NORTH POLE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure - Quark Expeditions
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NORTH POLE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure
The Trip Overview
Your icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, will take you to a part of the world more commonly
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
associated with fairy tales and folklore—the North Pole.
Stand at the top of the world at 90°N
Few have ever reached 90°N—the ultimate travel goal that has stirred the hearts and Experience one of the most powerful
minds of explorers and adventurers alike. Departing from Murmansk, Russia, your nuclear icebreakers in the world,
journey to the extreme north will be just as exciting as standing at the very top of the 50 Years of Victory
world. Imagine being aboard the most powerful nuclear icebreaker on the planet as it Enjoy helicopter sightseeing
above the Arctic Ocean
crushes through thick, multiyear pack ice.
Possibly view polar bears,
Achieving the absolute zenith of polar exploration, you’ll celebrate with a champagne walrus and other arctic wildlife
toast, pose for the ultimate photo op and, if conditions permit, soar high above the Take advantage of optional
tethered flight by hot air balloon
Earth on an optional hot air balloon ride. Take in even more spectacular sights from (weather permitting)
a thrilling helicopter tour over the icy Arctic Ocean. Then, swinging by Franz Josef Cruise in a Zodiac
Land on the way home, visit amazing historical sites, always on the lookout for Visit Franz Josef Land historical
the astonishing wildlife that call this fragile place home. As one of only 250 people sites, wildlife and wildflowers
privileged to voyage to the top of the world each year, you’ll be surrounded by
dramatic, endless icescapes and the courage of those who came before you.
Itinerary ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view
over the ship and the expansive Arctic
Arctic Ocean
Ocean. You can expect variable sailing
GREENLAND
conditions this far north. The crossing North Pole 90°N
DAY 1 | HELSINKI, FINLAND from Murmansk to the North Pole can
Your adventure begins with a one- take us anywhere from four to six days,
Greenland Sea
night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. depending on the ice conditions. This Svalbard
DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY means you’ll have plenty of time to get Franz
Josef
IN MURMANSK, RUSSIA to know your shipmates and be treated Barents Sea Land
From Helsinki, you’ll join your to lectures and discussions by your
fellow passengers on the charter flight to Expedition Team while looking out for
Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark birdlife. There are also many wonderful
Murmansk
on your voyage to the North Pole and amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap
get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, pool or basketball court. Helsinki
ARCTIC
the world’s largest and most powerful CIRCLE
DAY 7 | 90°N RUSSIA
icebreaker.
The anticipation reaches a climax as
THE NORTH POLE
DAYS 3 TO 6 | NORTHBOUND you arrive at the North Pole! Many The Ultimate Arctic Adventure
IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN travelers find themselves overcome with Flight to and from Murmansk
Being on board Victory and feeling the emotion, while others are in a festive On the 50 Years of Victory
icebreaker as it crushes through the arctic and celebratory mood. Take photos, call
pack ice is an experience you’ll never your family, wave a flag—just be sure you
forget. Just as memorable is boarding the enjoy your moment at the top!
Later, everyone will celebrate with a ill-fated arctic expeditions. You may also Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final
toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the have the chance, if conditions allow, to night with your newfound friends.
opportunity allows, you have the option explore remote seabird colonies while
DAY 14 | HELSINKI, FINLAND
of taking a polar plunge into the icy Zodiac cruising beneath towering cliffs,
After breakfast, your official Quark
waters around the North Pole. We’ll or enjoy another breathtaking aerial
Expeditions® journey comes to an
also attempt to launch passengers high sightseeing tour aboard the Victory
end. We do encourage you to spend
above the Pole in our hot air balloon to helicopter.
time exploring Helsinki, and its
commemorate this great moment (this is
DAYS 11 AND 12 | SOUTHBOUND surrounding areas.
highly weather dependent).
AT SEA
DAY 8 | SOUTHBOUND IN Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce
THE ARCTIC OCEAN with your shipmates and new friends IMPORTANT REMINDER
On our return voyage, you can sit back as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Embracing the unexpected is part
and relax. As you head farther south, Murmansk. Expedition staff will be on of the legacy—and excitement—of
you may get lucky and spot polar bears hand to answer any remaining questions expedition travel. When traveling
hunting for seals. and point out wildlife during the return in extremely remote regions, your
DAYS 9 AND 10 | FRANZ JOSEF LAND journey. expedition staff must allow the
AND THE ARCTIC OCEAN sea, the ice and the weather to
DAY 13 | DISEMBARKATION guide route and itinerary details.
This group of 191 islands forms the most IN MURMANSK
northerly archipelago in Eurasia and This itinerary is a tentative outline
Returning to Russia’s most northerly of what you’ll experience on this
lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to voyage; please be aware that no
Here, you’ll explore Cape Flora and 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
discover historic remains from three to the airport for your charter flight to
Adventure Options
Ready for a little adventure beyond your into different experience levels to allow
ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage passengers of a variety of fitness and
offers a variety of fun recreational activities experience levels to participate.
to enhance your polar experience.
LECTURES
Included Activities Daily chats with on-board experts—
our guides, scientists and other special
HELICOPTER TOUR guests—let passengers rub shoulders
On-board helicopters offer thrilling aerial with historians, botanists, ornithologists,
sightseeing opportunities high above your zoologists, geologists and more.
ship and the expansive ocean waters.
POLAR PLUNGE
HIKING This rite of passage, experienced just
Led by experienced staff, exploring on once per expedition, sees you safely
foot is the best way to appreciate the jumping into icy ocean waters under the
landscape and shorelines of Franz Josef watchful eye of our staff—and just about
Land. Normally hiking groups are split out every single camera lens on board!
ZODIAC CRUISING
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar
expeditions, safely transporting guests to
remote shorelines and shallow inlets—
places the ships can’t reach. Hopping in
and out of them is super-easy.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting your voyage so you
can take the memories home is both
rewarding and constructive. Plus, it is
next to impossible to take a bad picture
of the Polar Regions.
OTHER EQUIPMENT ON BOARD
Walking poles are provided at each
landing for your convenience. This
equipment is available at no cost.
Paid Activities
HOT AIR BALLOONING
If reaching the North Pole isn’t a big enough thrill, be one of only a
few people in the world to soar above the sea ice in a hot air balloon,
with a sweeping 360-degree view of all points south. Rising as high as
98 feet (30 meters), you’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the ship and
arctic ice—something you’ll remember forever. Exclusive to Quark
Expeditions®, this option brings you a whole new perspective of the
North Pole!
*This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly
weather dependent.
Arrival & Departure Details
As you prepare for your North Pole On arrival at the hotel, you will receive
Adventure, you may be interested to a welcome letter outlining the departure
know the details of your arrival and information for the following day’s
departure. Since air transportation flight. An agent representing Quark
to and from Helsinki is not included Expeditions® will be available in the
in the cost of your expedition, you lobby of the hotel that evening to answer
have some flexibility in planning any questions about the charter flight(s)
your flights. Looking to extend your scheduled for the following morning.
adventure beyond your polar cruise?
MURMANSK AND EMBARKATION
Quark Expeditions® can help you book
Your flight to the Arctic is expected
your flights, or contact your preferred
to depart from Helsinki to Murmansk
travel agent or airline to arrange for a
on Day 2 of the itinerary. Although
layover in Helsinki or a nearby region
the scheduled flight time will be PLEASE NOTE
of your choice.
communicated in your welcome letter, There is a strict luggage limit of 44
Arrival there is significant variability based lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs
(5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights
ARRIVING IN HELSINKI on weather conditions. You should be
prepared to depart the hotel for the between Helsinki and Murmansk.
You may arrive in Helsinki at any
airport on our group transfer at any time. Should you have additional luggage,
time during Day 1 of the itinerary. it can be stored at the hotel in
Your included accommodation will be at Helsinki. There is NO option to pay
the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are for additional luggage.
not necessary.
