NORTH POLE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Contents
1 Overview 2 Itinerary 4 Arrival and Departure Details 6 Your Ship 8 Included Activities 10 Adventure Option 11 Dates and Rates 12 Inclusions and Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 14 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 16 Possible Excursions 19 Packing Checklist
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A magical destination for travelers everywhere, the North Pole is special not only EXPEDITION IN BRIEF because of the unique geographical spot it occupies, but also because it remains Stand at the top of the world at 90°N a domain that, for most, exists only in the imagination—fewer people have stood Experience the most powerful at the North Pole than have attempted to climb Mount Everest. Difficult to reach nuclear icebreaker in the world, and singular in its impact, the North Pole transforms the perspectives of everyone 50 Years of Victory fortunate enough to reach it. In 2021, we mark 30 years of taking passengers to this Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the frozen Arctic Ocean northernmost point on the globe, and on this amazing voyage, we enable you to Possibly view polar bears, join the privileged few who have set foot on the North Pole. walrus and other Arctic wildlife Experience the thrill of the most powerful nuclear icebreaker on the planet Take advantage of optional crushing through thick, multi-year pack ice as it pushes toward 90° north. Enjoy a tethered flight by hot air balloon (weather permitting) riveting helicopter tour over the icy Arctic Ocean; discover the remarkable sights Cruise in a Zodiac of Franz Josef Land; observe the majestic creatures who make their home in this Visit Franz Josef Land historical breathtaking yet fragile land; and experience a dreamlike hot air balloon ride over sites, wildlife and wildflowers the surreal Arctic landscape, an activity offered by no other polar operator. Join us on this exhilarating journey, venture to a part of the globe few have ever seen, and come to understand why the North Pole has for centuries stirred the minds and hearts of explorers and adventurers alike.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] expansive Arctic Ocean. You can expect Arctic Ocean Itinerary variable sailing conditions this far north.
The crossing from Murmansk to the GREENLAND North Pole can take us anywhere from North Pole °N DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND four to six days, depending on the ice Your adventure begins with a one- conditions. This means you’ll have plenty night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Greenland Sea of time to get to know your shipmates Svalbard and be treated to presentations and Franz DAY 2 | FLY TO MURMANSK, RUSSIA & Josef EMBARK discussions with your Expedition Team Barents Sea Land From Helsinki, you’ll join your while looking out for birdlife. There are fellow passengers on the charter flight to also many wonderful amenities on board, Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark such as the ship’s heated saltwater plunge Murmansk on your voyage to the North Pole and pool or basketball court. get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, a Helsinki DAY 7 | 90°N ARCTIC nuclear icebreaker. CIRCLE The anticipation reaches a climax as RUSSIA DAYS 3 – 6 | NORTHBOUND you arrive at the North Pole! Many IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN THE NORTH POLE travelers find themselves overcome with The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Being on board Victory and feeling emotion, while others are in a festive Flight to and from Murmansk the icebreaker as it crushes through and celebratory mood. Take photos, call On the 50 Years of Victory the Arctic pack ice is an experience your family, wave a flag—just be sure you’ll never forget. Just as memorable you enjoy your moment at the top of the is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a world! thrilling aerial view over the ship and the
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Later, everyone will celebrate with a may also have the chance, if conditions DAY 14 | DEPART HELSINKI toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the allow, to explore remote seabird colonies After breakfast, your official Quark opportunity allows, you have the option while Zodiac cruising beneath towering Expeditions® journey comes to an of taking a Polar Plunge into the icy cliffs, or enjoy another breathtaking end. We do encourage you to spend waters around the North Pole. We’ll aerial sightseeing tour aboard the Victory time exploring Helsinki, and its also attempt to launch passengers high helicopter. surrounding areas. above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is DAYS 11 & 12 | SOUTHBOUND AT SEA highly weather dependent). PLEASE NOTE Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with Quark Expeditions is constantly DAY 8 | SOUTHBOUND IN your shipmates and new friends as you monitoring regulatory changes THE ARCTIC OCEAN cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. in the Russian Arctic. Any policy On our return voyage, you can sit back Expedition staff will be on hand to answer changes that stand to affect your and relax. As you head farther south, any remaining questions and point out experience will be shared with you you may get lucky and spot polar bears wildlife during the return journey. prior to sailing. hunting for seals. DAY 13 | DISEMBARK IN MURMANSK & DAYS 9 & 10 | FRANZ JOSEF LAND* FLY TO HELSINKI, FINLAND AND THE ARCTIC OCEAN Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, This group of approximately 200 islands you’ll have time to bid farewell to the forms the most northerly archipelago 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred in Eurasia and lies entirely within the to the airport for your charter flight to Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll explore Cape Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final night Flora and discover historic remains from with your newfound friends. three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
