A Journey to the North Pole

Our memorable journey begins at the very accessible and largest city north of the Arctic circle - Murmansk. For those visiting the first time, or making it early to the city on the first day, can immerse themselves into an atmosphere of the authentic Soviet town of the Cold War Days, that this town carries. Just taking a stroll to the city's downtown, learning about some facts at the Museum of the Northern Fleet, seeing the statues of the Waiting Woman, and famous Alshoya, enjoying some fresh local food, are some of the general activities explorers find themselves doing at the city. With an overnight arranged at a centrally located hotel for the first day, we prepare for embarkation on the second day at the Port of Murmansk. While here, you will notice the first nuclear icebreaker Lenin permanently moored. Get to know your fellow travellers during the transfer, explore the spots and amenities of your working ship post embarkation, and look forward to a warm welcome from our expedition team and crew, as we begin sailing north.

They say that half the fun of being at the North Pole, is the journey that leads up to it. As we cross the Barents Sea, we might spot whales. Our expedition team will also try to arrange a tour to the engine room of this incredible ship. During the days, once we reach the edge, you will get to witness firsthand the ship's power as we make way across massive ice blocks that will come in the way. Many find the sensation of being on the deck at this time very surreal and unforgettable! Thanks to the midnight sun, during this while we also try to launch helicopter flight-seeing tours.This will give you the unique opportunity to see the ship breaking through the ice, and an almost panoramic view of the surroundings we have been sailing around. While we make our way towards the North Pole, take your time to relax on the open decks or gain more insight with our lectures. During the Day there might also be other gatherings with the expedition team or photography workshops. Days at seas means you can relax on board at your own comfort, or join the lectures by the expedition team, spend time on deck or in the Panorama lounge with fellow travelers. Enjoy a refreshing workout in the ship ́s well-equipped fitness room or let your muscles relax in the indoor swimming pool, or simply enjoy a friendly basket ball game at the indoor court! These few days on sea will give you incredible opportunity to prepare for whats coming forth. Make sure you approach our photography expert to have the right settings of your camera setup!

Welcome to the Top of the World! From here wherever you see, it’s the south! Our experienced captain carefully navigates to precisely 90 degree north, and we all shall celebrate this as a momentous accomplishment! Once we drop the anchor on sturdy stretch of the ice, we prepare to disembark on the frozen sea! Now will be the time to experience the thrill of standing at the geographic north pole! Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the the globe during our International Round Dance. If conditions allows, you will also be treated to a special barbecue meal on the ice, and probably a dip into the icy water! Nothing like a polar plunge at the North Pole. After a memorable day at the North Pole, we will board the ship and head towards the remote wilderness of Franz Josef Land!

The Franz Josef Land archipelago, part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species—can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. We take advantage of 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing and excursions via Zodiac and helicopter. Franz Josef Land is home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere. Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses, and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers. Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby, the fascinating columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.

After our enthralling exploration, we head back to civilisation through the Barents sea. Our Expedition team will continue the lecture programme to share their knowledge and experience, as well as summarize the voyage so far. Make sure to spend your last few days on sea out on deck, with your fellow travelers sharing your memories!

Every journey comes to an end, and so does our once-in-a-lifetime journey to the top of the world. It's time to bid farewell to our expedition team, the crew and the fellow travelers that became family during this memorable trip. After we disembark at Murmansk, we drop you at the airport for your flight back home.