Cruises to the North Pole It is perhaps the most amazing location on our entire planet. There are no four corners of the World there: the South is all around you and any wind is southern. Over this "Top of the World" stars never rise or set: instead they move around you with the Earth's rotation. The Polar Star, the beacon of all travelers in the Northern Hemisphere, is invariably in its zenith.
1. Itinerary. Expeditions to the North Pole take place in July-August
1 st day
Moscow |
We arrive at the international airport in Moscow . Comfortable buses will take us to 5* star hotel located in the center of the city where we will be able to rest after the flight. |
2nd day
Moscow-Murmansk |
After a short Moscow city tour, the buses take us to the airport for our 2-hour flight to Murmansk . Upon arrival we are transferred to the icebreaker "Yamal". We sail late in the evening. |
3 rd day
Barents Sea |
Today we head towards the Franz Josef Land archipelago. In the meantime we will be introduced to the ship and the sophisticated technical equipment in the engine room. We will also learn about helicopter operations, and will be instructed how to use safety equipment and the lifeboats. Lifeboat drill is obligatory for every passenger. |
4th-5th days
Franz-Jozef Land |
We cross 80° North latitude and penetrate the remote world of ancient pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers. Discovered only in 1873 by an Austrian expedition aboard the "Tegetthoff", most of the archipelago remains largely unexplored. Our onboard helicopters will afford astonishing views of the area's magnificent landscape.
We might be able to land at Flora Cape , the southernmost cape of the archipelago and the famous place of meetings between various expeditions to the Franz-Josef Land . From there our icebreaker follows along Britansky Canal straight through archipelago and enters the Arctic Ocean .
to view Rubini Rock and its numerous nesting seabird colonies, closely approaching the sheer basalt cliff if conditions permit. Close by is a deserted research station and offshore the enormous fragments of calving glaciers are sometimes seen. We also expect to spot polar bears and walruses, and it is quite surprising that the polar bears often ignore the ship, and even curiously approach it, thus enabling us to take wonderful photos. We might visit Cape Norway where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered in 1896-1897. |
6th-7 th days
Towards the Pole |
Heading due north, the "Yamal" forces its way through thick, multiyear pack ice, riding up on top of several meters of ice that breaks under the ship's tremendous weight. Our expedition is divided into several groups to board the helicopters and watch the operation of our vessel from above. Once a solid piece of ice is found, the ship makes a stop so that we can take a walk on the ice. During these days scientists, travelers, and explorers who have dedicated their lives to this austere world deliver series of interesting lectures on board. |
8 th day
North Pole |
Today in the evening the expedition expects to reach the geographic North Pole. This time of year the weather is usually mild, with air temperatures of 0 - 1° C (32 - 34° F). As our vessel steadily approaches 90° N, we meet on the bridge of the "Yamal" to celebrate our achievement. Upon reaching our goal, we disembark onto the ice. The crew of the ship prepares for a celebration, including a picnic on the ice, and the most daring take a plunge into the Arctic Ocean . Special communication facilities permit contact with civilization to share our achievement with friends. The celebration is in progress... |
9th-11th days
Course due South |
Our icebreaker moves on, smashing through high ice hummocks and pack ice. We make ice reconnaissance flights and flight-seeing excursions. We may see solid white Ivory gulls, and realize that soon we may view a dark strip of land on the horizon ... On our way back, if the weather and ice conditions permit, we intend to visit some extra sites on the Franz Josef Land archipelago. |
12th 14th days
Barents Sea |
On the way to Murmansk we recall the exciting experience of our wonderful voyage, full of discoveries and adventures. We belong to a selected group of people who have conquered the North Pole. The same day we fly to Moscow and comfortable buses take us to 4-5* hotel in the center of the city. |
15 th day |
Today after breakfast at our hotel the buses take us to the international airport for the flight home. |
Please note: read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather and ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
2 . Cruises dates and prices
? |
Duration |
Status |
Period |
Cost , Euro |
Itinerary |
Available languages |
1. |
15 days |
On sale |
11 .07 - 23 .0 7 .2008
Optional *
|
Twin standard cabin -16,850
Mini-suite -19,150
Suite -22,250 |
Moscow (air charter) - Murmansk - North Pole - Franz Josef Land - Murmansk - Moscow (air charter)
|
English, German |
2 . |
15 days |
On sale |
2 3 .07 - 04 .08.2008
|
Twin standard cabin -16,850
Mini-suite -19,150
Suite -22,250 |
Moscow (air charter) - Murmansk - North Pole - Franz Josef Land - Murmansk - Moscow (air charter)
|
English, German |
3 . |
15 days |
On sale |
0 4 .08 - 16 .08.2008 |
Twin standard cabin -16,850
Mini-suite -19,150
Suite -22,250 |
Moscow (air charter) - Murmansk - North Pole - Franz Josef Land - Murmansk - Moscow (air charter)
|
English, German |
*Expedition on the optional date will take place only in case of sufficient number of participants
Rates are per person in Euro, based on double occupancy. The rate of single occupancy is 1.7 times the shared rate.
By any booking before October 31, 2007 is granted an "early bird" discount in amount of 750 Euro.
Expedition rates include:
• 2 overnights in a 5* hotel in Moscow with breakfast;
• Airfares Moscow-Murmansk-Moscow;
• Group transfers between the airport, ship and airport (from 15 passengers);
• Luggage transfer between the airport and the ship;
• Voyage aboard the vessel "Yamal" as indicated in the itinerary;
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by "Zodiacs" and helicopters (as included in planned group excursions);
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and the service of an experienced guide;
• Four meals a day;
• Pre-departure materials and expedition log;
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;
• Special expedition parka.
Not included:
• Passport and visa expenses (if required);
• Government arrival and departure taxes (if required);
• Meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodation (if required);
• Luggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended);
• Excess Luggage charges;
• Telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel;
• Standard tips at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion). |