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As you prepare for your North Pole Adventure, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since air transportation to and from Helsinki is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar cruise? On page14 , learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Helsinki or a nearby region of your choice. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN HELSINKI You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Your included accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure PLEASE NOTE information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® There is a strict luggage limit of 44 will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Helsinki and Murmansk. MURMANSK AND EMBARKATION Should you have additional luggage, Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Helsinki to Murmansk on Day 2 of it can be stored at the hotel in the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter, Helsinki. There is NO option to pay and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the airport. Upon arrival in for additional luggage. Murmansk, you will be transferred to the port and onto the ship.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Final Day and Arrival and Departure Departure Transfers IMPORTANT DISEMBARKATION IN MURMANSK HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS REMINDER Your ship is scheduled to arrive back at Arrival and departure transfers in Russian visas are required for the pier in Murmansk before 8am local Helsinki are not included in the tourists from most countries. time, but may arrive earlier depending expedition. Both nights’ included This voyage requires double-entry on Murmansk tides. After breakfast, and accommodation will be provided at the Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for once the ship has docked, you will have airport hotel, so please make your way to details. time to bid farewell to your Expedition the lobby for check-in when you arrive. Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki.
DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will check in to your included post-expedition hotel at the Helsinki airport. After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the terminal to connect with your homeward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation. Included Hotel Accommodations Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options.
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Quark Expeditions® is pleased to boast the largest polar-class fleet of any polar operator and the ability to offer our guests this great expedition on our nuclear icebreaker. The entire Quark Expeditions® fleet is built for the challenging polar environments, so we can confidently take you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] 50 YEARS OF VICTORY Join the select few who have tripped to the North Pole on this polar-class, nuclear-powered icebreaker. Authentic in the BRIDGE DECK 4 true sense of the word, the 50 Years of Victory is one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world, a pure workhorse, E keeping shipping routes free of ice the rest of the year. BRIDGE DECK 3 Creature comforts are many.
POLAR All cabins have exterior views, private facilities, TVs and DVD BOUTIQUE E players. There’s a gym, a basketball court, two saunas and a BRIDGE DECK 2 small plunge pool, not to mention a polar library and a fully stocked bar. The on-board helicopter offers up absolutely E VOLLEYBALL mind-blowing aerial sightseeing. COURT BELOW TO VOLLEYBALL BRIDGE DECK 1 SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 140 WC E DINING Guests: 128 ROOM
Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed WC Ice Class: LL1 (highest rating possible) BOW DECK Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to learn more about the 50 Years of Victory STERN
SMOKER’S ROOM
MIDDLE DECK Twin Victory SAUNA
POOL
Mini Suite SAUNA WC Arktika Suite LOWER DECK Twin Mini Suite Suite Arktika Victory
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Ready for a little adventure beyond your historical sites, take in the natural beauty, ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage and spot the unique geological formations offers a variety of recreational activities to of this remote archipelago. enhance your polar experience. PRESENTATIONS Included Activities Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar FLIGHTSEEING experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, On-board helicopters offer thrilling historians and other special guests who aerial sightseeing opportunities high will introduce you to the fascinating above your ship and the expansive ocean history, biology, ornithology, and waters. glaciology of the region, and much more.
