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North Pole

Top of the World

Venture where few have dared and conquer the Top of the World aboard the most powerful icebreaker ever built.

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.

Dates

12 Jul – 24 Jul 2020
23 Jul – 04 Aug 2020
03 Aug – 15 Aug 2020

Highlights

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.

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.

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.

Activities

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.

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.

FREE Trans-Siberian Guide

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

This guide…

• Dispels a basic myth about the Trans-Siberian railway.
• Provides details on the trains themselves, images on the cabins and the food.
• Has Travel Tips from past passengers about the trip, the money, personal safety, and of course – the toilets!
• Destination Information on the various stopovers along the route.


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