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Photo's courtesy of Quark Expeditions

North Pole 

14 Days Cruise

Sail aboard ‘’50 Years of Victory’’ the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world to 90 degrees North and stand on top of the world! With your champagne glass in hand, everywhere you look is south.

 

Options for flight-seeing by helicopter as you search for polar bears, whales, walruses and seals. Weather permitting, there is also the option for a tethered hot air balloon ride at the North Pole.

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Franz Josef Land is a possible stop, where you can admire the sea bird colonies and walk amongst the flora and fauna where early explorers once travelled.

 

As with all expedition cruises in the polar regions, the exact itinerary will be confirmed by the expedition team taking into account ice, sea and weather conditions.

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Tour highlights

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  • Stand at the top of the world at 90°N

  • Experience the largest, most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world, 50 Years of Victory

  • Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the Arctic Ocean

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  • Possibly view polar bears, walrus and other arctic wildlife

  • Take advantage of optional tethered flight by hot air balloon (weather permitting)

  • Cruise in a zodiac

  • Visit Franz Josef Land historical sites, wildlife and wildflowers

Day 1

Begin your adventure with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital.

Day 2

From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker.
 

Day 3 to 6

Feeling the icebreaker crush through the arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget.

 

Just as memorable is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view over the ship and the expansive Arctic Ocean.

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You can expect variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take us anywhere from four to six days depending on the ice conditions. This means you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates and be treated to lectures and discussions by our Expedition Team while looking out for birdlife.

 

There are also many wonderful amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap pool or basketball court.
 

Day 7

The anticipation reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, call your family, wave a flag— just be sure you enjoy your moment at the top! Later, everyone will celebrate with a champagne toast and a barbecue on the ice.

 

If the opportunity allows, you have the option of taking a polar plunge into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to launch passengers high above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is highly weather dependent).

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Day 8

As we head back south, relax on board. Keep your eyes peeled as we may spot polar bears hunting for seals.

Day 9 to 10

Franz Josef Land is a group of 191 islands and forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. You’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated arctic expeditions.

 

Weather permitting, we’ll launch the Zodiacs and cruise beneath towering cliffs to explore remote seabird colonies. The onboard helicopter will provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs will transfer you to seldom-visited landing sites.
 

Day 11 to 12

Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk.

 

Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.

Day 13

Arrive in Russia’s most northern city and bid farewell to your ship, 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki. Enjoy 1 more night with your fellow adventurers to swap stories and remember your journey to the top of the world.

Day 14

After breakfast, your Quark Expedition journey comes to an end. Please ask if you would like to extend your stay in the Finnish capital or take a ferry and visit Tallinn.  

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Tour details

Price from GBP£22,900(2018 price) Per person based on 2 sharing a cabin, plus mandatory transfer package below:-

 

2018 MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki with breakfast

  • Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk

  • Transfers to and from the ship

  • Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki

2018 Package Cost: £1,500

Price includes

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  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

  • All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board

  • All shore landings per the daily program

  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program

  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled

  • Photographic journal documenting the expedition

  • Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings

  • Official Quark Expeditions parka to keep

  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

  • A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

  • All luggage handling aboard the ship

  • Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

  • Russian invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment

  • Group helicopter flightseeing as part of the daily program

  • Beer, wine and soft drinks during lunch and dinner(NOTE: 2018 Voyages)

Not included

  • Mandatory transfer package

  • International airfare

  • Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group

  • Passport and visa expenses

  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above

  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified

  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended

  • Excess baggage fees on international flights

  • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified

  • Phone and internet charges

  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew

  • Additional overnight accommodations

  • Hot air ballooning at the North Pole

  • Personal travel insurance.

  • Immunisations

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