SHORE LANDINGS POLAR PLUNGE Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot This rite of passage, scheduled only once is the best way to appreciate the landscape per expedition, gives you the chance to and shorelines of Franz Josef Land. Our jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters guides will often set out a perimeter within under the watchful eye of our staff—and which you can roam freely. Explore key just about every single camera on board! Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.
PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
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HOT AIR BALLOONING | $495 If reaching the North Pole isn’t a big enough thrill, be one of only a few people in the world to soar above the sea ice in a hot air balloon, with a sweeping 360-degree view of all points south. Rising as high as 98 feet (30 m), you’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the ship and Arctic ice—something you’ll remember forever. Exclusive to Quark Expeditions®, this option brings you a whole new perspective of the North Pole!
*This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly weather dependent.
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50 YEARS OF VICTORY Transfer Dates Days Start / End Twin Mini Suite Suite Victory Arktika Package ARCTIC 2021 JUN 16 – JUN 29, 2021 14 Helsinki $31,995 $36,995 $43,995 $46,995 $48,995 $1,995 $495 JUN 27 – JUL 10, 2021 14 Helsinki $31,995 $36,995 $43,995 $46,995 $48,995 $1,995 $495
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Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Mandatory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Passport and visa expenses • All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Government arrival and departure taxes not • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin mentioned above • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship travel insurance—strongly recommended Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • Excess-baggage fees on international flights kosher meals.) to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • Russian invitation letter for visa application provided cruising, or any other gear not mentioned and cocoa available around the clock after final payment • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Phone and Internet charges • One night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Helsinki • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • Charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk shipboard staff and crew • Transfers to and from the ship • Hot air ballooning at the North Pole • Charter flight from Murmansk to Helsinki • One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Helsinki
PACKAGE PRICE: $1,995 USD
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Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.
With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
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PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore other northern cities before or after the voyage. Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Helsinki. This dynamic city known for melding old-world architecture with modern metropolitan ways, has plenty to offer culture enthusiasts and foodies alike. Stroll Helsinki’s charming streets, grab a pint at a microbrewery, or visit dazzling shops, galleries and a traditional public sauna. To discover the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Travel Professional or a Polar Travel Adviser for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
FROM TOP: Helsinki; the Sibelius Monument; Helsinki Cathedral
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If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
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North Pole their ship was wrecked off theco ast. Visitors to the North Pole usually number The hut is in supreme condition and has in the mere hundreds each year. Soak up a number of interesting inscriptions on the icy surroundings knowing that even its interior walls. polar bears and seals are rare visitors to CALM BAY, HOOKER ISLAND this extremity of the Earth. Sporadically in use today, this is the site of the archipelago’s earliest Soviet Union Franz Josef Land polar station, built in 1929. Memorials APOLLONOV ISLAND to Georgiy Sedov’s wintering in 1913–14 This small island has a ridge that may are built here, and the remains of a provide a vantage point for viewing glaciologist’s hut can also be seen. PLEASE NOTE a walrus rookery, which is known to Quark Expeditions is constantly CAMBRIDGE STRAIT haul-out on the island. Zodiac cruising to monitoring regulatory changes Cambridge Strait is a well-known area watch walrus from a distance is also in the Russian Arctic. Any policy for watching polar bears as they hunt a possibility. changes that stand to affect your for seals that frequent the area. experience will be shared with you BELL ISLAND prior to sailing. In 1881, Benjamin Leigh-Smith’s CAPE FLIGELY, RUDOLF ISLAND expedition built a hut here, but the crew The most northern point of the never had the opportunity to use it, as archipelago is marked with a copper plaque and a memorial cross. This is
