Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital.  renowned for its extraordinary architecture and design scene and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

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.

Being on board Victory and feeling the icebreaker as it crushes 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.

You can expect variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take 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.

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. You may also have the opportunity to fly high above the Pole in the ship's hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is highly weather dependent).

Mission accomplished, begin your adventurous journey south. The exact route depends on local conditions. This is another opportunity to enjoy the power of the icebreaker and the spectacular and ever-changing scenery. Look out for Arctic wildlife and, in particular, your chances of encountering polar bears on the return journey are good. Join naturalists and other experts in the lecture room for more presentations on the wildlife, geology, history and other aspects of this magnificent wilderness – and take the opportunity to visit the ship’s control center and engine room.

Enter a remote world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs, and glaciers at Franz Josef Land. The most northerly point in Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands stretches 375 kilometers (233 miles) from west to east and 234 kilometers (145 miles) from north to south. Undiscovered until 1873, it is still relatively unexplored. Here explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs explore remote seabird rookeries.

It is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here visit historic places like Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to buildings and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You may see walrus and polar bears on these islands, which you can explore on Zodiac excursions.

Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff is on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.

Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.

After breakfast, your official Arctic journey comes to an end. You are encouraged to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia), and St. Petersburg prior to your continued journey home.