Imagine standing on the one earthly spot where the only direction is south. You can, when you travel to the North Pole. Join an exclusive group of just 128 passengers for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the very top of the world.
To reach the North Pole is the pinnacle of Arctic expedition endeavors. Few people can say they stood at the one earthly spot where every direction is south. The added excitement of helicopter excursions and an optional hot air balloon flight above the North Pole make this Quark Expeditions 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 soon forget.
Expedition in Brief:
- Top of the World 90° N
- Nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory
- Helicopter flight above the Arctic Ocean
- Franz Josef Land wildlife and wildflowers
Tour Dates
Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland
Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.
Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Murmansk
From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.
Days 3 to 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - Southbound
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.
Day 10 to 11 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
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 transfer you to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
This part of the Arctic Ocean is so remote that Franz Josef Land was discovered after Antarctica. It is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you'll visit historic places like Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to buildings and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. Walrus and Polar Bear are numerous on these islands, which you’ll explore on Zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides
Day 13 - Disembarkation in Murmansk, Russia
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 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.
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy –and excitement – of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this cruise – please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2013 |
Standard Twin
|
Mini Suite
|
Suite
|
Victory Suite
|
Arktika Suite
|
Charter Flight
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,995 | $26,595 | $32,995 | $33,995 | $34,995 | $1,690 | |
| $23,995 | $26,595 | $32,995 | $33,995 | $34,995 | $1,690 $0 |
Rates are per person based on twin occupancy. Twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. Mini-Suites and above are available for single occupancy at 2 times the share price. All cabins have private baths and are smoke-free. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas only.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum of $100,000 per person is included; however, the charter flight is not.
Hot Air Balloon option is $295 per person.
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2014 |
Standard Twin
|
Mini Suite
|
Suite
|
Victory Suite
|
Arktika Suite
|
Charter Flight
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Free Air Charter Flight ($1690 Value) Expires July 31st, 2013 | $24,995 | $29,995 | $34,995 | $36,995 | $37,995 | $1,690 $0 |
|
Free Air Charter Flight ($1690 Value) Expires July 31st, 2013 | $24,995 | $29,995 | $34,995 | $36,995 | $37,995 | $1,690 $0 |
Rates are per person based on twin occupancy. Twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. Mini-Suites and above are available for single occupancy at 2 times the share price. All cabins have private baths and are smoke-free. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas only.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum of $100,000 per person is included; however, the charter flight is not.
Hot Air Balloon option is $295 per person.
