Voyage to the North Pole

VOYAGE TO THE

TOP OF THE WORLD

Travel onboard the iconic Icebreaker ’50 Years of Victory’ to complete a journey that many can only dream of...

Few people will ever experience what it truly feels like to be ‘on top of the world’. To stand at the one point on the planet where the only direction is South; the spot where all meridians meet and where you can circumnavigate the globe in no time at all… the North Pole.

On this truly unique once in a lifetime adventure, you will battle your way through the mighty icefields that stand between you and the top of the world, feeling the sheer power of your ship whilst you gaze in awe at the views and panoramas of the astonishing Arctic landscape. An experience possibly never to be had again, you will also visit Franz Josef Land for an opportunity to photograph the vast landscapes of this 192 island archipelago and capture its natural beauty up close and personal.

ICEBREAKER - ’50 YEARS OF VICTORY’ I/b 50 Years of Victory is not a tourist ship. Rather, the icebreaker was purpose-built to pilot scientific and cargo ships to hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic and along the Northeast Passage. It is just during the short summer months when adventurers get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel aboard this real working icebreaker to the geographic North Pole.

Despite the fact that the “Victory” was not designed with touristic purposes in mind, it nonetheless offers comfortable accommodation and gourmet cuisine for its guests. Public spaces create friendly, casual atmosphere for socializing and get-togethers, while other features include: • • • • • • •

Dining Room Aft Saloon for lectures, presentations and socializing Bar & Lounge with front view Shop Library & lounge Gym, two Saunas and Swimming Pool with heated sea water.

Onboard clinic with licensed passenger doctor.

HIGHLIGHTS • Experience the rare opportunity to travel aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker • Shoot incredible photos from the helicopter of your vessel smashing through ice several meters thick • Disembark directly from this ship onto thick Arctic pack ice under and celebrate reaching 90º North, the geographic North Pole • Explore Franz Josef Land - home to polar bears, walruses and many species of Arctic birds; as well as see the mysterious and fascinating stone balls of Champ Island.

WHERE IS THE NORTH POLE? North Pole is the northernmost point on the Earth where all directions point south; all lines of longitude converge there, so its longitude can be defined as any degree value.

While the South Pole lies on a continental land mass, the North Pole is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean amid waters that are almost permanently covered with constantly shifting sea ice!

10TH JULY – 23RD JULY OR 1ST AUGUST – 14TH AUGUST 2016

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1. WELCOME TO MURMANSK, VIA MOSCOW. Fly from London to Murmansk, Russia (indirect via Moscow) Overnight stay in Murmansk.

DAY 2. EMBARKATION DAY. After the group transfer from your hotel, you will board ‘50 Years of Victory’, the most powerful icebreaker in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay DAY 3. THE BARENTS SEA. While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put in place to ensure your complete protection You will likewise have the opportunity to become familiar with the ship and learn all about its unique icebreaking capabilities and how ice fields are negotiated. One of the highlights of this day will be a tour of the engine room - amazing!

DAY 4-6. VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE. As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days voyage there will leave you feeling no less so. Adrenaline and awe await you as you go up on deck and witness first-hand the sheer power of our ship as it battles its way through the mighty ice fields that separate you from your arrival at the top of the world. No less inspiring will be the views and panoramas of the astonishing Arctic landscape.

Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way north. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking

helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice.

For those wishing to take some time away from their new-found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.

DAY 7. THE NORTH POLE. Seven is more than just a lucky number; it’s the day we expect to reach the North Pole. With heartpounding anticipation, the ‘Victory’ will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90°N. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole.

But this is only the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the oncein-a-lifetime thrill of standing on the top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during our special International Round Dance. Topping off the day will be our North Pole barbecue and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.

DAY 10 - THE ISLANDS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC. During the many years that we have been operating in the Russian Arctic, we have gained a truly unique experience exploring the many Arctic lands in this region, one of the most remote in the world.

It is truly our pleasure to share it and our love for these vast lands with you. 24 hours daylight gives us numerous opportunities to explore the islands of the Russian Arctic during zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides.

Given favourable weather and ice conditions, exploration of the Franz Josef Land

archipelago is in the offering.

The Franz Josef Land archipelago can be described as: • consisting of about 190 islands most of which are reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the “Moon Archipelago”, • home to polar bears, walruses and many species of Arctic birds, • the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found no where else on earth, DAY 11-13. BARENTS SEA. During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your Arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories of all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn’t do so before, then take some time out to really enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort - a game of volleyball, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library.

After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Moscow where you will spend a last evening in the Russian capital.

DAY 14 - FAREWELL Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

PHOTOGRAPHY (FREE) The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities – and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.

Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.

• Return flights from London to Murmansk via Moscow • 1 night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Murmansk, Russia, with breakfast • 1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Moscow, Russia, with breakfast • Overseas transfers in Murmansk (airport - hotel - port - airport) Moscow (airport - hotel – airport) • Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping • Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiacs • Shore landings included in daily program • Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers • Professional Expedition Leadership • Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise • Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin • Expedition log with picture album • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program • All shipboard luggage handling • Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation* • Letter of Invitation. This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area in order to obtain a Russian Visa * Coverage: 100,000 EUR. Duration: cruise days only. This is only for passengers under 85 years old. Passengers over 85 years old are to purchase their own insurance policy with coverage not less than 100,000 EUR

HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING (FREE) A helicopter aboard the ‘50 Years of Victory’ in our North Pole cruises lets our passengers be more than just spectators in this intrepid mission.

Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. Just imagine how many amazing photo ops this adventure provides!

The helicopter is also used to land on wild Franz Josef Land islands where we cannot use Zodiacs.

So our North Pole passengers are never far from the action.

14 NIGHT VOYAGE

FROM £16,799PP

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: • Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group • Passport and visa expenses • State arrival and departure taxes (if levied) • Meals ashore • Tips for stewards and other service personnel aboard (at your discretion).

2016 departures are limited on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the North Pole

CALL US TODAY

FOR MORE INFORMATION Freephone: 0800 988 3369 Email: expeditions@fredholidays.co.uk Web: www.fredexpeditions.co.uk for your peace of mind ABTA No. V3510