There are places on this planet that can only be fully appreciated by going there and seeing them for yourself. The North Pole is one of them. Join us on the adventure of a lifetime as the Captain and crew of the most powerful icebreaker ever built ’50 Years of Victory’ lead an expedition to the top of the world. This is no ordinary voyage as the crew will navigate through the floating ice to find the exact geographical coordinates of the North Pole. Set out on a trip through history as the ship navigates through the last truly unexplored territory in the Northern Hemisphere.

Start your trip in Helsinki and explore the city with your private guide, before you start your expedition. As the ship departs Murmansk you will quickly find yourself amongst an expedition team devoted to the Arctic. These professionals will impart their knowledge of the vast polar wilderness in a vivid, friendly and informal way. You will find a wealth of information both during their lectures and in the frequent informal discussions and chats that spontaneously take place both on and below deck. Times when polar explorers had to eat dried biscuits and meat have long since vanished. Fine dining, deep in the Arctic may sound unlikely – yet you will find it aboard the icebreaker. The professional Chef creates a menu that draws on Italian, French and Russian influence with a wide range of wines and spirits to compliment.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
2012: July 19, July 30
2013: June 19, June 30, July 13, July 24
2014: June 19, June 30, July 13, July 24

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is in the southern part of Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, by the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is Finland's capital for business, education, research, culture, and government. It has a compact downtown area with some superb museums and public buildings. Finland's main international airline hub, Helsinki-Vantaa airport is 40 minutes from the city center, with direct flights around the world. The busy Helsinki-Tallinn route takes 1.5 hour by sea and 18 minutes by helicopter.

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Explore Helsinki with a private vehicle and English speaking guide. Half of the city is urbanized and the rest is parks, forests, the coasts and lake. This panoramic tour of the city includes stops to see the Temppeliaukio church excavated on the rock, the Orthodox Cathedral of Uspenski, the Sibelius Monument, the Senate Square, the Olympic Stadium, the famous Finlandia Hall by Alvar Alto in the diplomatic district, and the open air market among others. Admissions not included in the tour cost.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (5*) is located in the heart of Helsinki close to the shopping and entertainment district and offers an abundant choice of activities and entertainment. The National Theatre, the Grand Casino and the Finnish National Gallery are next door neighbours of the hotel. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel has 291 rooms, air conditioned and equipped with amenities expected of a first class hotel. To guarantee a good night's sleep all the rooms feature top quality Magic Dreams beds, designed exclusively for Radisson Blu. Seven different rooms with seven different atmospheres create the unique world of the restaurant Pääkonttori. Structures and details of the historical building combined with the vision of Finland's best designers give each room a distinctive personality. The end result is more than a restaurant, it is an experience where all your senses are treated to the feast. Other amenities include a sauna and a fitness room.

Overnight at Radisson Blu Plaza (5*).

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Today you'll be met by our expedition representative in the lobby of your hotel and discuss more details in regards to your expedition cruise to the North Pole.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (5*) is located in the heart of Helsinki close to the shopping and entertainment district and offers an abundant choice of activities and entertainment. The National Theatre, the Grand Casino and the Finnish National Gallery are next door neighbours of the hotel. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel has 291 rooms, air conditioned and equipped with amenities expected of a first class hotel. To guarantee a good night's sleep all the rooms feature top quality Magic Dreams beds, designed exclusively for Radisson Blu. Seven different rooms with seven different atmospheres create the unique world of the restaurant Pääkonttori. Structures and details of the historical building combined with the vision of Finland's best designers give each room a distinctive personality. The end result is more than a restaurant, it is an experience where all your senses are treated to the feast. Other amenities include a sauna and a fitness room.

Overnight at Radisson Blu Plaza (5*) (B).

Following a short tour of Helsinki, you will board a chartered plane for the short two hour flight to Murmansk.

Once you arrived in Murmansk you'll be transfererd to the ship. Enjoy the next days onboard. Four meals a day are included during the expedition cruise. Afternoon fresh bakery items are available every afternoon as well as  tea / coffee station and drinking water.

The “50 Years of Victory” 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, an upgrade of the Arktika-class, the most powerful icebreakers in the world.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put in place to ensure your complete protection while aboard the “50 years of Victory”, and during our expedition in the higher arctic altitudes. You will likewise have the opportunity to become familiar with the ship and learn all about its unique icebreaking capabilities and how ice fields are negotiated. One of the highlights of this day will be a tour of the engine room- amazing! All this and more are on the day’s agenda!

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days voyage there will leave you feeling no less so. Adrenaline and awe await you as you go up on deck and witness first-hand the sheer power of our ship as it battles its way through the mighty ice fields that separate you from your arrival at the top of the world. No less inspiring will be the views and panoramas of the astonishing arctic landscape.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way north. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. Landing a helicopter on the helipad of a ship or on a glacier with gusting winds takes great skill and are only two of the jobs that the helicopter crew must perform. There is no better way to explore the far north than by combining a world-class icebreaker and a helicopter.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

Enjoy another day on the board of the Icebraker. Get ready for the final destination North Pole which you'll reach it soon. Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way to the North Pole. For those wishing to take some time away from their new found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

Seven is more than just a lucky number; it’s the day we expect to reach the North Pole. With heart-pounding anticipation, the “Victory” will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90 degrees N. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole. But this is only the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of standing on the top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during our special International Round Dance. Topping off the day will be our North Pole barbecue and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

The Franz Josef Land Archipelago can be described as, consisting of about 190 islands most of which are reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the ‘Moon Archipelago’, home to polar bears, walruses and many species of arctic birds, the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found no where else on earth, a unique and possibly never-to-be-had-again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

Today is a full day spent at sea as you continue your voyage back to Helsinki. Meet your fellow cruisemates in the lounge, or have a friend snap some memorable photos of you as you pass incredible scenery. You'll be cruising by the islands and archipelagos of the Russian Arctic today.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

See the remotely islands of the Russian Arctic and explore the surroundings. Explore the wild and the vast landscape. Lectures are held on board.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories of all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn’t do so before, then take some time out to really enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort- a game of volleyball, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

Today is a full day spent at sea as you continue your voyage back to Helsinki. Meet your fellow cruisemates in the lounge, or have a friend snap some memorable photos of you as you pass incredible scenery. You'll be cruising by the islands and archipelagos of the Russian Arctic today.

Overnight at Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory".

This morning you'll disembark from your cruise vessel, and prepare for your flight back to Helsinki.

Overnight at Radisson Blu Plaza (5*).

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).