Excerpt from article previously published in January 2017 by Andrea Smith for Lonely Planet:
If you would jump at the chance of travelling to the North Pole aboard the only working Russian nuclear icebreaker in the world, this trip departing in July could be for you.
Travel to the North Pole aboard the only working Russian nuclear icebreaker in the world.
Image: Sherri and David Clark
The North Pole Summit 2017 is an exclusive 14-day sailing by Quark Expeditions, where you will crush through the ice of the Arctic Ocean on the icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory. Seven very special guests from the worlds of science, exploration, conservation, politics, and education will be on board, sharing their unique perspectives on everything from facing environmental challenges to following your dreams.
Travel to the North Pole aboard the only working Russian nuclear icebreaker in the world.
Image: Quark Expeditions
They include Paul Nicklen, Canadian-born photographer, marine biologist and conservationist; Alan Chambers, legendary polar adventurer and speaker; Cristina Mittermeier, marine biologist, photographer, biochemical engineer and conservationist; Maureen Raymo, paleoclimatologist and marine geologist; David Serkoak, Inuit Elder and educator; James Raffan, geographer, author and polar historian and Frances Ulmer, policy adviser and public servant. You will have the opportunity to find out what has inspired these global citizens to tackle today's climate change issues and environmental challenges.