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] also the northernmost part of Europe, CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND reaching farther north than Spitsbergen. Weather is always a factor in this The island is largely ice covered, and northern part of the archipelago, temperatures only rise above freezing for which is sometimes unreachable, even a few shorts weeks each summer. for icebreakers. A variety of Arctic flora is found in this area, making it particularly CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND interesting for botanists. This is also More than half a dozen expeditions where Fridtjof Nansen and Frederick passed through here in the late 19th Jackson stayed over winter 1895–96, and and early 20th centuries—the Jackson- the remains of their stone hut can be Harmsworth expedition described in the visited. book A Thousand Days in the Arctic was among them. Many buildings from the CAPE TEGETTHOFF, HALL ISLAND time are in ruins or have fallen into the Impressive tall cliffs are home to sea, but some remain. Memorials and large numbers of seabirds, while the crosses have been erected in more recent ruins of the Walter Wellman 1898–99 years in memory of the survivors and expedition can also be found. With a victims of those early expeditions. diverse landscape, the island is great for exploring on foot, provided that polar CAPE HELLER, WILCZEK ISLAND bears aren’t in the vicinity. Historically significant markers can be found here, including the remains of CHAMP ISLAND a stone hut used by two men from the Wildflowers of the tundra are a common 1898–99 Walter Wellman expedition. sight, giving a bit of color to an often There is a gravesite and large memorial bleak landscape. Of particular interest are post in honor of the one member who the mysteriously perfectly rounded rocks died here just after New Year’s in 1899. scattered around parts of the island. They are up to seven feet (two meters) in diameter and have been nicknamed Devil’s Marbles.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Similarly, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] NEGRI FJORD This is a scenic and narrow waterway that lies between MacKlintok Island and Hall Island toward the southern reaches of Franz Josef Land.
RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND Rubini Rock is considered by many to be home to the most impressive bird cliffs anywhere in Franz Josef Land. The cliffs feature a bounty of seabirds, and because of deep waters, ships are able to get up close to the edge of the cliffs for great views. Most of the shores are dominated by glacier fronts, while a large part of the island is ice covered.
TEPLITZ BAY, RUDOLF ISLAND With a long history of Arctic exploration, this bay was first explored during Julius Payer’s 1874 expedition. Once a base for long-distance Arctic flights, the bay is also home to an abandoned polar station. Ships have sunk in these icy waters; a wrecked aircraft lies on the ice cap, and monuments and graves pay homage to the early explorers who died here. For wildlife, both narwhal and beluga whales have been seen in these waters.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Polar weather is very variable; temperatures may Packing hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition Checklist and should be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!) Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Binoculars Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with charger and extra batteries Extra memory cards Neck warmer or balaclava Earplugs Warm hat that covers ears Eye masks for sleeping Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride) Moisturizer and lip balm (polar air can be drying) Waterproof gloves and glove liners Seasickness, indigestion, headache Sunscreen or other medicines as required Sunglasses with UV protection Voltage converters and plug adapters Spare set of gloves (220V/European outlets) Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
FOR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters) Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (NOTE: Flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
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North Pole Top of the World
10 Jul - 22 Jul 2021
21 Jul - 02 Aug 2021
01 Aug - 13 Aug 2021 13 days
Embarkation: Murmansk (Russia)
Disembarkation: Murmansk (Russia) I/b 50 Years of Victory
Activities:
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Itinerary
Day 1: Murmansk, Russia (hotel night)
Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, starting point of our adventure. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. Murmansk is easy to reach by regular flights with stopovers in Moscow or Saint Petersburg. You may wish to extend your stop in Moscow. Here are our suggestions on pre-post trip options in Moscow.
Day 2: Embarkation in Murmansk
Today we provide a group transfer to the port where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.
Day 3-6: The Voyage North
Nowhere can it be more truly said that “getting there is half the fun”. As we cruise northward through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. Meanwhile, you have the opportunity to learn about the unique icebreaking capabilities of the ship. You are also treated to a tour of the engine room.
