Cruise description

11 Night Cruise sailing from Murmansk roundtrip aboard 50 Years of Victory. 1 night stay in Helsinki pre and post cruise.

11 Night Cruise sailing from Murmansk roundtrip aboard 50 Years of Victory. 1 night stay in Helsinki pre and post cruise.

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. Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds and visiting Franz Josef Land, your voyage will be one that you won’t soon forget. The added excitement of helicopter excursions and an optional hot air balloon ride at the top of the world make this Quark Expeditions adventure a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 1 — Helsinki, Finland
Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Murmansk
From Helsinki, your charter flight will take you to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Days 3 to 6 — Northbound in the Arctic Ocean
Watching the ship 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 ship 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 7 — 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! Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. Take a Polar Plunge into the icy waters marking the North pole. Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (weather dependent).

Day 8 — Southbound in the Arctic Ocean
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.

Days 9 and 10 — Franz Josef Land
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 our Zodiacs transfer you to seldom visited landing sites.

Days 11 and 12 — At Sea
Enjoy a few moments on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk.

Day 13 — Disembarkation Day in Murmansk
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 Quark Expeditions journey comes to an end.

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 voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.