Departure Transfers
DISEMBARKATION IN MURMANSK HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS IMPORTANT
Your ship is scheduled to arrive back at Arrival and departure transfers in REMINDER
the pier in Murmansk before 8am local Helsinki are not included in the Russian visas are required for
time, but may arrive earlier depending expedition. Your first night’s included tourists from most countries.
on Murmansk tides. After breakfast, and accommodation will be provided at the This voyage requires double-entry
once the ship has docked, you will have airport hotel, so please make your way to Russian visas. See your country’s
time to bid farewell to your Expedition the lobby for check-in when you arrive. Russian consulate or embassy for
Team and shipmates before completing A departure transfer to the airport is not details. A measure of flexibility is
your disembarkation. The process takes provided from the downtown hotel at something all of us must bring to
about an hour. After disembarkation, a polar expedition.
the end of your stay in Helsinki.
you will transfer to the airport for your
return charter flight to Helsinki.
DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI
Upon arrival in Helsinki, there will be
a group transfer to your included post-
expedition hotel in downtown Helsinki.
After breakfast the following morning,
you may make your way to the airport to
connect with your homeward flight, or
stay longer if you have booked additional
accommodation.
Included
Accommodations
Your included accommodation begins
on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the
specific hotel(s) will be indicated on your
final voyage confirmation.
If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of
your expedition or are staying after the
disembarkation day, please contact your
Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options.
PLEASE NOTE
Weather conditions can always
delay our arrival, and airline schedule
changes have also been known to
occur. Booking flexible tickets is
always encouraged, as we cannot be
held responsible for delays due to
unforeseen circumstances.
Extend Your Trip PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore other northern cities before or after the voyage. Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Helsinki. This dynamic city known for melding old-world architecture with modern metropolitan ways, has plenty to offer culture enthusiasts and foodies alike. Stroll Helsinki’s charming streets, grab a pint at a microbrewery, or visit dazzling shops, galleries and a traditional public sauna. FROM TOP: Helsinki; the Sibelius Monument; Helsinki Cathedral
Inclusions of the daily program
• All miscellaneous service taxes and
port charges throughout the program *MANDATORY TRANSFER
PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Emergency evacuation insurance to
• One night’s pre- and
a maximum benefit of $500,000USD
YOUR NORTH POLE post-expedition hotel
per person
EXPEDITION INCLUDES accommodation in Helsinki with
• Waterproof expedition boots on • Russian invitation letter for visa
breakfast
application provided after final payment
loan for shore landings • Round-trip flights from Helsinki
• Official Quark Expeditions® parka to Murmansk
to keep THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES • Transfers to and from the ship
• S hipboard accommodation with • M
andatory transfer package* • Transfers between the airport
daily housekeeping • International airfare and hotel in Helsinki
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices • Passport and visa expenses PACKAGE COST: $1,995
on board • Government arrival and departure
• Beer and wine with dinner taxes not mentioned above
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and
the clock medical travel insurance—strongly
• Gratuities for hotel and expedition staff recommended
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin • Transfer from hotel to airport on final day
• All shore landings per the daily program • Excess-baggage fees on international
flights
• Leadership throughout the voyage by
our experienced Expedition Team • Additional overnight accommodations
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the • Helicopter flying time in excess
daily program of that offered for the group
• Formal and informal presentations by • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
our Expedition Team and special guests • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal
as scheduled charges unless specified
• All luggage handling aboard the ship • Phone and Internet charges
• Group helicopter flightseeing as part • Hot air ballooning at the North PoleDates & Rates
Dates Days Start/End Twin Mini Suite Suite Victory Arktika
NORTH POLE: THE ULTIMATE ARCTIC ADVENTURE | 50 YEARS OF VICTORY
JUN 12 – JUN 25, 2019 14 Helsinki $29,995 $32,795 $40,995 $44,095 $45,095 $495
JUN 23 – JUL 6, 2019 14 Helsinki $29,995 $32,795 $40,995 $44,095 $45,095 $495
*Mandatory transfer package available for $1,995. All rates per person in USD.