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.
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We also take advantage of 24-hour daylight to offer helicopter flightseeing tours. From the air you can observe the ship crushing a path through the ice. You also have a unique vantage point from which to witness the stunning beauty of this vast polar icescape.
Day 7: North Pole
Welcome to the geographic North Pole! 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 experiencing the long- anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance. 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!
After our memorable time at the North Pole we turn around and head south. But the adventure is not over yet. The High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land is still to come!
Day 8-10: Exploration of Franz Josef Land
The Franz Josef Land archipelago, part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. 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 is home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere.
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
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incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers.
Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby, the fascinating columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.
Day 11-12: The Voyage South
After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. You may also take advantage of onboard facilities and amenities such as a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, 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
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.
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I/b 50 Years of Victory
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Standard Twin
Passengers: 2
Size: 14 M² (151 FT²)
View: Opening windows
One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, opening windows.
Mini Suite
Passengers: 2
Size: 22 M² (237 FT²)
View: Opening windows
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.
Junior Suite
Passengers: 2
Size: 24 M² (258 FT²)
View: Opening windows
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.
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Grand Suite
Passengers: 2
Size: 26 M² (280 FT²)
View: Opening windows
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a bath, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows.
Victory Suite
Passengers: 2
Size: 28 M² (301 FT²)
View: Opening windows
Large bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, opening windows.
Arktika Suite
Passengers: 2
Size: 33 M² (355 FT²)
View: Opening windows
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.
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Photography Free option The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities – and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional. Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on- board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.
Helicopter sightseeing Free option A helicopter aboard the 50 Years of Victory in our North Pole cruises lets our passengers be more than just spectators in this intrepid mission. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. Just imagine how amazing photo ops this adventure provides! The helicopter is also used to land on wild Franz Josef Land islands where we cannot use Zodiacs. So our North Pole passengers are never far from the action. The helicopter landings and rides during the North Pole cruise are included.
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] 8 version 25-11-2020
Rates
Standard Junior Grand Victory Arktika Mini Suite Twin Suite Suite Suite Suite US$ 35 US$ 40 US$ 41 US$ 44 US$ 45 US$ 30 995 995 595 595 095 095
Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Single supplement: 1.7 for Standard cabin; 2 for Mini Suite, Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Victory Suite and Arktika Suite.
Rates Include: Rates Do Not Include:
1 pre-cruise hotel night accommodation on Airfare to and from your hometown to Day 1 in Murmansk, Russia, with breakfast; Murmansk;
Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Transfers from the airport to the hotel if Murmansk on the day prior to embarkation; arriving prior to Day 1 of the program;
Transfer from the hotel to the port in Passport and visa expenses (if required); a Murmansk for embarkation on Day 2; Russian visa is required for the trip. The visa must be obtained by the customer and is at his Transfer from the port to the airport or central or her expense. Please, contact your local location in Murmansk upon disembarkation; Russian Consulate to learn more about the Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping; procedure for obtaining a Visa.
Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners; State arrival and departure taxes (if levied);
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the Meals ashore and supplements in respect of clock; single hotel accommodation (if required);
All shore excursions and activities throughout Excess luggage charges on international and the voyage by helicopter; local flights;
All shore excursions and activities throughout Telecommunication services; laundry, bar and the voyage by zodiacs; beverage charges aboard the vessel;
Shore landings included in daily program; Luggage, cancellation insurance (strongly recommended). Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers;
Professional Expedition Leadership;
Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of
Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] 9 version 25-11-2020
the cruise;
Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin;
Informative pre-departure materials;
Digital Voyage Log;
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;
Gratuities to the expedition team and hotel staff;
All shipboard luggage handling;
Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. Coverage: 100,000 EUR. Duration: cruise days only. This is only for passengers under 90 years old.
Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
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