Sail across the Arctic Ocean on a nuclear-powered icebreaker and stand at the very top of the world. Explore historic sites on Franz Josef Land. Spot polar bears and walruses from expedition Zodiac boats. Join the select few who have reached the North Pole — an achievement that few travelers can claim.
You will travel aboard one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers, capable of breaking through ice up to 3 meters thick. Along the way, you are likely to encounter walruses, and polar bears might even approach the ship.
A team of experts in wildlife, history, and glaciology will accompany you, sharing their knowledge through onboard lectures and during landings.
Stand at the top of the world — where every direction is south
Send a postcard from the northernmost post office on Earth — in the Russian Arctic National Park
Spot polar bears, walruses, and seabird colonies — from expedition Zodiac boats
Feel like a true Arctic pioneer on the Franz Josef Land — much of it is still unexplored
Take a helicopter ride over a nuclear-powered icebreaker and the frozen Arctic seas (weather permitting)
As an optional adventure, warm up in a mobile bathhouse and then dive into the Arctic Ocean
This is a general plan of the expedition. The actual route may vary depending on weather and ice conditions.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center. Today you will have time to explore Murmansk — the largest city in the world located north of the Arctic Circle.
In the afternoon, you will board 50 Years of Victory, one of the most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers in the world. After settling in, the ship will sail out through the Kola Bay into the Barents Sea.
As you make your way to the North Pole, you can enjoy a variety of programs on board. Weather permitting, you may land on the ice or take helicopter flights over the Arctic landscapes.
Polar experts will give lectures on Arctic wildlife, and you will have the chance to tour the engine room — where the nuclear reactor, the heart of the icebreaker, is located. In your free time, you can use the pool, gym, or sauna.
On deck, you will witness the raw power of the ship as it breaks through thick multi-year ice — an unforgettable experience as huge ice blocks crack beneath the bow.
Welcome to the Geographic North Pole! Here, all meridians converge, and every direction is south. By walking a full circle around 90° North, you will make the shortest circumnavigation of the globe.
After careful navigation, the crew will anchor on a stable stretch of ice. You will disembark directly onto the frozen ocean, where a celebration awaits — including a barbecue and even the chance to plunge into the Arctic waters.
Next, you will explore Franz Josef Land, one of the most remote and least-visited archipelagos in the Arctic.
This is true polar bear territory — here, they reign as undisputed masters of the ice. Curious bears sometimes come close to the ship, giving you the chance to capture extraordinary photos. Thanks to the midnight sun, you can watch wildlife at any hour of the day.
Franz Josef Land also carries a rich legacy of Arctic exploration. You will hear stories of scientists, adventurers, and pioneers who charted this frozen frontier.
In Tikhaya Bay, you will see the remarkably preserved buildings of the first Soviet polar station. Today, it serves as a base for the Russian Arctic National Park — home to the northernmost post office in the world, where you can send a postcard to family and friends.
The ship will set course back toward Murmansk, crossing the Barents Sea.
During these days, you will enjoy a farewell program: a photo presentation to relive the highlights of your voyage and a festive dinner with the captain.
You can also take advantage of the ship’s facilities: a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, a heated seawater pool, souvenir shop, and massage services. From the open decks or your cabin’s windows, you may spot seabirds — and with luck, even whales.
After breakfast, you will disembark and transfer to Murmansk airport for your flight to Moscow.
Congratulations — you are now among the very few travelers who have stood at the top of the world!
Rates depend on the cabin type. The price is per person with double occupancy in a cabin.
Discount valid for bookings made by April 30, 2026
July 1 – 13, 2026
Expedition Cabin — 50,942 48,902 USD
Polar Junior Suite — 60,464 USD
White Bear Suite — 69,986 USD
Iceberg Suite — 71,347 USD
Arctic Suite — 79,508 USD
Owner’s Suite — 83,657 USD
July 12 – 24, 2026
Exclusive RussiaDiscovery offer — 5% off an “Expedition” Cabin on the July 12–24 Cruise
The reduced price is available only for a limited number of cabins. Once they are booked, the rate will change.
Expedition Cabin — 50,942 48,395 USD
Polar Junior Suite — 60,464 USD
White Bear Suite — 69,986 67,266 USD
Iceberg Suite — 71,347 68,626 USD
Arctic Suite — 79,508 USD
Owner’s Suite — 83,657 USD
The final price in USD depends on the Central Bank of Russia’s exchange rate. A 5% bank fee is included in the USD price.
