North Pole
Expedition Cruise
Top of the World
Poseidon are the leading operators of expeditionary polar cruising and the only operator to reach the North Pole at 90 degrees north since no other vessel ventures this far. Their ice-breaker ship, the nuclear-powered ‘50 Years of Victory’, is the only one of its kind in the world.
Joining a voyage to the top of the world you will feel the thickness of Arctic pack ice under your feet, experience the midnight sun, witness the power of the ship cutting through the ice fields from a helicopter, explore the historic sights of extraordinary human endeavour and encounter polar bears, walruses and whales. You’ll navigate the remote and beautiful islands of Franz Josef Land archipelago, then continue north to reach the North Pole.
The Russian name of the vessel 50 Let Pobedy means ‘50 Years of Victory ‘ and she is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. For those with an appreciation of such vessels, the “Victory” is a new generation ship, and an upgrade of the Arktika-class. The spoon-shaped bow of the “Victory” is designed for greater icebreaking ability and makes the ship capable to force its way through 2.5 metre thick ice fields. The 50 Years of Victory is a real working icebreaker the main task of which is to pilot scientific and cargo ships to hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic and along the Northeast Passage. It is only in high summer when explorers have the unique opportunity to sail aboard the most powerful icebreaker in the world. Despite the fact that the “Victory” was not designed with touristic purposes in mind, it offers comfortable accommodation and gourmet cuisine for 128 passengers. All cabins have exterior views and private facilities. Public spaces create a friendly, casual atmosphere for socialising and lectures. Facilites on board include a dining room (seating unreserved), bar & lounge with front-facing view, library, gym, two saunas and a swimming pool filled with heated sea water. There is also a clinic on board with passenger doctor (licensed).
A expeditionary cruise aboard the 50 Years of Victory provides the unique opportunity to conquer the top of the world aboard the most powerful icebreaker ever built.
You will love
- The only expedition to reach the North Pole
- Cruising aboard ‘50 Years of Victory’
- Spotting seabirds, walruses, whales & polar bears
- Exploration by zodiac boat & kayak
- The fascinating sights of historic human endeavour
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
13 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | MURMANSK, RUSSIA
Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, starting point of your adventure. Upon your arrival at the airport Poseidon will provide a transfer to your hotel, which 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 – please enquire.
DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN MURMANSK
Today Poseidon provide a group transfer to the port where you will be welcomed aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get orientated as the crew slip the moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.
DAYS 3-6 | THE VOYAGE NORTH
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.
You’ll also take advantage of 24-hour daylight to enjoy optional 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, the crew will 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. You will be treated to a barbeque meal on the ice and 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!
DAY 8-10 | 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. 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 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 an amazing time in Franz Josef Land, cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by 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
Your once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast say farewell in Murmansk then continue with your onward arrangements or transfer to the airport for your flight home.
NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing
Start: MURMANSK, RUSSIA
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Finish: MURMANSK, RUSSIA
Expeditions take place in July and August. Limited departures/dates available.
Please note: Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Single supplement may apply.
Flights and insurance on request.
Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our booking form for all details.
Please contact us for pricing, dates and a full itinerary.
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