Following your arrival in Helsinki and subsequent transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by a representative in the lobby of your hotel.

After the group transfer from your hotel, you will board a chartered plane for the short two hour flight to Murmansk. There, you will board “50 Years of Victory”, one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.

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”.

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!

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.

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. For those wishing to take some time away from their new-found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.

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 90ºN. 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.

During the many years that we have been operating in the Russian Arctic, we have gained a truly unique experience exploring the many arctic lands in this region, one of the most remote in the world. It is truly our pleasure to share it and our love for these vast lands with you.

Given favorable weather and ice conditions, exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is in the offering.

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.

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 or table tennis, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library. After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Helsinki where you will spend a last evening in the Finnish capital

Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!

• 2 overnights in a 4 or 5 star hotel in Helsinki, breakfast included (one night before the cruise and one night after);
• For charter-flight Helsinki–Murmansk–Helsinki only: group transfers hotel – airport and airport – hotel (in Helsinki), group transfers airport – ship and ship – airport (in Murmansk);
• Voyage aboard the ship as described in the itinerary;
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopters (as included in planned group excursions);
• Program of lectures and informal talks by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers;
• Four meals a day (including afternoon fresh bakery items every afternoon) and tea / coffee station and drinking water dispenser round the clock;
• Special expedition parka;
• Waterproof boots for the duration of the cruise;
• In-cabin: bathrobe, slippers and hairdryer;
• Informative pre-departure materials and expedition log with picture album on DVD;
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;
• Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (in addition to other risks). Coverage – 50,000-00 EUR.
• Letter of invitation. This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area in order to obtain a Russian Visa. Please, contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa.

• Travel expenses to and from Helsinki;
• Transfers to and from your 4 or 5 star hotel in Helsinki before and after the expedition;
• Passport and visa expenses (if required); A RUSSIAN VISA IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP! THIS VISA MUST BE OBTAINED BY THE CUSTOMER AND IS AT HIS / HER OWN EXPENSE.
• State arrival and departure taxes (if levied);
• Meals ashore and supplements in respect of single hotel accommodation (if required);
• Luggage and cancellation insurance. (Strongly recommended – Poseidon Arctic Voyages can suggest a reliable provider of such insurance);
• Excess Luggage charges on international and local flights;
• Telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel;
• Tips for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion).