinki airport to the hotel.
• Comprehensive pre-departure package including Arctic Reader and map
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All shipboard luggage handling.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
• All Zodiac excursions and transfers included in the daily program
• Complimentary wine, beer, liquor and soft drinks at the bar and with meals

This expedition excludes

• 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
• Optional hot air balloon ride for 2012 departures only.

The Earth Has More Than One North Pole; The North Pole is more than just the top of the planet