Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

Duration13days

Price fromUSD $31,995 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip StyleExpedition Cruise

Time of yearJuly - August

The North Pole is the world’s northernmost point and a prize still zealously pursued by adventurers and explorers today.

Get on board for the ultimate North Pole adventure. Nothing compares to experiencing the untamed grandeur of the Arctic quite like seeing its majestic landscapes unfold from the deck of a state-of-the-art nuclear icebreaker. Imagine an endless expanse of ice under the polar midnight sun. Pristine waters teeming with marine life. Prowling polar bears in the tundra. This is Mother Nature at her breathtaking best.

From Murmansk, Russia, you’ll embark the icebreaker 50 Years of Victory for a roundtrip voyage to the earth’s geographic North Pole. Our mighty vessel will plough its way through the frozen Arctic Ocean on a cruise that literally circumnavigates the globe in a matter of days. In addition to the exhilaration of cruising to the very apex of the earth, passengers will have the extraordinary privilege to land, via helicopter, on the scarcely visited Russian Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land, a remote wilderness home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.

North Pole Cruise Highlights: 

  • After 7 days of cruising from Murmansk, we’ll arrive at the geographic North Pole, the place where all meridians meet and the only direction is south. To celebrate our successful mission to the top of the world, we’ll ceremoniously drop anchor and disembark on a sturdy stretch of ice for the ‘International Round Dance’ – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to literally walk around the world!
  • Franz Josef Land: Weather permitting, we’ll spend two days exploring this uninhabited archipelago, one most pristine Arctic habitats on earth. It is comprised of 192 islands where glaciers cover 85% of the land, carving out a spectacular terrain of steep valleys, caves and pinnacles
  • Helicopter flights: As part of this very special expedition, all guests will have the opportunity to take scenic helicopter rides for an incredible bird’s eye view of the icescape and amazing photo opportunities capturing the ship smashing its way through the ice pack
  • Arctic wildlife: Animal life thrives in the pristine environs of the North Pole. Expect sightings of polar bears and walruses, thronging colonies of seabirds and harp and bearded seals resting atop icebergs. Throughout our cruise, we’ll be looking out for humpback, minke and beluga whales, and with luck, orcas, narwhales and bowhead whales.

This two-week expedition departs from the port of Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle. We’ll forge our way north through the Barents Sea, and as we make our way across the ice cap, you’ll witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable. The anticipation heightens as the mighty ship takes us smashing through the frozen Arctic Ocean towards our goal – the most northerly point on the planet. The literal Top of the World. Travelling aboard with us will be the ship’s helicopter, ready to take passengers for awe-inspiring joy flights, aerial photo shoots and shore excursions to the otherworldly islands of Franz Josef Land. Despite their desolate appearance, the heavily glaciated islands of Franz Josef Land provide sanctuary for an amazing abundance of wildlife. Iconic High Arctic species like the polar bear and walrus thrive here, and the cliffsides and screen provide nesting habitat for countless seabirds including the rare ivory gull.

This fantastic voyage is made possible by the 50 Years of Victory, one of the largest, most sophisticated and most powerful nuclear icebreakers in the world. Twenty years in the making, the Victory is a vessel unlike any other, with the ability to forge a passage into places no other ship can.

Arrival

Murmansk, Russia

Departure

Murmansk, Russia

Accomodation

i/b "50 Years of Victory"

Trip style

Expedition Cruise

Duration

13 days / 12 nights

Action rating?

     

Group size

N/A

Type of tour

Guaranteed Departures

Itinerary View map

Day 1 Murmansk, Russia

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the starting point of our adventure.

Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk

Today we provide a group transfer to the port where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

Day 3-6 The voyage north

We cruise northward through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.

Day 7 North Pole

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Now is the time to experiencing the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance.

Day 8-10 Franz Joseph Land

Explore the part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species - can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls.

Day 11-12 The voyage south

After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land, we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.

Day 13 Murmansk

Our once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast, we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Inclusions

Group airport transfers

1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk

Ice Breaker "50 Years of Victory" accommodation

Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers

Professional Expedition Leadership

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs

Shore landings included in daily program

Branded parka and rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. See more in the detailed itinerary

Russian visa support document

Exclusions

Flights

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Travel insurance

Gratitudes

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability Price Single sup.  
Jul 11 - Jul 23, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0 Reserve
Jul 22 - Aug 3, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0 Reserve
Aug 2 - Aug 14, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0 Reserve

Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

13 days / 12 nights

From
$31,995
USD

Price per person, based on standard twin share cabin

Make an enquiry Detailed Itinerary

Special offer

North Pole Cruise discount

Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

13 days / 12 nights

From
$31,995
USD

Price per person, based on standard twin share cabin

Make an enquiry

Dowlnload comprehansive info-kit for this tour, FAQ’s and extras

Detailed Itinerary

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

More benefits
+61 412 587 785[email protected]

Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

Days 13

From USD $31,995

Trip Style Expedition Cruise

Time of year July - August

Day 1: Murmansk, Russia

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the starting point of our adventure.

Day 2: Embarkation in Murmansk

Today we provide a group transfer to the port where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

Day 3-6: The voyage north

We cruise northward through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.

Day 7: North Pole

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Now is the time to experiencing the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance.

Day 8-10: Franz Joseph Land

Explore the part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species - can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls.

Day 11-12: The voyage south

After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land, we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.

Day 13: Murmansk

Our once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast, we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included

Group airport transfers

1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk

Ice Breaker "50 Years of Victory" accommodation

Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers

Professional Expedition Leadership

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs

Shore landings included in daily program

Branded parka and rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. See more in the detailed itinerary

Russian visa support document

Not included

Flights

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Travel insurance

Gratitudes

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup.
Jul 11 - Jul 23, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0
Jul 22 - Aug 3, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0
Aug 2 - Aug 14, 2023
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $32,995 US $0

Start planning your tour

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Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

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