Expedition Itinerary - North Pole

To reach the top of the world, where the only direction is south, takes a remarkable vessel – 50 Years of Victory. A rare few can claim that they have stood at 90°N or gone ashore in Franz Josef Land. In 2010, only 128 travelers can participate in this exclusive 15-day expedition itinerary. This will be the 20th anniversary expedition.

North Pole Interactive Map
Barents Sea - The fisheries of the area, in particular cod, are of great importance for both Norway and Russia.
Barents Sea
  1. The expedition begins in the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

    Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland

    Staying up to the wee hours is easy in Helsinki, as daylight fades to twilight for only a few hours during the summer. You'll spend the night at a centrally located hotel.

  2. Sailing from Murmansk into the midnight sun.

    Day 2 - Embarkation Day

    After a flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, you are transferred to the quayside to embark 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest icebreaker.

  3. Landing a helicopter while the ship is moving takes skill.

    Day 3-8 - 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 cruise itineraries.

    Watching Victory break through the formidable pack ice is a sight you'll never forget. The icebreaker 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.

  4. A GPS confirms you have reached the top of the world.

    Day 9 - 90 North

    Although the moment that we reach the top of the world is shared with others, the experience is as individual as you are. Some travelers mark the occasion holding a special memento carried thousands of miles for that one brief event. Others hold signs created on the spot. Others wave their national flags. How will you celebrate?

  5. A polar bear on the hunt in Franz Josef Land.

    Day 10 - Southbound

    In 2008, polar bear sightings always seemed to occur after midnight. No one grumbled as they tumbled from bed to watch the ice bear devour dinner or climb ice pressure ridges. Ivory Gulls, the rarest of Arctic birds, fearlessly danced on the ice within the bear's reach, eager to dine on the scraps. Should a polar bear be sighted during your expedition itinerary, you will have a different story to tell. No two polar bear sightings or North Pole voyages are the same.

  6. Eerie and uninhabited, Franz Josef Land is haunting.

    Day 11-13 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean

    These massive flat topped islands, with steep cliffs where seabirds nest, are often surrounded by fast ice. A helicopter will transfer you ashore to hike, beachcomb or to just sit quietly watching Snow Buntings feed.

  7. Fine dining is part of the North Pole experience.

    Day 14 - Disembarkation in Murmansk

    The return to Helsinki requires a flight from Murmansk and just the right tide conditions for docking the ship. Overnight in Helsinki, Finland.

  8. The architecture of Helsinki was influenced by Finnish legends.

    Day 15 - Helsinki, Finland

    Depart for home or extend your stay. We have a variety of packages from which to choose.

Extend your stay

You may like to extend your stay

  • Helsinki, FinlandInquire

    Helsinki, Talin, St. Petersburg can be added to your North Pole expedition.

View all extension options

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