ARCTIC CRUISE:  90°N - THE NORTH POLE 2004 - VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE

CRUAXYAMNP -
July 01-16, 2006
July 14-29, 2006
Helsinki to Helsinki 

Icebreaker: Yamal

Few places have stirred the hearts and minds of explorers more than the North Pole. At the turn of the last century, voyages of discovery and adventure by sled, balloon, airship and ship set off for the top of the world - and failed. It was not until 1926 that the pole was seen for the first time and not until 1948 that anyone actually stood there.

But that is precisely what we hope to do on this historic voyage. Our aim is to stand at 90° North. It is the opportunity of a lifetime - so join us on an extraordinary voyage to the North Pole. We sail on one of the world's most powerful icebreakers, the Yamal. Heading north from Murmansk, we cross the Barents Sea and break into the dense Arctic pack ice. Very few vessels have the power to negotiate such challenging ice conditions, yet we push northwards at speeds of up to 12 knots.

Our journey takes us through an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice up to five meters thick, narrow channels of dark green water and aquamarine pools scattered across the frozen sea. We will be able to enjoy the immense polar landscapes from the Bridge or deck of the ship and from our expertly-piloted helicopter. And along the way, in this stunning setting of ice and snow, we expect to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus and ivory gulls.

From the Geographic North Pole - we will be among very few people ever to have been there - we head south to the wild and wonderful world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers of Franz Josef Land. Then it is back across the Barents Sea to Murmansk, where our amazing journey comes to an end

YAMAL INFORMATION    -    YAMAL CABIN LAYOUT  -   PREPARING FOR YOUR POLAR VOYAGE

Highlights Reach the North Pole, the Grail of generations of explorers.  Experience our amazing vessel as it breaks through vast ice floes, pressure ridges and hummocks up to five meters thick.  Witness the frozen sea and immense polar landscapes from the air aboard an expertly piloted helicopter.  Encounter the rarest of wildlife in a stunning setting of snow and ice: polar bears, walruses, Ivory Gulls and other Arctic birds.  Voyage aboard one of the world's most powerful icebreakers - a sophisticated vessel with thoroughly comfortable accommodations and excellent cuisine.  Learn more about the Arctic with an outstanding team of lecturers and naturalists leading our expedition The Yamal is registered in Russia by Murmansk Shipping Company.

Daily Itinerary

July 1- 2: Helsinki, Finland, to Murmansk, Russia
Explore the charming Finnish capital, then rendezvous for an overnight stay at the Radisson SAS Royal. Next morning we fly to Murmansk, the home base for Russia's nuclear icebreaker fleet - including the Yamal.

July 3: Barents Sea
On your first full day at sea, relax and explore the sophisticated vessel that will be home for the next two weeks. Our specialists begin presentations on Arctic wildlife, geology, history and other areas of interest. We provide briefings on your upcoming helicopter flights, as well as environmental guidelines for visiting this remote part of the planet. And of course you have many opportunities to view seabirds and whales as we sail north.

July 4-7: Into the Ice Pack
Surrounded by endless polar vistas, the Yamal begins breaking through the multi-year pack ice, surging northward at speeds of up to 12 knots in conditions that few vessels have the power to negotiate. You're welcome to watch the ship's awe-inspiring progress around the clock, as helicopters come and go on reconnaissance flights and our experienced Captain and his officers review the latest ice charts transmitted via satellite. You also have a chance to take your own helicopter flight, enjoying incredible aerial views of the Yamal as it crashes its way toward the Pole, leaving massive blocks of ice in its wake. At one point we plan to stop, lower the gangway and invite everyone down onto the ice for an invigorating walkabout. And as usual we'll keep watch for a diverse array of Arctic wildlife.

July 8: The North Pole
This is the day we hope to reach our ultimate destination. The ship buzzes with anticipation until the moment we've all been waiting for - when you actually stand at the top of the world. You have plenty of time to wander out onto the ice and survey the expanse of white and blue stretching hundreds of kilometers in all directions. There are inevitable reflective moments as you take in the reality of where you are and recall the past adventurers who struggled in vain or lost their lives trying to reach the point where you now walk so easily. As on all expeditions, we make time for a celebration on the ice - and even, for those who dare, a brief plunge into the Arctic Ocean!

July 9-11: Southward Bound
Your goal achieved, there's nowhere to head but south. Our exact route will vary with local ice and weather conditions. As ever, the helicopter pilots are always at the ready for reconnaissance flights and excursions over the spectacular, constantly changing ice and sea. As you watch the fascinating progress of the Yamal from one of the decks, keep an eye out for more wildlife; your chances of spotting polar bears in particular are excellent as we near Franz Josef Land. Meanwhile, the naturalists and other specialists on the Expedition Team continue to illuminate various aspects of the vast polar wilderness.

July 12-13: Franz Josef Land
A remote world of jagged mountains and massive icebergs, Franz Josef Land was not discovered until 1873 and remains relatively unexplored. The most northerly point in Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands is a naturalist's paradise. Polar bears and Arctic fox often come very close to our ship; seals are plentiful, and you can spot beluga whales and narwhals offshore; and the high, rocky cliffs are home to huge colonies of seabirds. We explore the dramatic coast via Zodiac (as local conditions permit) and enjoy spectacular aerial views flying over glaciers and volcanic plateaus in the helicopters. We also plan to go ashore at early exploration sites such as Cape Norway, where Norwegian explorers Nansen and Johansen survived the winter of 1896-97 after a bold attempt to reach the North Pole. (Please note that all of our landings in Franz Josef Land are subject to government permission, variable timing restrictions and weather conditions.)

July 14-16: Barents Sea to Murmansk & Helsinki
On the final leg of our journey south across the Barents Sea, there are seabirds and whales to look out for, and of course the Expedition Team's presentations provide helpful context for your unique adventure. Then it's time to say farewell to the Yamal and its crew as you disembark in Murmansk, fly back to Helsinki for a final night at the Radisson SAS Royal and, after breakfast on July 16, continue home independently.

Expedition Rates  -  All rates are per person in US dollars, based on twin occupancy. Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin share price. Triple cabins are identical to twins but with a third pull down berth. All rates are per person in US dollars, based on twin occupancy. Triple cabins are identical to twins but with a third pull down berth.

Rates Include:

Not Included:

Note: Additional helicopter flying time will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced.

INSURANCE NOTE: Cancellation policies are strictly enforced! We highly recommend to protect your travel investment should you need to cancel your trip. We have designed an exclusive insurance plan to provide broad protection!