THE NORTH POLE


June 23 to July 8, 2008
July 6 to July 21, 2008
July 19 to August 4, 2008
Helsinki to Helsinki

The ultimate goal for the most ambitious explorer.
The top of the world. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey. Only a select few make it each year. Here is a chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland                                                                                                                       Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle is a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a breathtaking harbor - Helsinki, Finland. We encourage you to arrive early to explore the city, before you settle down for the night in the centrally located hotel, which is included in the price of your expedition.                                           
Day 2: Embarkation Day                                                                                                                        We will fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, the home port of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. En route to Murmansk you will cross the Arctic Circle. Yamal, currently the only icebreaker sailing to the North Pole with travelers, is a massive ship. Tugboats and high tide assist the ship to leave dock. A Russian march is played as the ship heads out to sea, fitting pomp for one of the most powerful ships afloat

Day 3-7: Northbound on the Arctic Ocean                                                                                              We'll keep you busy as the ship forges north to the goal of this expedition - the top of the world. Our polar historian will recount tales of the hubris and foolhardiness of those who sought to claim the title "First to Reach the North Pole." Our marine biologist, in an illustrated presentation, will explain the part the Arctic Ocean plays in our ecosystem. The 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. Our artist-in-residence will lead interactive workshops that encourage you to create your own polar masterpiece. And if that weren't enough, you can attend the 90N Wildlife Film Festival!

 Day 8:  North Pole                                                                                                                                The Expedition Leader in consultation with the Captain will consult charts and weather reports, adjusting the daily program to take advantage of local conditions. If they are at their optimum, you should reach the North Pole some timeon the eighth day of the expedition. (The seventh day should you choose the shorter voyage.)  

Day 9-11: Southbound - the Arctic Ocean.                                                                                             As Yamal sails south, the members of the Expedition Team prepare you for shore landings in Franz Josef Land. Their presentations cover the wildlife, geology and history of the 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

Day 13-14: Barents Sea                                                                                                                        The recap sessions, education program, Polar Arts activities and Film Festival continue

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

Day 16: Helsinki                                                                                                                                       You'll be free to transfer to the airport on your own after breakfast at the hotel.

Important reminder: Your voyage includes many experiences only our partner has access to. However, as on any expedition, there are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish.
 

  
 

Yamal is registered in Russia by Murmansk Shipping Company
 

Expedition Rates
The North Pole

June 23 to July 8, 2008, July 6 to July 21, 2008 and July 19 to August 4, 2008
 
Twin Cabin
 
$22,900
 
Decks 1/2/Bow
 
Mini Suite
 
$25,900
 
Decks 2/3
 
Suite
 
$29,900
 
Decks 1/2/3
 
 
For further details see the color-coded deck plans. All rates per person in US dollars based on twin or triple occupancy. If you're traveling alone, ask us about the significant savings you can realize from our Request-Share Program, which matches other solo travelers in the same cabin.
 
What's Included
The voyage rate includes virtually everything you'll need along the way, plus a lot of unexpected things you are going to enjoy.
 
  • Flight from Helsinki, Finland to Murmansk, Russia
  • Flight from Murmansk, Russia to Helsinki, Finland
  • One night hotel accommodation prior to embarkation and one night following disembarkation, with buffet breakfast
  • Group transfer between hotel and airport in Alaska and airport and hotel in Finland
  • Group transfer from airport to ship and from ship to airport in Russia
  • Loan of a pair of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage.
  • Complimentary parka
  • All shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the voyage
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
  • All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program
  • Education program delivered by our Expedition Team
Shipboard Policies Ours Expeditions ships are smoke-free with the exception of some outside decks and designated areas. The helicopter deck and Zodiac decks are smoke-free. There is no smoking in the cabins. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit.                                                                                                                                        HOME

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

  
 
Yamal is registered in Russia by Murmansk Shipping Company