Your cruise to the North Pole will take place on 50 Years of Victory — one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Designed to break through thick, centuries-old ice, the ship also provides comfortable accommodations for passengers.
The vessel is equipped with a next-generation digital automatic control system, and its nuclear plant’s biological protection system has been fully modernized.
Onboard facilities include: a restaurant, two bars, a library, lecture hall, music room, gym, sauna, and a heated seawater pool. Satellite TV is also available.
Guests have access to the navigation bridge with panoramic sea views almost around the clock. A gift shop operates daily during the voyage, and the expedition office is available 24/7.
One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, opening windows. The square is 14 sq.m
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
Bedroom, sitting room, private facilities with a shower, windows, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker. The square is 24 sq.m
Bedroom, sitting room, private facilities with a shower, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker. The square is 27 sq.m
Large bedroom, sitting room, 4 windows, private facilities with a shower, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker.The square is 28 sq.m.
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.
Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Clothing:
Footwear:
During the cruise, you will receive a complimentary, branded, waterproof and windproof expedition parka. High expedition rubber boots will also be provided for Zodiac rides and landings.
Personal Items & Gear:
The tour includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on board. Coffee and light snacks are available at the snack station, and drinking water is provided 24/7.
All passengers under the age of 85 are covered by medical travel insurance of €100,000 pp, which includes emergency evacuation and repatriation. Travelers over 85 years must purchase their insurance policy with coverage of at least EUR 100,000. Such a policy must cover repatriation/evacuation risks from extremely remote areas and must be sufficient for travel to the High Arctic. Any risks not covered by the provided insurance policy shall be covered by passengers at their discretion and expense. The insurance is valid only on board the vessel and off-board as soon as the vessel leaves port.
This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area 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.
Sea Conditions
At the start of the journey, when crossing into the Barents Sea, you may experience light seasickness. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, we recommend taking motion-sickness medication or going to bed early. The crossing happens at night, and the waters usually calm down afterward.
No Internet Connection
There is no internet or mobile signal this far north. Wi-Fi is available during the first two days of the voyage and again for two days on the return. Once you pass Franz Josef Land, the connection disappears completely. If you rely on the internet for work, it’s best to settle everything before departure.
Life in a Confined Space
Be prepared to spend several days in the closed environment of the ship. The distance from Murmansk to the North Pole is about 2,400 km, and crossing seas and ice takes time. However, life onboard is far from boring: the expedition team hosts lectures and screenings, you can relax in the library or bar, or simply enjoy conversations with fellow travelers.
Unpredictable Weather
Arctic weather is highly changeable: one moment the sun is shining, and ten minutes later everything can be shrouded in fog. Be ready for possible adjustments to the route — sometimes it may not be possible to reach certain islands or capes.
Thank you. It was a great trip!
This was a bucket list item, that I dreamt of for many years and I was not disappointed.
The ship was an experience, beating through the ice with so much power. Meeting the Chief Engineer and visiting the engine room was interesting. The Captain was also engaging and very friendly. We could visit the bridge at most times. The quality and variety of food was amazing, specially the two barbeques, one which was at the North Pole. I enjoyed the lectures and activities. The expedition staff was helpful and knowledgeable.
The only negative was that not all lectures were translated into English, as well as some announcements.
Highlights were the polar bears that came very close to the ship. Standing outside on the ship and looking out over the ice, makes you aware of the greatness of our planet and how small and insignificant we are.
Reaching the North Pole was the cherry on top (literraly).
I’m back in Europe, after my trip to the North Pole. I just wanted to say thank you again. It was an amazing trip, and your support all the way till the day of departure was amazing, and I’m very grateful for it. I also received the present of the wonderful book of Sedov’s expedition in 1912. I’ll have a proper dive into it during the rest of this summer. We actually landed in the abandoned weather station in Franz Josef Land from where they started their expedition. I hope everything is going well for you too, and once again, thank you very much!!
My experience on the Russian Icebreaker was beyond extraordinarily. I loved the atmosphere and the journey into the Arctic Ocean! The expedition crew were like a family, and the program was intellectual and entertaining. The daily programs were designed to make sure we are kept busy doing something and learning. An experience I would recommend to others for sure! The Murmansk tour was great, Andrew did a good job to keep me engaged with sharing information about the city. I learnt that Murmansk has more to offer than just in the city, so for sure I will plan more days in the future.
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