Deckplan
Voyage to the North Pole
An Expedition of a Lifetime aboard the icebreaker 50 years of Victory
- 28 June 2020
The quest for the North Pole began with the Greeks who speculated about constant midnight northern sun in summer and perpetual darkness in winter. The Vikings made inroads northward as did Europeans in the Age of Exploration, but the real interest in Arctic exploration did not bloom until the 19th century when it reached fever pitch and ever since, to reach the North Pole has been the pinnacle of Arctic expedition endeavours.
Few people can say they have stood at the one earthly spot where every direction is south. Join us aboard the most powerful icebreaker ship ever built on an amazing voyage to 90°N. We are working with our associates at Quark Expeditions for this true expedition aboard the 50 Years of Victory, a nuclear-powered vessel with special capabilities, allowing us to explore where very few will ever go in their lifetime.
Crushing through the ice, the journey can take as long as a week, which only helps to heighten the level of excitement. The sound of mammoth slabs of ice colliding with the hull is unforgettable. Zodiac excursions will take you up-close to wildlife and the onboard helicopter will allow some spectacular aerial-sightseeing. On reaching the North Pole, we will celebrate with champagne on the ice and if conditions permit you will have the opportunity to soar above the Earth on an optional hot air balloon ride. On our return journey south, we will visit Franz Josef Land, an archipelago of 191 islands, unpopulated except for one small Russian military base. Here the foreboding landscapes of the islands are dotted with relics from famous explorers of the past. Home to walrus, polar bear, seal, Arctic fox, beluga whale and numerous species of Arctic birds, this is an archipelago visited by few people.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips
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Our View
“This is an opportunity to visit a part of the world usually only open to explorers and researchers. It’s a difficult place to access and we require the use of the most powerful icebreaker in the world to reach our goal. The world we visit is one of stillness with just wildlife, birds or possibly polar bears for company as we power our way nort h. Once we arrive at the North Pole we can have a sense of pride that we are one of the few people ever to make this spot, and can even celebrate with a swim! ”
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Helicopter Team
Landing a helicopter on the helipad of a ship or on a glacier takes great skill and are only two of the jobs that the helicopter crew must perform. For these reasons, only the best and most professional of helicopter crews enter service on a North Pole expedition. Many of their names are legends in the industry. Their expertise is put at your service affording you the opportunity to experience a maximum of thrills while ensuring you the safest of flights. There is no better way to explore the far north than by combining a world-class icebreaker and a helicopter.
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Expedition Highlights
• Travel aboard the most powerful icebreaker in the world and one of the only ships that can undertake this journey
• Toast with champagne on the ice at the North Pole
• Breathtaking wildlife opportunites in Franz Josef Land where we hope to see walrus, polar bear and millions of birds
• Travelling in the Midnight Sun
• Included helicopter excursions to see the ship breaking through the ice
50 Years of Victory
The 50 Years of Victory was built in 2007 and is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. She is a new generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class. Accommodating a maximum of 128 guests and carrying the highest ice class possible (LL1), she is one of the only ships that can undertake a voyage to the North Pole. With 74,000 horsepower generated by two nuclear reactors, the vessel can crush ice up to two and a half metres thick and is the world’s largest and most sophisticated nuclear-powered icebreaker. The 50 Years of Victory is the property of the Russian Federation and has received maritime registration under the name 50 LET POBEDY.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Helsinki, Finland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for your specially chartered flight to Murmansk. On arrival we transfer to our ship and embark on our expedition to the North Pole. Take some time to get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker.
Days 3 to 6 - Northbound in the Arctic Ocean.
We have three days heading north through the mighty ice fields of the Arctic Ocean. Our time on board will be spent watching the ’50 Years of Victory’ crush through the Arctic ice pack, a sight you will never forget and one made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the vessel and expansive Arctic Ocean. There will be a programme of lectures and discussions by the onboard expedition team while we also keep lookout for the bird life. There are also the vessel’s amenities to make use of such as the plunge pool and basketball court.
Day 7 - North Pole.
