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Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Experiences you'll have
You will be traveling on one of the most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers in the world, capable of overcoming centuries-old ice up to 3 meters. Along the way, you are likely to encounter walruses, and polar bears may approach the ship.
You will be accompanied by experts in wildlife, history and glaciology. They will share their knowledge during lectures on board and landings.
On this cruise, you will be accompanied by Russian and Chinese-speaking guides
The main impressions of the journey:
In December 2024, we expect to open additional cruise dates from July 24 to August 5, 2025, with English-speaking guides. Contact us to join the waiting list.
First-hand experience: our travel expert Alexandra Kormiltseva visited the North Pole in summer 2019. Read her review and find out, what it feels like to stand on top of the planet →
Itinerary
The journey begins in Murmansk, where you should get to on your own. We can help with the purchase of tickets. If necessary, leave a comment in the application.
This is a general plan of the expedition, the route may vary depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 1 Murmansk, Russia
Upon your arrival at the airport, we provide a transfer to your hotel in the city center. Today you will be able to explore Murmansk. It is the world's largest city, located behind the Arctic Circle.
Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk
In the afternoon you will board one of the most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers "50 Years of Victory". You will get acquainted with the ship and go out to sea through the Kola Strait.
Days 3-6 The Arctic ocean
On the way to the North Pole you will have the most interesting programs. Under favorable weather conditions, you will have landings on the ice and helicopter flights over the Arctic Islands.
Polar experts will tell you about the Arctic wildlife. You will also have a tour of the engine room, where you can see the nuclear reactor – the heart of the icebreaker. If you wish, you can visit the swimming pool, gym or sauna.
As you make your way through the ice cap, you can feel the power of the ship when the massive ice blocks split under the sheer weight of the bow. The experience of being on deck at this time is unforgettable.
Day 7 The North Pole
Welcome to the geographic North Pole! All meridians are met at this point. You will make the shortest circumnavigation of the globe just by going around 90° North.
After carefully navigating, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Right on the ice, you will have a barbecue and even take a dip in the Arctic Ocean.
Day 8-10 Franz Josef Land
These days you will explore one of the most inaccessible regions of the Arctic – the Franz Josef Land archipelago.
Here you can easily meet polar bears, which in this place feel like full-fledged masters of the Arctic. Out of curiosity they often approach the very board of the ship and let you take unique photos. The 24-hour polar day allows you to observe the animals at any time of day.
In addition to its natural treasures, Franz Josef Land is rich in the history of Arctic discovery. You will learn many names of scientists, explorers and adventurers and who have contributed to the exploration of Franz Josef Land.
Tikhaya Bay is famous for well-preserved buildings of the first Soviet polar station. Now the base of the Russian Arctic National Park is located here, from where you can send your friends a postcard from the northernmost post office in the world.
Days 11-12 The Barents Sea
The icebreaker is heading to Murmansk through the harsh waters of the Barents Sea.
On one of the days you will have a final photo presentation – you will be able to relive once again the most impressive moments of the voyage. You are also invited to dinner with the captain!
You can take advantage of the on-board facilities: polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, warm seawater pool, souvenir store and massage treatments. Watching seabirds and whales is possible from the panoramic open decks as well as from the outside windows of the cabins.
Day 13 Disembarkation in Murmansk and Flight to Moscow
After breakfast, you will be disembarked and transferred to the airport of Murmansk.
Congratulations! Now you are among the few travelers who have been to the very top of the planet.
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
Your cruise to the North Pole will take place on the ship "50 Years of Victory" – one of the world's most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers. It is capable of overcoming thick and hard ice while being comfortable for passenger accommodation.
The ship is equipped with a new-generation digital automatic control system. The biological protection system of the nuclear power plant has been modernized.
Features aboard: restaurant, 2 bars, library, lecture hall, music room, gym, sauna, swimming pool with heated seawater, satellite TV.
Access to the navigation bridge overlooking the sea is open almost around the clock. The gift shop is open daily during the cruise and the expedition office is open 24 hours a day.
Rates depend on the type of cabin:
July 13 – 25, 2025
The base rate is in RUB. The price in USD depends on the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Russia minus 2% and is valid as of December 2, 2024. The price is per person with double occupancy in a cabin.
Descriptions of cabins:
Standard Twin (46 cabins)
One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, opening windows. The square is 14 sq.m
Mini Suite (6 cabins)
Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV set and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. The square is 21-22 sq.m
Junior Suite (4 cabins)
Bedroom, sitting room, private facilities with a shower, windows, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker. The square is 24 sq.m
Grand Suite (3 cabins)
Bedroom, sitting room, private facilities with a shower, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker. The square is 27 sq.m
Victoria Suite (1 cabin)
Large bedroom, sitting room, 4 windows, private facilities with a shower, bed, sofa, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker.The square is 28 sq.m.
Arktika Suite (5 cabins)
Very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV set and DVD player, coffee maker, opening windows. The square is 33 sq.m.
Common questions
All passengers under the age of 85 are covered by medical travel insurance of €100,000 pp, which includes emergency evacuation and repatriation. Travelers over 85 years must purchase their insurance policy with coverage of at least EUR 100,000. Such a policy must cover repatriation/evacuation risks from extremely remote areas and must be sufficient for travel to the High Arctic. Any risks not covered by the provided insurance policy shall be covered by passengers at their discretion and expense. The insurance is valid only on board the vessel and off-board as soon as the vessel leaves port.
This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area to obtain a Russian Visa. Please, contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa. Let us know if you have any difficulties in visa processing.
Purchasing this cruise will give you a 5% discount on all future journeys with RussiaDiscovery.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
shipboard accommodation in a cabin of the chosen category
1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk (with breakfast)
transfers as per program: airport – hotel – port – airport
shipboard breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; сoffee, tea, and cocoa available 24 hours
professional expedition leadership
all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs; shore landings included in the daily program
program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced expedition team and guest lecturers
letter of invitation
personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (coverage: 100,000 EUR)
all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
wellington boots for landing, branded expedition jacket
passport and visa expenses (if required)
state arrival and departure taxes (if levied)
excess luggage charges on international and local flights
telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)
shipboard accommodation in a cabin of the chosen category
1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk (with breakfast)
transfers as per program: airport – hotel – port – airport
shipboard breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; сoffee, tea, and cocoa available 24 hours
professional expedition leadership
all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs; shore landings included in the daily program
program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced expedition team and guest lecturers
letter of invitation
personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation (coverage: 100,000 EUR)
all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
wellington boots for landing, branded expedition jacket
passport and visa expenses (if required)
state arrival and departure taxes (if levied)
excess luggage charges on international and local flights
telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel
tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion)
Testimonials
Top of the world
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My experience on the Russian Icebreaker was beyond extraordinarily. I loved the atmosphere and the journey into the Arctic Ocean! The expedition crew were like a family, and the program was intellectual and entertaining. The daily programs were designed to make sure we are kept busy doing something and learning. An experience I would recommend to others for sure! The Murmansk tour was great, Andrew did a good job to keep me engaged with sharing information about the city. I learnt that Murmansk has more to offer than just in the city, so for sure I will plan more days in the future.