North Pole Arctic Expedition Cruise

Itinerary

• Arctic

  The Arctic is the region around the Earth's North Pole, opposite the Antarctic region around the South Pole. The Arctic includes the Arctic Ocean, and parts of Canada, Greenland, Russia, the United States, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Expeditions can be staged for dogsledding or flights from Oslo, Norway.
  
  

• Finland

  Finland is a Nordic country in northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north. The capital city is Helsinki. Finland was historically part of Sweden and from 1809 an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. Finland's declaration of independence in 1917 from Russia was followed by a civil war, wars against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, and a period of official neutrality during the Cold War. Finland joined the United Nations in 1955 and the European Union in 1995.  Commercial cruises between major coastal and port cities in the Baltic region, including Helsinki, Turku, Tallinn, Stockholm and Travemünde, play a significant role in the local tourism industry. There are many churches, cathedrals, museums and castles. Olavinlinna in Savonlinna hosts the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The capital city of Helsinki, is famous for its Grand Duchy era architecture, which resembles that of imperial St. Petersburg.

• Helsinki

  Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is in the southern part of Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, by the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is Finland's capital for business, education, research, culture, and government. It has a compact downtown area with some superb museums and public buildings. Finland's main international airline hub, Helsinki-Vantaa airport is 40 minutes from the city center, with direct flights around the world. The busy Helsinki-Tallinn route takes 1.5 hour by sea and 18 minutes by helicopter.

• • Helsinki
  • Radisson Blu Plaza

  Day 1: Helsinki

  Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

  Explore Helsinki with a private vehicle and English speaking Guide. Discover the excelptional! Half of the city is urbanized and the rest is parks, forests, the coasts and lake. The panoramic tour of the city includes the Temppeliaukio church excavated on the rock, the Orthodox Cathedral of Upenski, the Sibelius Monument, the Senate Square, the Olympic Stadium, and the famous Finlandia Hall by Alvar Alto the diplomatic district, the open air market among others. Entrance fees are not included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza (5*)

  Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (5*) is located in the heart of Helsinki close to the shopping and entertainment district and offers an abundant choice of activities and entertainment. The National Theatre, the Grand Casino and the Finnish National Gallery are next door neighbours of the hotel. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel has 291 rooms, air conditioned and equipped with amenities expected of a first class hotel. To guarantee a good night's sleep all the rooms feature top quality Magic Dreams beds, designed exclusively for Radisson Blu. Seven different rooms with seven different atmospheres create the unique world of the restaurant Pääkonttori. Structures and details of the historical building combined with the vision of Finland's best designers give each room a distinctive personality. The end result is more than a restaurant, it is an experience where all your senses are treated to the feast. Other amenities include a sauna and a fitness room.

• • Expedition at 90°N

  Day 2: Helsinki

  Upon arrival at your hotel you'll be met by our expedition representative in the lobby of your hotel and discuss more details in regards to your expedition cruise to the North Pole.

  Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza (5*) (B) (Standard (Tue-Thu))
• • Poseidon Artic Voyages

  Day 3: Helsinki - Murmansk - Arctic Ocean

  Following a short tour of Helsinki, you will board a chartered plane for the short two hour flight to Murmansk. There, you will board “50 Years of Victory”, one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.

  Once you arrived in Murmansk you'll be transfererd to the ship. Enjoy the next days onboard. Four meals a day are included during the expedition cruise. Afternoon fresh bakery items are available every afternoon as well as  tea / coffee station and drinking water.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"

  The “50 Years of Victory” is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. For those with an appreciation of such vessels, the “Victory” is a new generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class, the most powerful icebreakers in the world.

• • The Barents Sea

  Day 4: Barents Sea - Arctic Ocean

  While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put in place to ensure your complete protection while aboard the “50 years of Victory”, and during our expedition in the higher arctic altitudes. You will likewise have the opportunity to become familiar with the ship and learn all about its unique icebreaking capabilities and how ice fields are negotiated. One of the highlights of this day will be a tour of the engine room- amazing! All this and more are on the day’s agenda!