All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as the ship manouevres to 90 degrees north and we reach the North Pole. We will disembark and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of standing at the top of the world. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice whilst the more daring can plunge into the Arctic Ocean.
Day 8 - Arctic Ocean.
We now start our journey back south, as we head to our next landfall we may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.
Days 9 & 10 - Franz Josef Land.
This group of 191
islands forms the most northerly archipelago in
Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle.
Here we will explore Cape Flora and discover
historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic
expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips
beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird
rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide
aerial sightseeing and the Zodiacs transfer you
to seldom visited landing sites. This part of the
Arctic Ocean is so remote that Franz Josef Land
was discovered after Antarctica. Walrus and polar
bear are numerous on these islands, which you
will explore on Zodiac excursions and helicopter
sightseeing rides. Possible landing sites and
wildlife sightings are numerous and include:
APOLLONOV ISLAND: This small island has a
ridge that may provide a vantage point for viewing
a walrus rookery, known to haul-out on the island.
Zodiac cruising for watching walrus from a distance
is also a possibility.
BELL ISLAND: In 1881, Benjamin Leigh-Smith’s
expedition built a hut here, but the crew never had
the opportunity to use it, as their ship was wrecked
off the coast. The hut is in supreme condition,and
has a number of interesting inscriptions on its
interior walls. Also found here is an old Russian
isba (a wooden hut), which may even predate the
official 1873 discovery of Franz Josef Land.
CALM BAY, HOOKER ISLAND: Sporadically in
use today, this is the site of the first ever polar
station in the archipelago, built in 1929. Memorials
to Georgiy Sedov’s wintering in 1913-14 are built here and the remains of a glaciologist hut can also
be seen.
CAMBRIDGE STRAIT: This is a well-known area
for spotting polar bears. This is a popular hunting
ground for them as seals also frequent the area.
CAPE FLIGELY, RUDOLF ISLAND: The most
northern point of the archipelago is marked with
a copper plaque and memorial cross. This is also
the most northern part of Europe, reaching further
north than Spitsbergen. The island is almost
entirely ice-covered and temperatures only rise
above freezing for a few short weeks each summer.
CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND: More
than half a dozen expeditions passed through here
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - among
them was the ‘1000 Days in the Arctic’ expedition
of Jackson-Harmsworth. Many buildings from the
time are in ruins or have fallen into the sea, but
some remain. Memorials and crosses have been
erected in more recent years in memory of the
survivors and victims of those early expeditions.
CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND: Sometimes
unreachable, even to icebreakers, weather
is always a factor at this northern part of the
archipelago. A variety of Arctic flora is found in this
area, making it particularly interesting for botanists.
This is also the location where Fridtjof Nansen and
Frederick Jackson stayed during the 1895-96 winter
and the remains of their stone hut can be visited.
CAPE TEGETTHOF, HALL ISLAND: Impressive
tall cliffs are home to large numbers of seabirds,
while the ruins of the Walter Wellman 1898-
99 expedition are also found. With a diverse
landscape the island is great for exploring on foot, provided that polar bears aren’t in the vicinity.
CHAMP ISLAND: Wildflowers of the tundra are
a common sight, giving a bit of colour to an often
bleak landscape. Of particular interest are the
mysteriously perfectly-rounded rocks scattered
on parts of the island. They are up to two metres
in diameter and have been nicknamed ‘Devil’s
Marbles.’
NEGRI FJORD: This is a scenic and narrow
waterway that lies between MacKlintok Island and
Hall Island towards the southern reaches of Franz
Josef Land.
RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND: Considered
by many to be home to the most impressive bird
cliffs anywhere in Franz Josef Land. The cliffs are
home to a bounty of seabirds and because of deep
waters, ships are able to get up close to the edge
of the cliffs for great views. Most of the shores are
dominated by glacier fronts, while a large part of
the island is ice-covered.
Days 11 & 12 - Barents Sea.
Enjoy a few moments on deck, use the facilities on board, ask any outstanding queries to our expedition team and reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross back to Murmansk.
