With countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day, endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals and penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights, the North Pole is definitely one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. Just imagine the amazing photo opportunities this 13-day adventure on the 50 Years of Victory provides!
Highlights
Cruise through the Barents Sea and enjoy the possibility of seeing whales
Observe the spectacular landscapes of the North Pole from a helicopter
Experience the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world
Walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at famous historical sites
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, starting point of your adventure. Upon your arrival at the airport a transfer is provided to your hotel, which has been arranged and is included in the price of the voyage.
Today be welcomed aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get oriented as you slip your moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.
Nowhere can it be more truly said that “getting there is half the fun”. As you 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 you make your 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. 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.
Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, 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 a 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 your memorable time at the North Pole turn around and head south. But the adventure is not over yet. The High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land is still to come!
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. 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 the 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.
After an amazing time in Franz Josef Land cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by the 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: Murmansk | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast say farewell in Murmansk. Be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Standard Twin
Averaging 151 sq ft. One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV, DVD player, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 32in
Mini Suite
Averaging 237 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, separated sleeping area, private bathroom with shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size – 78in x 32in to 35in
Junior Suite
Averaging 258 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private bathroom with a shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 39in
Grand Suite
Averaging 280 sq ft. Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private bathroom with a shower, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and opening windows.
Bed size - 78in x 39in
Victory Suite
Averaging 301 sq ft. Large bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private bathroom with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV,DVD player, and opening windows.
Bed size – 78in x 48in
Arktika Suite
Averaging 355 sq ft. Very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV.
Bed size – 78in x 32in to 39in
Notes
Travel Insurance
All passengers are covered by a medical travel insurance policy to the value of 100,000 EURO which includes medical emergency evacuation and reparation for the cruise portion of the tour only. Additional insurance is strongly recommended.
Solo Travelers
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.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
12 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
Digital Voyage Log
Pre-departure materials
Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather conditions)
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
Wi-Fi on board
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport or Visa fees
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise;
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Helicopter Flying Time in Excess of That Offered for the Group
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
kevin Moore, our agent, is very knowledgeable about the tours and details, and researches quickly any follow up ?s.
Emory
2 months ago
Tilly was thorough and efficient in answering questions and getting us the right information to make a trip decision.
Nancy Turner
3 months ago
Clara Tort was fantastic to work with, very professional.
Dan Twomey
3 months ago
I've been working w/ Franny and Phen on the Heart of the Arctic Cruise next year. They've both been very friendly and helpful in answering my many questions as we work out the details for the trip. Thank you!
Nita Hoops
8 months ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.