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Icebreaker Cruise to the North Pole

The top of the world. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey. Only a select few make it each year. Here is a chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world.

Everything seems bigger in the Arctic. Massive icebergs are surrounded by a horizon that seems to go on forever. The vacant blue of the wide sky looks over a sea of ice. Even the silence seems overwhelming. The scale is vast and humbling. You forget things like cell phones and deadlines even exist. It puts life in perspective.

50 Years of Victory

With only one departure each year, and only one ship offering this itinerary, reaching the North Pole, the top of the world, aboard the '50 Years of Victory' is a rewarding and rare expedition. Crushing through ice that is metres thick, the Victory can sail in conditions that would defeat any other ship. Combining the power of this ship with the use of helicopter flights for aerial viewing, add in a visit to the birdwatcher's paradise of Franz Joseph land, and this is a voyage without compare.

Polar Bear

More information about your Icebreaker cruise ship, '50 Years of Victory'

P428: Cruise Departure Dates 2012
Jun 25; Jul 6
P428: Icebreaker Trip to the North Pole 2012£ price per person
Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin. Standard twin cabins are available at a supplement for single occupancy
Contact us for package including flights between London and Helsinki
The holiday cost may also be paid in Euro
There is a compulsory Charter Flight with this itinerary which is an additional cost of £1060pp

50 Years of Victory
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706500
International: +44 1756 706500
Useful Links
More Arctic Adventure Cruises
More Polar Cruises
More Antarctic Cruises
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706500
International: +44 1756 706500
Useful Links
More Arctic Adventure Cruises
More Polar Cruises
More Antarctic Cruises

Icebreaker Trip to the North Pole Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
Helsinki (Finland)

Our journey starts in Helsinki where we spend the night at a centrally located hotel.

Day 2
Helsinki (Finland)

After the charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, we will be transferred to the quayside to embark 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest icebreaker.

Day 3-7
The Arctic Ocean

In 2008, 50 Years of Victory made the fastest ever surface crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole - 4.5 days. Arctic Ocean conditions are always unpredictable, so it could take as many as 8 days to reach our goal. Unpredictability heightens the sense of adventure that underlies all our expeditions. Watching Victory break through the formidable pack ice is a sight not soon forgotten. Crushing through ice metres thick with ease, Victory can sail in conditions that would defeat most other ships. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a fascinating aerial view of the icebreaker's progress.

Day 8
North Pole

Although the moment that we reach the top of the world is shared with others, the experience is as individual as you are. We will toast this moment with champagne on the ice. The rest of the day is then free for you to celebrate as you wish. There is the opportunity for a polar plunge for those who are brave enough!

Day 9
At sea

As 50 Years of Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, we may spot Polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls following close behind - eager to dine on leftovers.

Day 10-12
Franz Josef Land (Russia)

These massive flat topped islands, with steep cliffs where seabirds nest, are often surrounded by fast ice. The onboard helicopter or Zodiacs will transfer us ashore to hike, beach-comb or to just sit quietly watching Snow Buntings feed. During our southbound journey, as it was on our journey north, we keep a vigil for Polar bears on ice. No two Polar bear sightings or North Pole voyages are the same.

Day 13
Murmansk (Russia) - Helsinki (Finland)

The return to Helsinki requires a charter flight from Murmansk and just the right tide conditions for docking the ship. Overnight in Helsinki, in a centrally located hotel, before departing after breakfast.

Day 14
Helsinki (Finland)

Our adventure finishes after breakfast in Helsinki.

The cruise price includes
  • The items below are indicative and will be confirmed prior to booking
  • Cruise accommodation in cabin category of choice, plus all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (The ship galley cannot prepare kosher meals)
  • All shore landings per the daily program
  • All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program
  • 1 night pre- and 1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation, including breakfast
  • 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 guest speakers as scheduled.
  • Photographic Album on DVD, documenting the voyage
  • An expedition parka for you to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobe 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
The cruise price does not include
  • Transport to Helsinki at the start of the cruise holiday and return from Helsinki at the end of the cruise
  • Compulsory travel insurance which is required to cover repatriation and medical care in the event of an emergency in the polar region. This is available at the time of booking, and may cost well over £500
  • Compulsory charter flight between Helsinki and Murmansk at £1060pp
Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706500
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you book your holiday through us.