Day 13 - Murmansk, Russia to Helsinki, Finland.
Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, it is time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 years of Victory. You will be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 14 - Helsinki to London.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extreme remote regions, your expedition team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you will experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specifi itinerary can be guaranteed.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 28 June to 11 July 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Standard Twin | £23495 | |
| Mini Suite | £27495 | |
| Suite | £32495 | |
| Victory Suite | £34495 | |
| Arktika Suite | £35495 | |
| Standard Twin for sole use | £38995 | |
Tour Reference Code: SC50120619
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel between London and Helsinki, charter flight between Helsinki and Murmansk, two nights hotel accommodation in Helsinki on a bed and breakfast basis, 11 nights aboard the 50 Years of Victory on a full board basis, all drinks on board the ship including house wine and beer during dinner, expedition team, shore landings, Zodiac excursions, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, photo journal, loan of waterproof boots on board, expedition parka, Helicopter sightseeing flight mentioned in programme (subject to weather conditions).
Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities, Russian visa, premium label drinks, optional hot air balloon trip.
NB. Itinerary subject to change based on weather conditions.
Important Visa Information: A visa is required for Russia and Noble Caledonia will provide all supporting documentation needed although the process to apply for the visa cannot be started until three months before departure and in some instances can take up to six weeks. To obtain a Russian visa it will be necessary for passengers to attend application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
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All Decks
50 Years of Victory
The 50 Years of Victory was built in 2007 and is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. She is a new generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class. Accommodating a maximum of 128 guests and carrying the highest ice class possible (LL1), she is one of the only ships that can undertake a voyage to the North Pole. With 74,000 horsepower generated by two nuclear reactors, the vessel can crush ice up to two and a half metres thick and is the world’s largest and most sophisticated nuclear-powered icebreaker. The 50 Years of Victory is the property of the Russian Federation and has received maritime registration under the name 50 LET POBEDY.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
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. Designed with a stainless-steel ice belt, 5 metres wide, she is able to break through ice up to 2.5 metres thick. We do hope you have a wonderful expedition to the North Pole.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 128
Length: 150.70 metres
Breadth: 30 metres
Draft: 11 metres
Propulsion: 2 Nuclear Reactors,
74,000 horsepower
Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots
Ice Class: LL1
(the highest rating possible)
Staff & Crew: 140
Registered: Russia
Year built: 2007ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements in English over the ship’s public address system will alert you to wildlife sightings, itinerary changes and landing instructions for going ashore. On some voyages, announcements may be repeated in other languages. Out of courtesy to other travellers, we ask that you remain quiet during all announcements – even those made in languages that are not your own. Radio announcements in Russian are for the crew.
DAILY BRIEFINGS & RECAPS
You will have regular briefings throughout the voyage. These briefings allow your Expedition Leader and Team to provide you with information about upcoming landings and any itinerary changes that may occur. During your recap sessions you are encouraged to share your experience and wildlife sightings, or ask questions about the places you have just visited.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Your schedule of activities, presentations, meal hours and films is usually posted one day in advance. Please remember that the unexpected is an everyday occurrence during a polar expedition, so it is possible that while you are sleeping it may be necessary to adjust the activities for the next day. Your daily programme notices and itineraries are meant only as guides. Whilst sailing, the Captain and Expedition Leader will constantly monitor weather and ice conditions, while collaborating to create as many opportunities as possible for you to enjoy landings and Zodiac cruises at the places you visit.
DISABLED FACILITIES
Although there is a lift, unfortunately the ship does not have facilities for disabled, or wheelchair dependent, passengers.
DRESS CODE
During the day we recommend comfortable, casual clothing that will be suitable against the elements. The evenings are smart casual. There will be welcome and farewell cocktail parties so you may like to bring something a little smarter for these events. A complimentary Parka, which is yours to keep, will be provided. Waterproof boots will be provided for the duration of your voyage. Further details will be advised in your pre-departure information.
