THE NORTH POLE
90° North - The Top of the World |
| Start: |
Helsinki, Finland |
Embarkation: |
Murmansk, Russia |
Disembarkation: |
Murmansk, Russia |
Finish: |
Helsinki, Finland |
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| For the North Pole journey, there are two 16-day expeditions. You will board the Arktika-class Ice Breaker '50 Years of Victory' in Murmansk, Russia. You'll join and leave the expedition in Helsinki, Finland. The return flight from Helsinki to Murmansk is included. Shore landings are planned in Franz Josef Land and at 90°N, the top of the world. Sightseeing by helicopter provides an aerial view of the icebreaker crushing through the Arctic Ocean pack ice. |
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| Nuclear-powered Ice Breaker '50 Years of Victory' |
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| Staff & Crew: |
140 |
| Guests: |
128 |
| Length: |
159 m |
| Breadth: |
30 m |
| Draft: |
11.08 m |
| Propulsion: |
2 nuclear reactors, 75,000 horse power |
| Ice Class: |
LL1 (The highest possible rating) |
| Cruising Speed: |
21.4 knots in open water |
| Registered: |
In Russia by Murmansk Shipping Company |
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| The renowned Russian Ice Breaker ‘50 Years of Victory’ is one of the few surface ships ever to reach the North Pole. It boasts 75,000 horsepower, combined with the latest ice-breaking technology. ‘50 Years of Victory’ can crash through ice no ordinary vessel can and its armored steel hull is designed to withstand the most formidable polar conditions. It’s comfortable, too. |
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| Dates and Rates – All rates are per person in US dollars and are subject to change |
View Cabins & Deck Plans |
| Ice Breaker '50 Years of Victory' |
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| Date |
Days |
| Jun 23 - Jul 8, 2008 |
16 |
| Jul 6 - Jul 21, 2008 |
16 |
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| Standard Twin |
Mini Suite |
Suite |
Victory Suite |
Arktika Suite |
| $22,900 |
$25,900 |
$29,900 |
$30,900 |
$31,900 |
| $22,900 |
$25,900 |
$29,900 |
$30,900 |
$31,900 |
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Itinerary |
Route Map |
| Day 1 Helsinki, Finland |
North Pole – 2,700 Nautical Miles from Murmansk to Murmansk |
Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle is a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a breathtaking harbor - Helsinki, Finland. We encourage you to arrive early to explore the city, before you settle down for the night in the centrally located hotel, which is included in the price of your expedition.
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| Day 2 Embarkation Day |
We will fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, the home port of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. En route to Murmansk you will cross the Arctic Circle. '50 Years of Victory' currently the only icebreaker sailing to the North Pole with travelers is a massive ship. Tugboats and high tide assist the ship to leave dock. A Russian march is played as the ship heads out to sea, fitting pomp for one of the most powerful ships afloat.
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| Day 3-7 Northbound on the Arctic Ocean |
| We'll keep you busy as the ship forges north to the goal of this expedition - the top of the world. Our polar historian will recount tales of the hubris and foolhardiness of those who sought to claim the title "First to Reach the North Pole." Our marine biologist, in an illustrated presentation, will explain the part the Arctic Ocean plays in our ecosystem. The ornithologist will accompany you topside to identify birds on the wing. The Expedition Leader may deploy the onboard |
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helicopters for an aerial view of '50 Years of Victory' breaking ice. Our artist-in-residence will lead interactive workshops that encourage you to create your own polar masterpiece. And if that weren't enough, you can attend the 90N Wildlife Film Festival!
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| Day 8 North Pole |
The Expedition Leader in consultation with the Captain will consult charts and weather reports, adjusting the daily program to take advantage of local conditions. If they are at their optimum, you should reach the North Pole some time on the eighth day of the expedition. (The seventh day should you choose the shorter voyage.)
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| Day 9-11 Southbound - the Arctic Ocean |
As ‘50 Years of Victory’ sails south, the members of the Expedition Team prepare you for shore landings in Franz Josef Land. Their presentations cover the wildlife, geology and history of the archipelago.
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| Day 12 Franz Josef Land |
As long as visibility is sufficient the helicopters will transfer you to one of the flat-topped islands that comprise the archipelago. The most northerly islands in Eurasia are located between 80 and 81 degrees North. Birders, pack your binoculars. Franz Josef Land is home to numerous colonies of seabirds.
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| Day 13-14 Barents Sea |
The recap sessions, education program, Polar Arts activities and Film Festival continue.
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| Day 15 Disembarkation - Murmansk |
The Captain times his entrance into Murmansk harbor to coincide with high tide. Once the ship is safely moored, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Helsinki, where you will spend the night.
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| Day 16 Helsinki |
You'll be free to transfer to the airport on your own after breakfast at the hotel.
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| Important Reminder |
| Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement - of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. Due to local ice and weather condition, the planned itinerary, schedule and activities are subject to change. |
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