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YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS
ship north pole

North Pole

The Ultimate Arctic Adventure aboard the 50 Years of Victory

Overview

Imagine standing at the North Pole, the one earthly spot where every direction is south! Our expedition aboard the 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker, brings us deep through the thick pack ice of the Arctic Ocean to the top of the world, where we celebrate our achievement with champagne and an optional hot air balloon ride over the vast frozen landscape. Along the way, we admire flocks of soaring seabirds and explore the wildlife-rich archipelago of Franz Josef Land, with its polar bears, walrus, and many species of whales, including humpbacks, belugas, and narwhals.

This is the trip of a lifetime! For most of us, it is the only opportunity to be part of an expedition to one of the remotest places on the planet. The lectures were excellent and certainly enhanced the whole experience.
— Bill B., Portland, OR

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

Day 1
Helsinki, Finland

Arrive in Helsinki and overnight at hotel.

Day 2
Helsinki, Finland / Murmansk, Russia

From Helsinki, your charter flight brings us to Murmansk, Russia, where you embark on the 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Days 3-6
Northbound in the Arctic Ocean

Watching the ship crush through the Arctic ice pack is an unforgettable sight, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the ship and expansive Arctic Ocean.

You can expect the days, and hours, to present variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. This means you’ll have plenty of time to get to know our shipmates, stare at the horizon, enjoy some drinks at the bar or go for a swim in the ship’s lap pool.

Day 7
Top of the World—90° North!

Your anticipation of the past days reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! You can celebrate our success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment. Later, enjoy a champagne toast and a barbecue feast right on the ice.

Day 8
Southbound in the Arctic Ocean

As you head south, you can expect more great memories, including the chance of spotting polar bears hunting for seals.

Days 9-10
Franz Josef Land

At Franz Josef Land, so remote it was discovered after Antarctica, visit historic places such as Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to structures and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. Walrus and polar bear are residents here, and you may see them as you explore on Zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides. Franz Josef Land is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle.

Days 11-14
At sea / Murmansk / Fly home

After two days at sea, return to Russia’s most northerly city. A charter flight brings you back to Helsinki, where you overnight before flying home. We encourage you to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia), and St. Petersburg.

North Pole route-map

North Pole

North Pole route-map

Highlights

Highlights

Stand at the top of the world at 90°N
Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the Arctic Ocean
Visit Franz Josef Land historical sites, wildlife and wildflowers
Take advantage of optional tethered flight by hot air balloon (weather permitting)

Details

Length: 14 days
Cost From: $32,995  
Full pricing
Arrive: Helsinki, Finland
Depart: Helsinki, Finland
Lodging: 2 nights hotel, 11 nights aboard 128-passenger expedition vessel
View Lodging
Meals: All meals included aboard ship
Activity: Small Ship Cruising, Sea Kayaking
Trip Level:

12-day cruise, cultural explorations and walking tours
What the Trip is Like

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Trip Cost

Fuel Surcharges

Because the prices published by cruise operators are set so far in advance of the trip dates, they are occasionally faced with exceptional cost fluctuations due to increase in fuel costs that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, they do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost.

Departures

Future dates have not been set for this itinerary. Please contact us if you would like to be notified of trip dates once they are available.

Trip Cost Includes

  • One night pre- and one night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki as specified in the itinerary
  • On embarkation day, a transfer from the group hotel to the Helsinki airport and from the Murmansk airport to the ship
  • On disembarkation day, a transfer from the ship to the Murmansk airport and from the Helsinki airport to the group hotel
  • All helicopter aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • All shore landings per the daily program
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled
  • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • A complimentary selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard ship
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person

Trip Cost Does Not Include

International airfare, any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation, when applicable, voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew, passport and any applicable visa expenses., government arrival and departure taxes, baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance, excess baggage charges, laundry and other personal charges, telecommunications charges, adventure options that are not included in the cost of the voyage, transfer package (see separate cost above). On 50 Years of Victory, any private helicopter flying time that may be available for optional flights can be purchased at an hourly rate to be announced on board.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: 20% of trip cost
130 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $1250 per person
120-179 days prior to departure: 20% of trip cost
119 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Lodging

Trip Level

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Zodiac landing crafts are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to wildlife sanctuaries and the remains of historic settlements. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts.

Explain Trip Level

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Email Area Manager

References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

Email Area Manager

Client Comments

All the lecturers were excellent! Very knowledgeable. Very comfortable with their subjects as well as with speaking. Riveting!
— Margaret M., Kingston K7K 7J7, ON
This is the trip of a lifetime! For most of us, it is the only opportunity to be part of an expedition to one of the remotest places on the planet. The lectures were excellent and certainly enhanced the whole experience.
— Bill B., Portland, OR

Resources

Travel Insurance
WT Gear Store

What to Know Before You Go

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for this trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after the conclusion of your trip. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport photo page in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

A visa is required for US Citizens traveling to Russia. Russian Visa support documents will be issued by the cruise operator and sent to you approximately 90 days prior to sailing so you can obtain your visa for this trip. Once you receive the Russian Invitation/Authorization Letter, you may contact our recommended passport and visaprocessing service, Passport Visas Express (PVE). You may also contact a local consulate to purchase your visa. Please call us for more details. No visa is required for Finland.  

If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.

MEDICAL

We recommend checking the Center for Disease Control should you have any international health concerns.

INOCULATIONS

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. However, no inoculations are currently required for entry into any of the countries visited on this trip.

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Wilderness Travel Awards
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California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Discover
  • Our Trips
  • New Trips
  • Special Offers
  • Top Ten Places in 2023
  • Wish List
  • Travel Blog
Keep in Touch
  • Contact Us
  • Catalog Request
  • Digital Catalog
  • Enews Sign-up
  •  
  •  
  •  
About WT
  • Welcome
  • How We Travel
  • Our Leaders
  • Making a Difference
  • Awards
  • WT in the News
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Resources
  • Reserving a Trip
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Toucan Club
  • Referrals
  • Post-trip Survey
  • Client Forms & Helpful Links
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Agents
  • Gear Store
  • Gift Certificates
  • Travel During Covid-19
  • Site Map