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
Be one of the few people to have ever ventured to the top of the world 90° N
Cruise aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory
Helicopter flight above the Arctic Ocean
Optional aerial sightseeing by hot air balloon
Franz Josef Land's wildlife and wildflowers
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki and overnight stay
Day 2: Embark ship in Murmansk
Day 3-6: Northbound in the Arctic Ocean
Day 7: 90° North
Day 8: Southbound in the Arctic Ocean
Day 9-10: Franz Josef Land
Day 11-12: At Sea
Day 13: Disembark in Murmansk
Day 14: Depart Helsinki, Finland
*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.
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, 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.
Days 3-6: Northbound in the Arctic Ocean
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.
Day 7: 90° North
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.
Day 8: Southbound in the Arctic Ocean
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.
Days 9-10: Franz Josef Land
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, 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.
Day 11 - 12: At Sea
Enjoy a few moments on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk.
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 St. Petersburg. If you want some assistance extending your stay, our Polar Travel Advisors are always happy to help.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
SHIP CABINS: 50 YEARS OF VICTORY
Victory - Twin Cabin
Standard twin cabins have one lower berth with a curtain and a sofa that is converted to a bed each night. The private facilities are en suite, with a shower. The exterior window opensl The TV is connected to CCTV system. The DVD player is attached to the TV. You may borrow CDs from the ship's library.
Victory - Mini Suite
Each Mini Suite has a sitting area with a sofa bed, and a bed separated from the sitting area. The private facilities have a shower. The window opens. Amenities include and a TV to a CCTV system and a DVD player.
Victory - Suite
A suite has a bedroom and a sitting area with a sofa bed, private facilities with bathtub or shower, refrigerator, window that opens, TV and DVD player, coffee maker, safe.
Victory - The Victory Suite
There is only one Victory Suite. It has a separate bedroom and sitting area, with a sofa bed in sitting room. The private facilities include a shower. The amenities include a refrigerator, coffee maker and safe. The window opens. The TV is connected to a CCTV system. You may borrow DVDs from the library to play in the DVD attached to the TV.
Victory - Arktika Suite
This has a very spacious bedroom with a single bed and a sitting room with a sofa bed. The private facilities have a bathtub. The exterior windows open. (Views are obstructed in cabins 46 and 48.) Amenities include a TV/DVD combination, coffee maker, safe, and fresh fruit, drinks, and snacks. The TV is connected to a CCTV system.
SHIP DECK PLAN: 50 YEARS IF VICTORY
SHIP INFORMATION: 50 YEARS OF VICTORY
Comfortable, friendly atmosphere: just 128 guests.
Icebreaking capabilities to the top of the world where regular ships cannot go
74,000 hp generated by 2 nuclear reactors get you where few have ever been
Helicopter for aerial-sightseeing.
4 fully enclosed lifeboats ensure your safety in all conditions
Onboard helicopters allow spectacular aerial-sightseeing
Fleet of Zodiacs bring you up-close and personal with Arctic wildlife, icebergs and more
Every cabin has exterior views and private facilities, for your comfort and enjoyment
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: 50 YEARS OF VICTORY
Staff and Crew 140
Guests 128
Length 150.7 meters
Breadth 30 metres
Draft 11.00 meters
Propulsion 2 nuclear reactors 74,000 horsepower
Ice Class LL1 (the highest rating possible)
Cruising Speed 21 knots in open water
Registration In Russia by Rosatomflot
Lifeboats 4 fully enclosed
AMENITIES: 50 YEARS OF VICTORY
One dining room with unreserved seating.
Aft Saloon for presentations and socializing.
Victory Bar with exterior views, open from afternoon to late evening.
Library with polar books.
Gym, two saunas, and small swimming pool.
Clinic with licensed doctor.
One passenger elevator.
Arkitka Suite has a single bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the sitting room.
What's included?
On-board accommodation
Russian invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment
Activities/shore excursions as specified
Lectures and presentations be expedition leaders and naturalist staff
An expedition parka for you to keep
Waterproof boots on loan
Group helicopter flight-seeing as part of the daily program
All meals during the voyage
House alcoholic beverages during dinner
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
Port taxes and service charges
What's not included?
Mandatory transfer package*
International and internal airfares
Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
Travel insurance
Optional hot air balloon activity - US$495 per person
Laundry service
Gratuities
Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Mandatory Transfer Package - US$1895 (2018) / US$1995 (2019), includes:
One night’s pre and post expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki with breakfast
Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
Transfers to and from the ship
Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki
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.
Important Reminder
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.
Hot Air Ballooning
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.
