50 years of victory franz josef land and north pole cruise

North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

  • Overview
    That is the essence of the 14-day North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure aboard 50 Years of Victory, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world. Crush through multiyear ice on the Arctic Ocean, sightsee by helicopter on the lookout for walruses, seals, whales, and polar bears, or take a tethered hot-air balloon ride at 90º N, weather permitting. Possible stops at the island of Franz Josef Land will have you in awe of the flora and fauna as you visit seabird colonies and retrace the footsteps of early explorers.
    Duration: 14 days
    Passengers: 128 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Helsinki, Finland
    Disembarkation Point: Helsinki, Finland
    Physical rating: Expedition
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland

      Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Murmansk

      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.

    • Day 3/6 - Northbound in the Arctic Ocean

      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 us 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.

    • Day 7 - 90° North

      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. We’ll also attempt to launch passengers high above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is highly weather dependent).

    • Day 8 - Southbound in the Arctic Ocean

      On our return voyage you can sit back and relax. As you head farther south you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.

    • Day 9/10 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean

      This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, we’ll launch the Zodiacs and cruise beneath towering cliffs to explore remote seabird colonies. The 50 Years of Victory helicopter will provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs will transfer you to seldom-visited landing sites.

    • Day 11/12 - Southbound at Sea

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

    • Day 13 - Disembarkation in Murmansk

      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.

    • Day 14 - Helsinki, Finland

      After breakfast, your official Quark Expeditions journey comes to an end. We do encourage you to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) and Saint Petersburg.

      IMPORTANT: Russian visas are required for tourists from most countries. This voyage requires double-entry Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Transfer Package (Mandatory)

    Includes pre and post accommodation in Helsinki and charter flights.

    USD$ 2,380 per person

    Hot Air Ballooning

    Experience the North Pole in a way few will ever experience – soaring above the Arctic in a hot air balloon! When weather permits, we'll take you up for a breathtaking bird's eye view of 90° North. Don't forget your camera!

    (Weather permitting)

    USD$ 459 per person

    Explore the North Pole

    Imagine standing on the only spot on the planet and no matter which direction you step it will always be Southward. From the North Pole, all directions are south. Its latitude is 90 degrees north, and all lines of longitude meet there (as well as at the South Pole, on the opposite end of the Earth). Polaris, the current North Star, sits almost motionless in the sky above the pole, making it an excellent fixed point to use in celestial navigation in the Northern Hemisphere.

    Breaking Ice!

    When it comes to expedition vessels, there is none more serious than the 50 Years of Victory, she is the world’s largest, most powerful nuclear ice-breaker and the only nuclear powered tourist vessel in operation! With a spoon-shaped bow, her powerful engines, she is capable of breaking ice 2.5 metres thick, there is very little that is going to stop this vessel!

    Fly high over the North Pole

    Imagine flying at the top of the world. This unique expedition travels with helicopters and a hot air balloon. Of course, we are subject to the weather conditions at the Pole, there is a very good chance you will enjoy helicopter sightseeing at the North Pole. For those, with a true sense of adventure Hot Balloon tours can be booked at an additional cost.

    Franz Joseph Land

    As the Arctic pack ice sweeps across the North Pole it engulfs the coast of Franz Josef Land. Breeding home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of polar bears and walruses, these isolated islands remain locked in ice for ten months of the year. Franz Josef Land remains a geographical mystery even in the new millennium.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Transfer & Accommodation Package

    Pre and post-cruise transfers are provided in Helsinki, as well as 1 night pre-cruise accommodation.

    Beverage package

    Select beer, wine and sof drinks are included in the cost of your North Pole expedition

    Helicopter excursions

    Group helicopter excursions are included in the North Pole expedition and make for an incredible experience over the High Arctic.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Russian invitation letter for visa application (after final payment)
    - 000 per person
    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$500,000
    - Service taxes and port charges
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
    - Photographic journal of your expedition
    - All shore excursions and lectures in the itinerary
    - All shipboard accommodation and meals

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 05 at 2.11.54 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    EXPEDITION VESSEL: 50 Years of Victory

    Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow, capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick! This is the world’s largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreaker. Complete with a helicopter for shore excursions, Victory is a ship unlike any other, with the ability to go where other ships cannot.

    Single Traveller Options:

    • Twin share cabins
    • Single Supplement from 1.7x - 2x Twin rate

    Family Travel Options:

    • Not available on this vessel

     

    Features & Facilities
    • Comfortable accommodation
    • Victory bar with exterior views
    • Polar Library
    • Gym
    • Saunas
    • Swimming Pool
    • Elevator
    • Helicopter & Heli pad
    • Hot Air Ballooning.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 128
    Crew #: 140
    Ice Class: LL1
    Speed: 21
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1989
    Length: 151m
    Width: 30
    Draft: 11
    Tonnage: 23440
    Registry: Russia
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
50 years of victory standard cabin

Twin

23 Jun 2019 - 06 Jul 2019
Twin cabin, private facilities, opening window.
USD$ 26,792pp
USD$ 26,792pp
50 years of victory mini suite cabin

Mini Suite

23 Jun 2019 - 06 Jul 2019
Twin cabin, sitting area, private facilities, opening window.
USD$ 29,308pp
USD$ 29,308pp
50 years of victory suite cabin

Suite

23 Jun 2019 - 06 Jul 2019
Twin bedroom, sitting area, private facilities, refrigerator, window.
USD$ 36,584pp
USD$ 36,584pp
50 years of victory victory suite cabin

The Victory Suite

23 Jun 2019 - 06 Jul 2019
Separate twin bedroom, sitting area, private facilities, refrigerator, coffee maker, window.
USD$ 39,372pp
USD$ 39,372pp
50 years of victory arktika suite cabin

Arktika Suite

23 Jun 2019 - 06 Jul 2019
Spacious twin bedroom, sitting area, private facilities with bathtub, exterior window.
USD$ 40,256pp
USD$ 40,256pp