E-mail a friendShip: 50 Years of Victory
Itinerary: Voyage to the North Pole
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Icebergs float ghost-like on the seas as you voyage through the ArcticPhoto by: Daisy Gilardini
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Arrive Helsinki, Finland |
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| Day 2 : | Embarkation Day |
| Days 3-7 : | Northbound on the Arctic Ocean |
| Day 8 : | North Pole |
| Days 9-11 : | Southbound - the Arctic Ocean |
| Day 12 : | Franz Josef Land |
| Days 13-14 : | Barents Sea |
| Day 15 : | Disembarkation - Murmansk |
| Day 16 : | Helsinki |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Standard Twin | Mini-Suite | Suite | Victory Suite | Arkita Suite | ||
| 16 | Jun 14, 2009 Jun 27, 2009 Jul 9, 2009 |
$22,690 | $25,290 | $31,390 | $32,390 | $33,390 |
| Jun 27 and Jul 9th itineraries are 15 days with one less day at sea! |
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| Destinations : Arctic, Europe, Finland, North Pole, Russia Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Your choice of 15 or 16-day expeditions. You'll join and leave the expedition in Helsinki, Finland. You'll board the nuclear-powered icebreaker in Murmansk, Russia. The return flight from Murmansk to Helsinki is included. Shore landings are planned in Franz Josef Land and at 90N, the top of the world. Sightseeing by helicopter provides an aerial view of the icebreaker crushing through the Arctic Ocean pack ice.
Day 1 : Arrive Helsinki, Finland
Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle is a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a breathtaking harbor - Helsinki, Finland. We encourage you to arrive early to explore the city, before you settle down for the night in the centrally located hotel, which is included in the price of your expedition.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
We will fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, the home port of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. En route to Murmansk you will cross the Arctic Circle. 50 Years of Victory is a massive ship. 2008 is the ship's maiden season to the North Pole. Tugboats and high tide assist the ship to leave dock. A Russian march is played as the ship heads out to sea, fitting pomp for one of the most powerful ships afloat.
Days 3-7 : Northbound on the Arctic Ocean
We'll keep you busy as the ship forges north to the goal of this expedition - the top of the world. Our polar historian will recount tales of the hubris and foolhardiness of those who sought to claim the title "First to Reach the North Pole." Our marine biologist, in an illustrated presentation, will explain the part the Arctic Ocean plays in our ecosystem. The ornithologist will accompany you topside to identify birds on the wing. The Expedition Leader may deploy the onboard helicopters for an aerial view of 50 Years of Victory breaking ice. Our artist-in-residence will lead interactive workshops that encourage you to create your own polar masterpiece. And if that weren't enough, you can attend the 90N Wildlife Film Festival!
Day 8 : North Pole
The Expedition Leader in consultation with the Captain will consult charts and weather reports, adjusting the daily program to take advantage of local conditions. If they are at their optimum, you should reach the North Pole some time on the eighth day of the expedition.
Days 9-11 : Southbound - the Arctic Ocean
As 50 Years of Victory sails south, the members of the Expedition Team prepare you for shore landings in Franz Josef Land. Their presentations cover the wildlife, geology and history of the archipelago.
Day 12 : Franz Josef Land
As long as visibility is sufficient the helicopter will transfer you to one of the flat-topped islands that comprise the archipelago. The most northerly islands in Eurasia are located between 80 and 81 degrees North. Birders, pack your binoculars. Franz Josef Land is home to numerous colonies of seabirds.
Days 13-14 : Barents Sea
The recap sessions, education program, Polar Arts activities and Film Festival continue.
Day 15 : Disembarkation - Murmansk
The Captain times his entrance into Murmansk harbor to coincide with high tide. Once the ship is safely moored, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Helsinki, where you will spend the night.
Day 16 : Helsinki
You'll be free to transfer to the airport on your own after breakfast at the hotel.
- Add $1650 per person for charter flights.
- The first departure date is one day longer at 16 days to account for ice conditions.
Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.
Ship Description: 50 Years of Victory
click to enlarge
From the deck of the 50 Years of Victory you can see for miles across the icy ArcticPhoto by: Prisca Campbell
The "50 Years of Victory" is the largest, most sophisticated, and powerful icebreaker ever constructed. Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow. Boosting efficiency is the all-new digital automated control system. The ship, designed with a stainless steel ice belt hull 5 meters (18 feet) wide, breaks through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick. It is driven by 2 nuclear reactors that produce 75,000 horsepower. In open water, top speed can be as much as 21.4 knots. 50 Years of Victory provides ample public space: featuring an Aft Saloon and Forward Lounge, in addition to a bar and library.
The Aft Saloon converts from a presentation room during the day to a place to dance and socialize in the evening. For relaxing, there is an indoor pool and two saunas. The gym has windows. While you exercise you wont miss a moment of passing scenery. A shop and massage services provide other diversions.
The vessel has five cabin categories, all with facilities en suite and a window that opens to an ocean view:
The very spacious Arktika Suites have bathtubs
The large Victory Suite has a bathtub
The Suites offer a choice of bathtub or shower
Mini Suites feature a sitting area that is separated from the bed.
All Standard Twin Cabins have a lower berth plus a sofa bed.
Standard Twin 1 lower berth,1 sofa bed Private facilities, with shower Window that opens TV and DVD player |
Mini-Suite Sitting area with sofa bed Bed separated from the sitting area Private facilities, with shower Window that opens TV and DVD player |
Suite Bedroom and sitting area Sofa bed in sitting room Private facilities, with bathtub or shower Refrigerator Window that opens TV and DVD player Coffee maker Safe |
Victory Suite Large bedroom and sitting room Sofa bed in sitting room Private facilities, with bathtub Refrigerator Window that opens TV and DVD player Coffee machine Safe |
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Arkita Suite Very spacious bedroom and sitting room Sofa bed in sitting room Private facilities, with bathtub Refrigerator Window that opens TV and DVD player Coffee machine Safe Daily selection of fresh fruit, drinks, and snacks |
