Reaching the North Pole is the pinnacle of Arctic expedition endeavours and only a lucky 250 people will do so. The added excitement of helicopter excursions and an optional hot air balloon flight above the North Pole make this adventure a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds and visiting Franz Josef Land, your voyage will be one that you won't forget. '50 Years of Victory' is the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker ever launched, capable of crushing through the toughest pack ice the Arctic Ocean can dish up.
Duration: 14 Days
*Please note our 23 June 2019 departure is a special Photography Series (PS) voyage. With a team of expert photographers on-board, this cruise is designed for passengers with an interest in wildlife photography or simply would like to learn how to capture fantastic polar images. Please contact us for more details.
Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital.
From Helsinki, your charter flight will take you 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.
Watching the Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the Victory 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 us anywhere from 5 to 8 days. This means you'll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates, stare out at the horizon, enjoy some drinks at the bar or go for a swim in the ship's lap pool.
All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as you reach the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, wave a flag, enjoy your moment! Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice.
Now you can sit back and relax, everything from here on out is a bonus! Expect more great memories, as you head further south, you may get lucky and spot Polar Bears hunting for seals.
This group of 191 islands (Franz Josef Land) 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, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs transfer you to seldom landing sites.
Enjoy a few moments on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to 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.
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 St. Petersburg. If you want some assistance extending your stay, our Polar Travel Advisors are always happy to help.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jun 2020 - 30 Jun 2020 | $43500 AUD | ||
| 28 Jun 2020 - 11 Jul 2020 | $43500 AUD | ||
One lower berth with a curtain, sofa bed. private facilities en suite, shower, exterior window, TV connected to CCTV system, DVD, CD's available to borrow from ship library.
Sitting area with sofa bed, a bed separated from the sitting area, private shower, window, that opens TV to a CCTV system, DVD player.
Bedroom and a sitting area with a sofa bed, private bathtub or shower, refrigerator, a window that opens, TV, DVD player, coffee maker, safe.
Only one victory suite, separate bedroom and sitting area, a sofa bed in sitting room. private shower, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, window that opens, TV connected to a CCTV system, DVD, CDs available to borrow from ship library.
Spacious bedroom with single bed, sitting room with a sofa bed, private bathtub, exterior windows open, (views are obstructed in cabins 46 and 48) TV, DVD player, coffee maker, safe.
*Mandatory Transfer Package - US$1995 (2019), includes:
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.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement - of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
If reaching the North Pole isn’t a big enough thrill, be one of only a few people in the world to soar above the sea ice in a hot air balloon, with a sweeping 360-degree view of all points south. Rising as high as 98 feet (30 meters), you’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the ship and arctic tundra.
*This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly weather dependent.