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Mighty Icebergs

  Day 5: Barents Sea - Arctic Ocean

  As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days voyage there will leave you feeling no less so. Adrenaline and awe await you as you go up on deck and witness first-hand the sheer power of our ship as it battles its way through the mighty ice fields that separate you from your arrival at the top of the world. No less inspiring will be the views and panoramas of the astonishing arctic landscape.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Breathtaking Helicopter Ride

  Day 6: Barents Sea - Arctic Ocean

  Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way north. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. Landing a helicopter on the helipad of a ship or on a glacier with gusting winds takes great skill and are only two of the jobs that the helicopter crew must perform. There is no better way to explore the far north than by combining a world-class icebreaker and a helicopter.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • On the way to North Pole

  Day 7: Arctic Ocean

  Enjoy another day on the board of the Icebraker. Get ready for the final destination North Pole which you'll reach it soon. Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way to the North Pole. For those wishing to take some time away from their new found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • The North Pole View

  Day 8: North Pole - Arctic Ocean

  Seven is more than just a lucky number; it’s the day we expect to reach the North Pole. With heart-pounding anticipation, the “Victory” will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90 degrees N. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole. But this is only the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of standing on the top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during our special International Round Dance. Topping off the day will be our North Pole barbecue and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Mammoth Fossils Lying Around The Franz Josef Land

  Day 9: Franz Joseph Archipelago - Arctic Ocean

  The Franz Josef Land Archipelago can be described as, consisting of about 190 islands most of which are reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the ‘Moon Archipelago’, home to polar bears, walruses and many species of arctic birds, the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found no where else on earth, a unique and possibly never-to-be-had-again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Pose for a Photo

  Day 10: Arctic Ocean

  Today is a full day spent at sea as you continue your voyage back to Helsinki. Meet your fellow cruisemates in the lounge, or have a friend snap some memorable photos of you as you pass incredible scenery.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Arctic Fauna

  Day 11: Arctic Ocean

  See the remotely islands of the Russian Arctic and explore the surroundings. Explore the wild and the vast landscape. Lectures are hold on board.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Taking it Easy at the Ship's Bow

  Day 12: Barents Sea - Arctic Ocean

  During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories of all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn’t do so before, then take some time out to really enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort- a game of volleyball, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"

• Day 13: Arctic Ocean

  Today is a full day spent at sea as you continue your voyage back to Helsinki. Meet your fellow cruisemates in the lounge, or have a friend snap some memorable photos of you as you pass incredible scenery.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"
• • Watching the Polar Bears Play

  Day 14: Arctic Ocean

  Enjoy your day on board of the Icebreaker. Arctic activities in addition to programs of lectures and informal talks performed by the expedition team and guest lecturers are available for you today.

  Accommodation: Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"

• Day 15: Murmansk - Helsinki

  After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Helsinki where you will spend a last evening in the Finnish capital.

  Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza (5*)

• Day 16: Helsinki

  Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Radisson Blu Plaza
  • Radisson Blu Plaza Bed Room

  Radisson Blu Plaza (5*)

  Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (5*) is located in the heart of Helsinki close to the shopping and entertainment district and offers an abundant choice of activities and entertainment. The National Theatre, the Grand Casino and the Finnish National Gallery are next door neighbours of the hotel. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel has 291 rooms, air conditioned and equipped with amenities expected of a first class hotel. To guarantee a good night's sleep all the rooms feature top quality Magic Dreams beds, designed exclusively for Radisson Blu. Seven different rooms with seven different atmospheres create the unique world of the restaurant Pääkonttori. Structures and details of the historical building combined with the vision of Finland's best designers give each room a distinctive personality. The end result is more than a restaurant, it is an experience where all your senses are treated to the feast. Other amenities include a sauna and a fitness room.

  • More information
• • Poseidon Artic Voyages

  Icebreaker "50 Years of Victory"

  The “50 Years of Victory” is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. For those with an appreciation of such vessels, the “Victory” is a new generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class, the most powerful icebreakers in the world.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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