ELECTRICITY V
oltage is 220V/50Hz. The outlets are European Style (2 round pin). Most modern electronic devices support dual voltages, but please verify compatibility prior to plugging in your equipment. We recommend that you take a universal adaptor.
FACILITIES
There are the following facilities onboard: • Bar • Basketball Court • Lecture Hall • Dining Room • Doctor • Gym • Heated Sea Water Swimming Pool • Helicopter for shore excursions • Laundry services • Lecture Hall • Library • Lounge • Massage service • Polar Boutique • Saunas • Volleyball Court
FOOD & DRINK
The dining room is spacious, has open seating and meals are served to your table with a variety of international cuisine prepared by qualified chefs. All cruises include full board in the single sitting restaurant. Breakfast is provided buffet style; lunch and dinner are a mix of buffet with choice of soup and entrées and served dishes with choice of meat, fish or vegetarian. Afternoon tea is also provided daily with a choice of cakes. Among the specials are polar barbecues on open deck and on ice. The well-stocked bar is open for you to enjoy all-inclusive beverages with your fellow shipmates from the afternoon into the late evening. Soft drinks, juices and water are available, as is a selection of liquors, spirits, beers and wine. Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water are available self-service 24 hours a day.
If you bring any beverages onboard the ship, please confine consumption to your suite. If you do wish to bring your own wine to the dining room, a small corkage fee will be charged to your shipboard account. Water onboard is a condensate of evaporated seawater and is safe to drink. However drinking water is available if preferred. We recommend that you bring a refillable bottle to use onboard, or purchase one as a souvenir from the Polar Boutique.
Special dietary requests such as vegetarian, low salt and low cholesterol should be made with Noble Caledonia in advance. However, we recommend that you contact the Hotel Manager once on board to reconfirm such requests. We regret that these, and any other special dietary needs, cannot be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you. Kosher food cannot be prepared.
HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS
Helicopter sightseeing flights are included in your expedition. Participants will be taken in groups, and will be flown around in turns. Helicopter sightseeing flights will only be operated if weather conditions are suitable, and when helicopters are not engaged in reconnaissance for further navigation. Therefore, flights often take place without much scheduling.
LAUNDRY
A complete list of laundry charges will be provided when you are on board the ship. Laundry is collected each morning and request forms and bags are provided in your cabin. Please allow 48 hours for your laundry to be returned. Ironing services are also available, at a minimal charge. You are encouraged to take advantage of the laundry services, as it means you will be need to pack fewer articles of clothing.
LIFE BOAT DRILL
With your safety in mind, there will be a muster drill whilst in port, before your voyage begins. This mandatory drill will be scheduled by your Expedition Leader, with instructions from your Expedition Team. During the drill, you will be asked to locate your life vest in your cabin and remember your life boat and muster station. By international maritime law, everyone is required to participate in such a drill within 24 hours of sailing.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your suite to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MEDICAL
There is an English-speaking doctor onboard, who manages a medical clinic that is stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. Please ensure that you carry an adequate supply of any medications that you may require.
MONEY MATTERS
The US Dollar is the standard currency onboard. You can also use credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or American Express). You will need to register your card at the administrative office for an imprint to be taken. Personal cheques are not accepted. A “chit” system is used on the ship. This means that you will sign for items when you take them, but pay your account balance on your second last day of the voyage. If you are sharing a suite and would like separate accounts, you must advise the Hotel Manager.
Please note that gratuities to crew are not included in your holiday price. The recommend amount is $13 to $15 US Dollars per traveller, per day. Gratuities are collected anonymously at the end of your voyage and are distributed among staff and crew at that time. They can be made in cash or charged to your onboard account.
POLAR BOUTIQUE
Gifts and souvenirs are great to take home as mementos of your polar expedition. In addition to small souvenirs, the Polar Boutique offers a selection of expedition gear, including base layer clothing and refillable water bottles. All items may be charged to your shipboard account.
