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Please keep in mind that this is a unique expedition to a remote and very little explored part of the globe. Our sample itinerary should therefore be considered as a guide only, as it is heavily dependent on both weather and ice conditions.
DAY 1
Welcome to Helsinki, the cozy Finnish Capital.
Following your arrival in Helsinki and subsequent transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by our representative in the lobby of your hotel.
DAY 2
Helsinki-Murmansk flight and embarkation.
Following a short tour of Helsinki, 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.
DAY 3
The Barents Sea.
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,
- during our expedition in the higher arctic altitudes.
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! All this and more are on the day's agenda!
DAY 4 - 6
Voyage to the North Pole.
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. DAY 7
The North Pole.
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 90? N. 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.
DAY 8 - 10
The Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic.
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.
DAY 11 - 13
Barents Sea Revisited.
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, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. 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.
DAY 14
Farewell to Helsinki.
Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!
Expedition rates include:
1 night pre & post expedition hotel accomodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast;
Group transfers when embarking/disembarking your charter flight from Helsinki - Murmansk - Helsinki;
Voyage aboard the ship as described in the itinerary;
All shore excursions and activities throughout the Voyage by helicopter (as detailed in planned group excursions);
Shore landings included in daily program;
Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers;
An expedition parka to keep;
Waterproof boots for the duration of the cruise;
Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin;
Informative pre-departure materials and expedition log with picture album on DVD;
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;
Professional Expedition Leadership;
Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners;
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock;
For the departures of June 19, 2013 and June 30, 2013 - Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person;
For the departures of July 14, 2013 and July 25, 2013 - Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (in addition to other risks). Coverage 100 000 EUR. Duration : cruise days only;
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. Do not hesitate to contact Poseidon Arctic Voyages, Ltd. if any questions arise. Let us know if you have any difficulties in visa processing;
All shipboard luggage handling.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from your hometown;
Mandatory charter flights from Helsinki to Murmansk and back again - cost per person $1,690;
Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group
Passport and visa expenses (if required); A RUSSIAN VISA IS REQUIRED FOR THE TRIP. THE VISA MUST BE OBTAINED BY THE CUSTOMER AND IS AT HIS OR HER EXPENSE. Please, contact your local Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa. PLEASE, NOTE: FOR CERTAIN NATIONALITIES SCHENGEN VISA IS REQUIRED;
State arrival and departure taxes (if levied);
Meals ashore and supplements in respect of single hotel accomodation (if required);
Excess luggage charges on international and local flights;
Telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel;
Luggage, cancellation and ( in case of June 19, 2013 and June 30, 2013 departures ) medical insurance (strongly recommended);
Tips for stewards and other personal service aboard (at your discretion).
The Expedition Team
Members of our Expedition Team have one thing
in common: all of them are devoted to the Arctic. They are open and
frank people, willing to share their Arctic experience with you. Their
job is to keep your Arctic adventure exciting and thrilling, yet
absolutely safe. Icebreaker Expeditions to the Russian Arctic are
anything but boring. Lectures on the wide range of topics are followed
by the Zodiac trips to the glaciers amid the icy fields, then by
helicopter landings on the picturesque islands… and so on. Our
lecturers deliver the scientific information to you in the most
understandable and informal manner, while the Zodiac drivers and
helicopter pilots try to make the most of every excursion for you to
get a better idea of our destinations. We always keep an open eye for
the Arctic wildlife, while sailing or ashore: it may appear out of
nowhere, and we have to react fast. You are advised timely, as soon as
any representative of the Arctic fauna is near and can be seen.
If you want something less
expensive but spectacular, circumnaviagte Spitsbergen, Norway and encounter polar bears
near the North Pole! Call and ask for our Early booking discounts
Toll Free 1 800 345 3324
Click here to read
about the ice breaker '50 years of victory'
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