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polar regions: arctic

The North Pole

The top of the world. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey. Only a select few make it each year. Here is a chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world.

Everything seems bigger in the Arctic. Massive icebergs are surrounded by a horizon that seems to go on forever. The vacant blue of the wide sky looks over a sea of ice. Even the silence seems overwhelming. The scale is vast and humbling. You forget things like cell phones and deadlines even exist. It puts life in perspective.

Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland

Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Helsinki
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Murmansk

From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-7 - The Arctic Ocean

Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a thrilling aerial view of Victory's progress.

Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Most of our guests enjoy the heightened sense of adventure that comes with this unpredictability. In 2008, Victory made the fastest recorded crossing between these two points: 4.5 days!

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - The North Pole

Each traveler experiences this moment in his or her own way. Some hold special signs. Others wave their national flags. Still others stand on this mystical spot, holding a talisman brought thousands of miles for this one purpose. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. How will YOU celebrate?

Accommodations: 50 years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 9 - Southbound

As Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, you may spot polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls following close behind - eager to dine on leftovers.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 10-12 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean

Franz Josef Land is one of the most recently discovered archipelagos in the world. It was only in the late 1800's that this remote and stunning world of jagged mountains and massive icebergs was found, and even today it remains mostly unexplored. There are 191 islands here, and they are a naturalist's paradise. Polar bears, arctic fox, seals and belugas inhabit the region. Walrus and vast colonies of seabirds abound. We'll attempt to explore this fascinating coast in our Zodiacs, and enjoy the spectacular glaciers and volcanic plateaus from our helicopters. But remember, this is a remote region. All landings are subject to the cooperation of government and weather.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 13 - Disembarkation in Murmansk

Your port of disembarkation is Murmansk, Russia's most northerly city. After you leave the ship, we'll transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to Helsinki, Finland.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Helsinki
Included Meals: breakfast

Days 14 - Helsinki

After breakfast at your centrally located hotel, you are free to leave for home or extend your stay.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only. As this is an expedition to a remote part of the world, our exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates: Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to adjust our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if full payment has been previously received.

Single Travelers: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will not be penalized. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7-1.8 times the twin rate.

Minimum Age for Children: 12 years

Land Cost Includes: Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced Expedition Leaders and staff, including shore landings; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit; Hair dryer in every cabin; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; Rubber boots; baggage, Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Arrival/Departure Information: The North Pole cruise begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland. Charter flights to Murmanske depart in the morning on Day 2 and arrive back to Helsinki late on Day 13. Arrival into Helskini may be at anytime on Day 1 and depart from Helsinki at anytime on Day 14.

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $2,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment due 120 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $750 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 89 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider TraveEx Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Vessel Descriptions: Click vessel links above for individual vessel descriptions.
Vessels accommodate between 46 - 110 passengers and have ice-strengthened hulls designed specifically for polar travel.

Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com