POST Post service from the Polar regions is slow and erratic at best. If the ship’s staff are unable to deliver your post during the voyage, they will try again on subsequent voyages, however delivery cannot be guaranteed. Receiving Polar mail is still a rare and memorable way to send loved ones a memento from your voyage. If you do send post, please bear in mind that your postcard may take as long as 8 months to be delivered.
PRESENTATIONS BY THE EXPEDITION TEAM
Your Expedition Team is carefully chosen for their combined experience, knowledge and passion for the Polar Regions. Through formal illustrated presentations, as well as informal briefings, your Expedition Leader and Expedition Team will cover a range of topics including ornithology, marine biology, glaciology, geography, geology, history and the environment.
We are sure that you will enjoy the enthusiasm that they have for expedition travel! Biographies of your Expedition Team members will be provided to you when you receive your final documents before your voyage.
SHIP OPERATIONS
Please be aware of pitching and rolling. When the ship is going through ice, there may be sudden lurches, rolls or other motions. Please use handrails whenever possible, especially when going up and down stairs. Please watch your step while passing through doorways; many of them have high steps.
SMOKING
You are not permitted to smoke in cabins or public areas of the ship. Smoking is not allowed in the Zodiacs, helicopter or ashore. Please smoke in designated areas only and ensure your butts are safely and properly disposed of.
SUITES
You may control the temperature in your suite by adjusting the thermostat. Your suite will be cleaned on a daily basis. Your towels will be changed, along with your bed sheets, every third day, subject to the length of the voyage and in accordance with the supplier’s sustainability practices. If you would like your towels changed more frequently, please see the onboard Hotel Manager.
Standard Twin: Bed: 1 lower berth and 1 sofa bed. Furnishings: TV, opening windows, safe, hair dryer, private facilities with shower and bathrobe(s) for use during the expedition. Mini Suite: Furnishings: sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, TV, refrigerator, opening windows, safe, hair dryer, private facilities with shower and bathrobe(s) for use during the expedition.
Suite: Furnishings: bedroom and sitting area, sofa bed in sitting room, TV, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, opening windows, safe, hair dryer, private facilities with shower and bathrobe(s) for use during the expedition.
Victory Suite: Furnishings: large bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, TV, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, opening windows, safe, hair dryer, private facilities with bathtub and bathrobe(s) for use during the expedition.
Arktika Suite: Furnishings: very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, TV, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, opening windows, safe, hair dryer, private facilities with bathtub and bathrobe(s) for use during the expedition.
VISITING THE BRIDGE
During your voyage you may be invited to visit the Bridge, where you can observe how the Captain and Officers sail and navigate the ship. A map of your expedition path will be available, so you can see exactly where you have been. As the Bridge is an important working area on the ship, we kindly ask that you keep noise to a minimum during your visits to avoid distracting the officers from doing their jobs efficiently.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
V.1 March 2016
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Our View
“This is an opportunity to visit a part of the world usually only open to explorers and researchers. It’s a difficult place to access and we require the use of the most powerful icebreaker in the world to reach our goal. The world we visit is one of stillness with just wildlife, birds or possibly polar bears for company as we power our way nort h. Once we arrive at the North Pole we can have a sense of pride that we are one of the few people ever to make this spot, and can even celebrate with a swim! ”
Helicopter Team
Landing a helicopter on the helipad of a ship or on a glacier takes great skill and are only two of the jobs that the helicopter crew must perform. For these reasons, only the best and most professional of helicopter crews enter service on a North Pole expedition. Many of their names are legends in the industry. Their expertise is put at your service affording you the opportunity to experience a maximum of thrills while ensuring you the safest of flights. There is no better way to explore the far north than by combining a world-class icebreaker and a helicopter.
Expedition Highlights
• Travel aboard the most powerful icebreaker in the world and one of the only ships that can undertake this journey
• Toast with champagne on the ice at the North Pole
• Breathtaking wildlife opportunites in Franz Josef Land where we hope to see walrus, polar bear and millions of birds
• Travelling in the Midnight Sun
• Included helicopter excursions to see the ship breaking through the ice
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Itinerary at a glance
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Next Departure
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