Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Arctic Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

Get the unique experience of travelling aboard the most powerful nuclear icebreaker.

Explore High Arctic spaces from various angles: shoot incredible airscape photos of the moving icebreaker from the helicopter; feel the thickness of Arctic pack ice under your feet while walking on ice; meet polar bears who venture close to the ship, observe Arctic birds and walruses; land and explore the remote and beautiful islands of Franz Josef Land archipelago. Stand on the top of Earth and look at the whole world just beneath your feet.

Itinerary

Welcome to Helsinki- the cozy Finnish Capital.

Following your arrival in Helsinki and transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by our representative in the lobby.

Overnight at hotel ( to be determined)

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, the most powerful icebreakers in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.

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 altitudes. 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.

Voyage to the North Pole.

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 altitudes. 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.

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 90◦ N. 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.

Islands 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. 24 hours daylight gives us numerous opportunities to explore the islands of the Russian Arctic during zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides.

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 no where else on earth,

a unique and possibly never-to-be-had-again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty.

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, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. 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.Overnight in Helsinki on day 13.

( no dinner in Helsinki)

Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!

Notes