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.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Helsinki
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 Helsinki/ Murmansk - Embarkation Day
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 Northbound on the Arctic Ocean
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 The North Pole
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 Southbound - the Arctic Ocean
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 Franz Josef Land
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 Barents Sea
As you make your way southwards, time to he recap on this extraordinary odyssey

Day 15 Disembarkation/ Murmansk
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 Helsinki
Disembarkation for onward travel



The Boat
The following boat operates this cruise:

Yamal

The world's most powerful and sophisticated expedition vessel stands alone, as one of the few surface vessels to repeatedly reach the North Pole.

Cruise dates for 2008

23rd June - 8th July
6th - 21st July
19th July - 4th August

Guide Price
(based on 2 sharing)

	Prices from:
Twin cabin	£12,250pp*
Mini Suite	£13,850pp*
Suite	£15,970pp*

*Please note: These prices exclude International flights to/ from Helsinki and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

What's included?

• Flight from Helsinki to Murmansk return


• Accommodation in Helsinki on the first and last night's of the expedition


• Loan of a pair of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage.


• Complimentary parka


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

What's not included?

• International flights to and from Helsinki


• Any additional accommodation or excursions arranged independently


• Drinks, laundry and gratuities on board the ship

Single Supplements on board
Please contact the office for a quotation

To discuss this trip, for further details or to check boat availability, please either:

Call 01285 880981
Email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk

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