North Pole
Overview
Location: Arctic
Destination: Arctic Cruises
Starting at: $23,995
Description
Travel to the "top of the world&#quot;aboard a powerful icebreaker watching for Arctic wildlife including polar bears, ivory gulls and other seabirds and marine mammals! Be one of the few humans to ever have made it to 90 degrees north on this one-of-a-kind Arctic cruise.
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50 Years of VictoryRates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.
| TWIN PRIVATE | MINI SUITE PRIVATE | SUITE PRIVATE | VICTORY SUITE PRIVATE | ARKTIKA SUITE PRIVATE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 19, 2013 - Jul 2, 2013 | $23,995 | $26,595 | $32,995 | $33,995 | $34,995 |
| Jun 30, 2013 - Jul 13, 2013 | $23,995 | $26,595 | $32,995 | $33,995 | $34,995 |
| Jun 19, 2014 - Jun 30, 2014 | $24,995 | $29,995 | $34,995 | $36,995 | $37,995 |
| Jun 30, 2014 - Jul 13, 2014 | $24,995 | $29,995 | $34,995 | $36,995 | $37,995 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.
Days 3–7: The Arctic Ocean
Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a thrilling aerial view of Victory's progress.
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. Most of our guests enjoy the heightened sense of adventure that comes with this unpredictability. In 2008, Victory made the fastest recorded crossing between these two points: 4.5 days!
Day 8: 90° North
Each traveler experiences this moment in his or her own way. Some hold special signs. Others wave their national flags. Still others stand on this mystical spot, holding a talisman brought thousands of miles for this one purpose. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. How will YOU celebrate?
Day 9: Southbound
As Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, you may spot polar bears on the hunt with ivory gulls following close behind—eager to dine on leftovers.
Days 10–12: Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you'll explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing, and transfer you to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
Day 13: Disembarkation in Murmansk, Russia
Your port of disembarkation is Murmansk, Russia's most northerly city. After you leave the ship, we'll transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to Helsinki, Finland.
Day 14: Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast at your centrally located hotel, you are free to leave for home or extend your stay. Helsinki, Tallinn (capital of Estonia) and St. Petersburg (the "Venice of the North") are all fascinating cities, just waiting to be explored. Our Polar Travel Advisors are happy to help you arrange your extended stay.
Included
- 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 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 Quark's meticulously researched 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
Highlights
- Be one of only a handful of people to have ever traveled to the North Pole!
- Travel in comfort and safety aboard one of the world’s most powerful icebreakers—50 Years of Victory
- Watch for Arctic wildlife including polar bears, ivory gulls and other seabirds and marine mammals
- Make a landing at remote Franz Josef Land archipelago in Russia’s far north
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.