Hot-Air BallooningYour Expedition Ship
50 YEARS OF VICTORY BRIDGE DECK 4
Join the select few who have tripped to the North Pole on
this polar-class, nuclear-powered icebreaker. Authentic in the E
true sense of the word, the 50 Years of Victory is one of the BRIDGE DECK 3
most powerful icebreakers in the world, a pure workhorse,
keeping shipping routes free of ice the rest of the year. POLAR
BOUTIQUE
E
Creature comforts are many.
BRIDGE DECK 2
All cabins have exterior views, private facilities, TVs and DVD
players. There’s a gym, a basketball court, two saunas and a VOLLEYBALL
E
COURT BELOW
small plunge pool, not to mention a polar library and a fully TO VOLLEYBALL
BRIDGE DECK 1
stocked bar. The on-board helicopter offers up absolutely
mind-blowing aerial sightseeing.
WC
E DINING
ROOM
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
WC
Staff & Crew: 140 BOW DECK
Guests: 128
Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed STERN
SMOKER’S
Ice Class: LL1 (highest rating possible) ROOM
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to learn more about the 50 Years of Victory MIDDLE DECK
Twin
Victory SAUNA
Twin
Mini Suite Mini Suite Suite POOL
SAUNA
WC
Arktika
Arktika Victory
Suite LOWER DECKYour Expedition Team Behind the scenes and on the front lines, we are nothing without the dedication, knowledge, energy and passion of our staff. By consistently attracting the most talented people in the polar travel industry, we can keep doing what we do, season after season, to the poles and back and back again. This is where we shine. Our Expeditions Leaders and staff bring diverse polar expertise in subjects as varied as polarhistory, marine biology, glaciology and photography. Their knowledge will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further enhance your connection to the Arctic. With over 25 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions, we know how to handle the unexpected to guarantee the safety of all passengers. Ensuring this hard earned experience is not lost, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in our newly developed Quark Academy, which provides real-world polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage.
Possible Landings
North Pole their ship was wrecked off the coast.
Visitors to the North Pole usually number The hut is in supreme condition and
in the mere hundreds each year. Soak up has a number of interesting inscriptions
the icy surroundings knowing that even on its interior walls. Also found here
polar bears and harp seals are rare visitors is an old Russian isba (a wooden hut),
to this extremity of the Earth. which may even predate the official 1873
discovery of Franz Josef Land.
Franz Josef Land CALM BAY, HOOKER ISLAND
APOLLONOV ISLAND Sporadically in use today, this is the
This small island has a ridge that may site of the archipelago’s first-ever polar
provide a vantage point for viewing a station, built in 1929. Memorials to
walrus rookery, which is known to haul- Georgiy Sedov’s wintering in 1913–14
PLEASE NOTE
out on the island. Zodiac cruising to Weather conditions can always
are built here, and the remains of a delay our arrival, and airline
watch walrus from a distance is also glaciologist’s hut can also be seen. schedule changes have also been
a possibility. known to occur. Booking flexible
CAMBRIDGE STRAIT
tickets is always encouraged, as
BELL ISLAND Cambridge Strait is a well-known area we cannot be held responsible
In 1881, Benjamin Leigh-Smith’s for watching polar bears as they hunt for delays due to unforeseen
expedition built a hut here, but the crew for seals that frequent the area. circumstances.
never had the opportunity to use it, asCAPE FLIGELY, RUDOLF ISLAND CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND
The most northern point of the Weather is always a factor in this
archipelago is marked with a copper northern part of the archipelago,
plaque and a memorial cross. This is which is sometimes unreachable, even
also the northernmost part of Europe, for icebreakers. A variety of arctic flora is
reaching farther north than Spitsbergen. found in this area, making it particularly
The island is almost entirely ice covered, interesting for botanists. This is also where
and temperatures only rise above freezing Fridtjof Nansen and Frederick Jackson
for a few shorts weeks each summer. stayed over winter 1895–96, and the
remains of their stone hut can be visited.
CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND
More than half a dozen expeditions CAPE TEGETTHOFF, HALL ISLAND
passed through here in the late 19th Impressive tall cliffs are home to large
and early 20th centuries—the Jackson- numbers of seabirds, while the ruins of
Harmsworth expedition described in the the Walter Wellman 1898–99 expedition
book A Thousand Days in the Arctic was can also be found. With a diverse
among them. Many buildings from the landscape, the island is great for exploring
time are in ruins or have fallen into the on foot, provided that polar bears aren’t
sea, but some remain. Memorials and in the vicinity.
crosses have been erected in more recent
CHAMP ISLAND
years in memory of the survivors and
Wildflowers of the tundra are a common
victims of those early expeditions.
sight, giving a bit of color to an often
CAPE HELLER, WILCZEK ISLAND bleak landscape. Of particular interest
Historically significant markers can be are the mysteriously perfectly rounded
found here, including the remains of rocks scattered around parts of the island.
a stone hut used by two men from the They are up to seven feet (two meters)
1898–99 Walter Wellman expedition. in diameter and have been nicknamed
There is a gravesite and large memorial Devil’s Marbles.
post in honor of the one member who
died here just after New Year’s in 1899.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Embracing the unexpected is part
of the legacy—and excitement—
of expedition travel. When
traveling in extremely 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’ll
experience on this voyage; please
be aware that no specific itinerary
can be guaranteed. A measure of
flexibility is something all of us
must bring to a polar expedition.NEGRI FJORD This is a scenic and narrow waterway that lies between MacKlintok Island and Hall Island toward the southern reaches of Franz Josef Land. RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND Rubini Rock is considered by many to be home to the most impressive bird cliffs anywhere in Franz Josef Land. The cliffs feature 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. TEPLITZ BAY, RUDOLF ISLAND With a long history of arctic exploration, this bay was first explored during Julius Payer’s 1874 expedition. Once a base for long-distance Arctic flights, the bay is also home to an abandoned polar station. Ships have sunk in these icy waters; a wrecked aircraft lies on the ice cap, and monuments and graves pay homage to the early explorers who died here. For wildlife, both narwhal and beluga whales have been seen in these waters.
Know Before You Go
Meals on Board Language Capability
If there is one constant at sea, it is that The Quark Expedition Team is sourced
you’ll enjoy delicious meals on a daily globally and brings a wealth of cultural
basis. While meal times may change knowledge and language proficiency.
due to landings and wildlife encounters, Although the main language spoken
you’ll always be served three meals a day. during the expedition is English, we
Almost any dietary restriction can be can accommodate Mandarin speakers
accommodated by letting us know prior on any voyage. Please inquire with
to your expedition. Quark Expeditions® to learn what other
languages might be accommodated on
Breakfasts and lunches are normally
your voyage.
served buffet style, while dinners are
served plated. À la carte meals are made
at the time of your order, allowing
our chefs to prepare each dish to your
individual needs, ensuring you receive WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND TEMPERATURES
top quality meals during the course of Weather conditions are highly
your expedition. variable, with temperatures
Soft drinks, juices and water are hovering around the freezing mark.
available at all times, and beer and The continuous daylight warms
sheltered areas so that you may
wine are served with dinner, all
find temperatures warm enough
included in the cost our your package.
for t-shirts. However, you may
Spirits, premium wines and champagne
encounter snow squalls, fog and
are available at an extra cost which can white-outs during an expedition and
be billed to your shipboard account. should be ready for any conditions.
The well-stocked bar on the ship is open
to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in
the late morning, afternoon and evening.PACKING
CHECKLIST
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it
easier for you, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate
polar footwear. Additional suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS
Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack
Mid-layer warm/fleece top or dry sack
Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!)
Wool and synthetic socks Binoculars
(3 to 4 pairs) Camera with extra batteries
Glove liners Extra memory cards
Neck warmer or balaclava Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates)
Warm hat that covers ears Eye masks for sleeping
Waterproof pants Seasickness, indigestion, headache
Waterproof gloves or other medicine
Sunscreen Voltage adapters
Sunglasses with UV protection
FOR ON BOARD
Comfortable casual clothing
(pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip close-toed
unheeled shoesTO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Contact your Travel Professional
EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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