HIGHLIGHTS
The
North Pole is the world’s northernmost point and a prize
still zealously pursued by adventurers and explorers today.
This
incredible adventure starts in Murmansk, Russia. There you embark the
nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy for a roundtrip voyage to the
geographic North Pole. Anticipation heightens as the mighty ship takes
us smashing through the frozen Arctic Ocean toward our goal.
In
addition to the exhilaration of cruising aboard a state-of-the-art
icebreaker and the thrill of standing at the top of the world, you also
have the opportunity to explore the rarely visited Russian Arctic
archipelago of Franz Josef Land. This is an extraordinary voyage on a
one-of-a-kind ship, worthy of a true adventurer.
THE
LARGEST ICEBREAKER
The
Russian name of the vessel 50 Let Pobedy means 50 Years of Victory.
Powered by two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower and
capable of crushing a clear path through multi-year ice up to three
meters thick, she is the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built
Cruising
aboard this marvel of engineering is an unforgettable experience in
itself. She is a working ship, purpose-built to pilot cargo and
research ships through heavy ice. For you she provides a friendly,
casual atmosphere with unexpected amenities, comfortable accommodation,
and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
TOP
OF THE WORLD
We
carefully navigate the icebreaker to precisely 90 degrees north for our
champagne toast of this momentous accomplishment. We ceremoniously drop
the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen
sea. You are now able to stand at the top of the world.
You
literally circumambulate the globe during our International Round Dance
and you are treated to a special barbeque meal on the ice. You may even
have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water. No other point on
Earth is exactly like the North Pole and there is no celebration
anywhere quite like this.
FRANZ
JOSEF LAND ARCHIPELAGO
This
remote wilderness is home to a variety of iconic High Arctic wildlife,
including polar bears. In the surrounding icy waters it is possible to
spot seals, walrus, and the elusive bowhead whale. The archipelago also
hosts an abundance of nesting Arctic seabirds such as the rare ivory
gull.
A
wealth of well-preserved historical sites makes this island group a
veritable museum of polar exploration. Here you have the opportunity to
walk in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen. The
eerie remains of makeshift dwellings give testimony to the incredible
struggles of these early expeditions.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Standard Twin | Mini Suite | Junior Suite | Grand Suite | Victory Suite | Arktika Suite |
|---|
| Jul 11, 2023 | Jul 23, 2023 | 32,995 | 38,995 | 44,995 | 45,995 | 48,995 | 50,995 |
| Jul 22, 2023 | Aug 03, 2023 | 32,995 | 38,995 | 44,995 | 45,995 | 48,995 | 50,995 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Standard Twin | (Mid-range)
Grand Suite | (High-end)
Arktika Suite |
|---|
| Jul 11, 2023 | Jul 23, 2023 | 32,995 | 45,995 | 50,995 |
| Jul 22, 2023 | Aug 03, 2023 | 32,995 | 45,995 | 50,995 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Murmansk, Russia
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.
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.
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
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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-cruise hotel night accommodation on Day 1 in Murmansk, Russia, with
breakfast;
- Transfer
from the airport to the hotel in Murmansk on the day prior to
embarkation;
- Transfer
from the hotel to the port in Murmansk for embarkation on Day 2;
- Transfer
from the port to the airport or central location in Murmansk upon
disembarkation;
- Shipboard
accommodation with housekeeping;
- Shipboard
breakfasts, lunches and dinners;
- Coffee,
tea and cocoa available around the clock;
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter;
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiacs;
- Shore
landings included in daily program;
- 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 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.
RATES
DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Airfare
to and from your hometown to Murmansk;
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program;
- Helicopter
flying time in excess of that offered for the group;
- Passport
and visa expenses (if required); a Russian visa is required for the
trip. The visa must be obtained by the customer and is at his or her
expense. Please, contact your local Russian Consulate to learn more
about the procedure for obtaining a Visa.
- State
arrival and departure taxes (if levied);
- Meals
ashore and supplements in respect of single hotel accommodation (if
required);
- Excess
luggage charges on international and local flights;
- Telecommunication
services; laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel;
- Luggage,
cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).
HELICOPTER
TOURS
FREE
OPTION
We
take advantage of continuous daylight to offer flightseeing tours with
the icebreaker’s onboard helicopter. From aloft you have a
unique and exciting perspective from which to witness the ship plowing
its way through the ice and to experience the surreal beauty of the
vast frozen ocean.
We
also use the helicopter to achieve landings in Franz Josef Land when
conditions prevent landings by Zodiac, giving you unparalleled access
to this remote and hard-to-reach Arctic wilderness. Weather permitting,
flightseeing tours and landings by helicopter are included free on all
North Pole voyages.
PHOTOGRAPHY
FREE
OPTION
The
vast, intricate, and ever-changing icescape of the Arctic Ocean offers
a unique and challenging world of subjects for photographers of all
backgrounds. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn
and practice your photography skills alongside an expert photographer.
Primeval
landscapes, intriguing geological features, poignant historical
remains, and charismatic Arctic wildlife in Russia’s Franz
Josef Land also provide a wealth of inspiration for the photographer.
Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty
in your viewfinder.
