Voyage to the North Pole
from £27192 excluding flights
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Highlights
Forge through pack ice to the 'top of the world'
Watch out for polar bears roaming the pack ice
Enjoy shore landings in wildlife-rich Franz Josef Land
Watch out for whales and seabirds whilst at sea
Get a birds eye views over the icy ocean from a helicopter
Float above the north pole in a hot-air balloon (optional)
Why this trip...
Style of vessel
This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions
Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas
Expertly guided
In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip
Overview
Voyage through pack ice to the one place in the world where the only direction you can face is south... the North Pole! Become a fully-fledged Arctic explorer by travelling on one of the world's largest ice-breakers - 50 Years of Victory. Feel her impressive power as you sail through the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean via Franz Josef Land aiming to reach 90° North. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sail to the North Pole on board one of the world’s largest and most-powerful nuclear icebreakers. 50 Years of Victory has two nuclear reactors, capable of producing 74,000 horsepower, and a specially designed bow capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 metres thick!
Itinerary
Day 1 arrive Helsinki, Finland
Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle lies Helsinki, a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a beautiful harbour. Spend a pre-voyage night at a centrally located hotel
Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle lies Helsinki, a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a beautiful harbour. Spend a pre-voyage night at a centrally located hotel
Day 2 Helsinki - Murmansk
Take a charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, the home port of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. Embark one of the world's largest and most powerful ice-breakers as you commence your expedition to the North Pole.
Take a charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, the home port of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. Embark one of the world's largest and most powerful ice-breakers as you commence your expedition to the North Pole.
Days 3-6 Arctic Ocean
Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Watching Victory break through the formidable pack ice is a sight you'll never forget. Crashing through ice several metres thick, Victory can sail in conditions that would defeat most other ships. It may be possible to watch the ship's progress from the onboard helicopters, and you'll also have opportunities to view native seabirds and whales. The onboard Expedition Team will keep you engaged with informative presentations as the ship forges north.
Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Watching Victory break through the formidable pack ice is a sight you'll never forget. Crashing through ice several metres thick, Victory can sail in conditions that would defeat most other ships. It may be possible to watch the ship's progress from the onboard helicopters, and you'll also have opportunities to view native seabirds and whales. The onboard Expedition Team will keep you engaged with informative presentations as the ship forges north.
Day 7 90° North-The North Pole
Conditions permitting, the icebreaker should reach the North Pole some time around the seventh or eighth day of the expedition. Youíve joined a rare and select group: those that can truly say theyíve stood at the top of the world. Reflect on the many adventurers that came before you, giving their lives for the moment you are now experiencing. You'll have time for a hike on the expansive ice; you can literally walk around the world in under a minute. And for those that have pre-booked, now is the chance to gain a unique perspective on this special destination, as you enjoy a 15 minute hot-air balloon ride over the North Pole*.
Conditions permitting, the icebreaker should reach the North Pole some time around the seventh or eighth day of the expedition. Youíve joined a rare and select group: those that can truly say theyíve stood at the top of the world. Reflect on the many adventurers that came before you, giving their lives for the moment you are now experiencing. You'll have time for a hike on the expansive ice; you can literally walk around the world in under a minute. And for those that have pre-booked, now is the chance to gain a unique perspective on this special destination, as you enjoy a 15 minute hot-air balloon ride over the North Pole*.
Day 8 Arctic Ocean
Now it's just you and the polar bears. As Victory sails southward, stand on the deck and survey the expanse of brilliant blue and white ice that stretches hundreds of kilometres in all directions. Keep an eye out for rare Arctic wildlife, particularly near Franz Josef Land, where polar bear sightings are possible.
Now it's just you and the polar bears. As Victory sails southward, stand on the deck and survey the expanse of brilliant blue and white ice that stretches hundreds of kilometres in all directions. Keep an eye out for rare Arctic wildlife, particularly near Franz Josef Land, where polar bear sightings are possible.
Accommodation
50 Years of Victory
The 50 Years of Victory is a powerful ice-breaker, capable of pushing through ice up to 2.5 metres thick. She carries up to 128 passengers.
This is one of the world’s largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreakers and as such can access areas not possible by other ships – hence she is used for our North Pole voyages. She is driven by two nuclear reactors that produce an incredible 75,000 horsepower, and can reach a top speed of 21.4 knots in open water. Her stainless steel ice belt hull is 5 metres (18ft) wide, enabling her to break through ice of 2.5 metres (9.2ft).
The onboard helicopter is essential for ice navigation and reconnaissance and is used for scenic flights.
Read more
Optional Activity
Prices can vary depending on departure so please contact our team of polar specialists for guidance.
Hot Air Ballooning
Available with our North Pole voyage only, here’s your chance to fly high over the top of the world. Enjoy a 15-minute tethered balloon flight high above the Arctic pack ice, offering uninterrupted 360° views stretching south in every direction!
- Limited spaces, pre-booking is essential
- Balloon flight is weather-dependent but will aim to take place as close to the North Pole as possible
This activity is weather-dependent and passenger safety is paramount.
Prices and Departures
Price from £27192 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Return flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
- Pre- & post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Aerial sightseeing by helicopter
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Expedition jacket - yours to keep
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- Russian invitation letter for visa application
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2021 Departures
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Prices from (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 June 2021 | 14 days | 50 Years of Victory | £27,192 |
| 27 June 2021 | 14 days | 50 Years of Victory | £27,192 |
NOTES
- British travellers will require a double-entry Russian visa for this voyage.
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