The North Pole

Why Join This Cruise:

• Ultimate icebreaker adventure to the ultimate destination at the top of the world


• Travel aboard one of the world's most powerful icebreaker ships


• Landings at both the North Pole and on Franz Josef Land
• Helicopter excursions

Trip Overview
Dare to undertake this ultimate expedition to the ends of the earth and join that exclusive club of those who have achieved the ultimate destination. Travelling aboard the powerful icebreaker Yamal, this is a purely destination focused trip, with sightseeing in Franz Josef land only once you've 'bagged' the pole itself. Hardy adventurers can use the holes created in the ice to plunge into the most exclusive swimming hole on Earth, while others may prefer the amazing views from the onboard helicopters.



Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive into Helsinki, just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle where you overnight prior to flying to your ship the following day.

Day 2
During the charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk today you cross into the Arctic Circle. On arrival into Murmansk you will embark your ship, Yamal, currently the only icebreaker sailing to the North Pole with travellers. Depart heading north.

Days 3 - 7
Days at sea forging ever northwards to the goal of this expedition - the top of the world. During the day, your onboard polar specialists will regale you with fascinating lecturers covering the history and geology of the Arctic region, while your ornithologist will accompany you topside to identify birds on the wing. The Expedition Leader may deploy the onboard helicopters for an aerial view of Yamal breaking ice.

Day 8
With good weather, you should reach the North Pole some time on the eighth day of the expedition. (The seventh day should you choose the shorter voyage). Very few people each year achieve this point and you will have plenty of opportunity to disembark the ship, to experience and capture this momentous moment.

Days 9 -11
As Yamal sails southwards, members of the Expedition Team will prepare you for shore landings on little-visited Franz Josef Land. Their presentations cover the wildlife, geology and history of this enigmatic archipelago.

Day 12
As long as visibility is sufficient the helicopters will transfer you to one of the flat-topped islands that comprise the archipelago. The most northerly islands in Eurasia are located between 80 and 81 degrees North. Birders, pack your binoculars. Franz Josef Land is home to numerous colonies of seabirds as well as a healthy population of polar bears!

Days 13 - 14
As you make your way southwards, time to he recap on this extraordinary odyssey

Day 15
The Captain times his entrance into Murmansk harbour to coincide with high tide. Once the ship is safely moored, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to Helsinki, where you will spend the night.

Day 16
Disembarkation for onward travel from Helsinki.



Cruise dates and Boat option for 2009

50 Years of Victory
9th - 23rd Jul

Please refer to the 'Arctic Boats' section for full Boat details.

Guide Price for 2009

	Prices from:
Twin cabin	£12,7700pp
Mini Suite	£14,170pp
Suite	£17,570pp
Victory	£18,070pp
Arktika	£18,670pp

These prices exclude International flights to and from Helsinki and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

What's included?

• Pre & post voyage accommodation in Helsinki


• Expeditionary voyage based on full board basis
  


• All lectures and guided excursions while on board ship
  


• All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day's program


• Complimentary parka jacket and wellington boot loan for the duration of the voyage
  

What's not included?

• International flights into Helsinki
  
• Charter flights to and from the points of embarkation/ disembarkation


• Any additional pre or post voyage hotel accommodation or services


• Gratuities, laundry and drinks onboard ship


• Fuel Surcharge, if applicable
  

NOTES

Single Supplement
For those solo travellers wishing to secure their own cabin, typically a multiplier of 1.5 a single berth is used to calculate the single supplement. Please contact the office for a quotation.

Charter Flights
Please note that the charter flights to and from the points of embarkation/ disembarkation are not included in the overall voyage cost. These flights cost an additional approx. £1,095 per person.

Notes
Please note that these prices are a guide only and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and fuel surcharges.

For further details or to check availability, please either call one of our consultants on 01285 880981 or complete our enquiry form.


Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos, Papau New Guinea, Nile