Have you ever imagined yourself standing at the very top of the world? Of witnessing a nuclear icebreaker crushing through the thick sea ice in one of the most remote regions of the planet? Of enjoying a celebratory barbeque on the ice-covered landscape at 90° N? Join this virtual polar expedition to the North Pole. It’s the next best thing to being there—though you’ll want to experience it for yourself!
In 1991, Quark Expeditions fulfilled the bucket-list dreams of several dozen travelers by taking them to the hard-to-reach North Pole—a journey that previously existed only in the wildest imaginations of the most adventurous travelers. Navigating through the thick sea ice aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker—helmed by the most innovative expedition team in the industry—Quark Expeditions became the first-ever operator to bring travelers to the venerable North Pole. That inaugural voyage fueled the desires of subsequent adventurers who also longed to stand at 90° North—the very top of the world where every direction you look is south—and bask in the glory of a polar adventure experienced by so few.
Three decades have passed and Quark Expeditions, the recognized Leader in Polar Adventures, still leads the way in polar travel—and the North Pole remains one of the most sought-after Arctic destinations. Imagine the thrill of a powerful icebreaker crushing through multi-year pack ice as it pushes toward 90° North. Or envision yourself aboard a helicopter as it soars over the icy Arctic Ocean—or standing on a remote spot on the planet where so few have ever set foot. Join us on this exhilarating journey and discover for yourself why the North Pole has, for centuries, stirred the minds and hearts of explorers and adventurers the world-over.
Your 360 Close-up of the North Pole
Get Inspired by our 360 virtual reality tour of the North Pole
Guests explore their surroundings during the celebrations on sea ice near 90° North.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Guests look below as the experience the massive icebreaking abilities of the 50 Years of Victory.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Enjoy aerial views of the 50 Years of Victory and the expansive Arctic Ocean from the ship's helicopter.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Guests raise their glasses in celebration of their successful journey to the top of the world
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Guests pose for a group photo at the top of the world.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Guests and Expedition Team pose for a photo during the celebrations on sea ice.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Guests disembark the 50 Years of Victory and step onto the frozen Arctic Ocean.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin.
Guests wave at the camera from their paid hot air balloon experience.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
The included flightseeing activity offers you unrivalled views of your surroundings.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Expedition Team member scouts the horizon while conducting a reconnaissance flight over the Arctic Ocean.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin.
Guests photograph a curious polar bear spotted on the sea ice.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Visit the Franz Josef Land Archipelago on your way to the North Pole.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
A pod/huddle of walruses spotted on the sea ice.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
A polar bear on sea ice looks attentively towards the vessel.
Photo by Samantha Crimmin
Included Activities
Flightseeing
Imagine soaring over the polar regions from the comfort of a helicopter and enjoying the most astounding aerial views imaginable of the frozen Arctic Ocean, of snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and of melt pools ranging from cerulean to deep, spectacular turquoise.
Hiking
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac.
Zodiac Cruising
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
Pre- and Post-Trip Options
Getting to the Arctic can be just as much fun as being there. Quark Expeditions offers multiple travel packages that enable you to see more of the world before and after your Arctic adventure.
Helsinki, Finland
The city of Helsinki is actually an archipelago of 315 islands that contains scores of lush green parks and what seems like an endless string of dark blue lakes. Often called the “Daughter of the Baltic,” Finland’s capital sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland.