Experiences you'll have
You will travel on a nuclear icebreaker capable of overcoming the age-old ice. You will meet lazy walruses, and polar bears will even come up to the ship board. On the zodiac boats you will go to the rocky shores inhabited by great birds' colonies. Onboard helicopter will take you to breathtaking flights above the Arcic. Also you will travel to Franz Josef Land, the most part of which is still unexplored, and see the places of Arctic expeditions. If you want — you could swim in the Arctic ocean, relax in the world's northernmost mobile bathhouse or make a balloon flight over the North Pole. Also you will be accompanied by an experienced photographer in this journey. He will share his knowledge during lectures on board, as well as during landings.
The cost of the cruise depends on the selected cabin type. See details in the block "Accommodation".
First-hand experience: our travel expert Alexandra Kormiltseva visited the North Pole in summer 2019. Read her review and find out, what it feels like to stand on top of the planet →
Itinerary
The journey starts in Murmansk, which you should travel to on your own. We can help with the purchase of tickets. If necessary, leave a comment on the application.
Here is the general plan of the expedition, the route may vary depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 1 Murmansk, Russia
Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel in the city center. Today you will be able to explore Murmansk. It is the world's largest city, located behind the Arctic circle.
Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk
Today we provide a group transfer to the port, where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker "50 Years of Victory". You will explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.
Day 3-6 The Arctic ocean
On the way to the North pole you will have the most interesting programs. Under favorable weather conditions, you will have landings on the ice and helicopter flights over the Arctic Islands.
Polar experts will tell you about the animal world of the Arctic. If desired, you can visit the captain's bridge or the engine room — the heart of the icebreaker. As well as a swimming pool, gym or sauna.
As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.
Day 7 The North Pole
Welcome to the geographic North Pole! All meridians are met at this point. After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea.
Now is the time to experience the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. You are also treated to a barbeque meal on the ice. You may even have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water!
Day 8-10 Franz Josef Land
These days you will explore one of the most remote regions of the Arctic — the Franz Josef land.
Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife — such as walruses and some rare whale species — can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. We take advantage of 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing and excursions via Zodiac and helicopter.
Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses, and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers.
Tikhaya Bay is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. You can send your friends a postcard from the northernmost post office in the world, located here.
Day 11-12 The Barents Sea
The icebreaker is heading for Murmansk. After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea.
During the final photo presentation you will be able to relive the most impressive moments of the journey. And you are invited to dinner with the captain!
You may also take advantage of onboard facilities and amenities such as a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, a warm seawater pool, gift shop, and massage treatments. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.
Day 13 Disembarkation in Murmansk and Flight to Moscow
Our once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Our congratulations! Now you are one of the few travelers who have visited the top of the planet.
Accommodation during the trip
Your cruise to the North pole will take place on the icebreaker "50 years of Victory" — the world's largest nuclear icebreaker. It generates 75,000 horsepower and crushes multi-year ice layers three meters thick.
"50 years of Victory" was built at the Baltic plant. The vessel is equipped with a new generation digital automatic control system. An ecological compartment with the latest equipment for the collection and disposal of all waste products has been created. Despite the fact that the “Victory” was not designed with touristic purposes in mind, it offers comfortable accommodation and gourmet cuisine for its guests. Public spaces create friendly, casual atmosphere for socializing and get-togethers.
Features aboard: a restaurant that can accommodate all passengers, two bars, a library, a lecture hall, a music room, a gym, a sauna and a swimming pool with heated sea water. There is a satellite TV system.
Access to the navigation bridge overlooking the sea is open almost around the clock. The gift shop is open daily during the cruise and the expedition office is open 24 hours a day.
Rates depend on the type of cabin and dates of the cruise:
Descriptions of cabins:
Standard Twin (46 cabins)
One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, opening windows. The square is 14 sq.m
Mini Suite (6 cabins)
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. The square is 21-22 sq.m
Junior Suite (4 cabins)
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. The square is 24 sq.m
Grand Suite (3 cabins)
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. The square is 27 sq.m
Victory Suite (1 cabin)
Large bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, opening windows. The square is 28 sq.m
Arktika Suite (5 cabins)
Very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker, opening windows. The square is 33 sq.m
Common questions
All passengers are covered by medical travel insurance policy to the value of 100 000 EUR per person and said policy includes emergency evacuation and repatriation. This is only for travelers under 85 years old. Travelers over 85 years old are to purchase their own insurance policy with coverage not less than 100 000 EUR – such policy is to cover risks of repatriation/evacuation from extremely remote territories, and is to be sufficient for travelling in the High Arctic. Any risks, not covered by the insurance policy provided, are to be covered by passengers at his/her disposal and at his/her own expense. Insurance is in effect only on board the Ship and outside the port of Murmansk.
This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area in order to obtain a Russian Visa. Please, contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa. Let us know if you have any difficulties in visa processing.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
shipboard accommodation in the cabin of the selected type (11 nights)
1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk (with breakfast)
transfers as per program: airport — hotel — port — airport
shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners; сoffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
professional expedition leadership
all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs; shore landings included in daily program
program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced expedition team and guest lecturers
letter of invitation
personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (coverage: 100,000 EUR)
all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
wellington boots for landing, branded expedition jacket
meals in Murmansk
passport and visa expenses (if required)
state arrival and departure taxes (if levied)
excess luggage charges on international and local flights
telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
luggage, cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)
shipboard accommodation in the cabin of the selected type (11 nights)
1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk (with breakfast)
transfers as per program: airport — hotel — port — airport
shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners; сoffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
professional expedition leadership
all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs; shore landings included in daily program
program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced expedition team and guest lecturers
letter of invitation
personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (coverage: 100,000 EUR)
all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
wellington boots for landing, branded expedition jacket
meals in Murmansk
passport and visa expenses (if required)
state arrival and departure taxes (if levied)
excess luggage charges on international and local flights
telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
luggage, cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)