Days 1-2: | Helsinki to Murmansk
Explore the charming Finnish capital of Helsinki, staying overnight at the Radisson SAS Royal (or similar property). Next morning fly to Murmansk, the home base for Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet – including the Yamal. Please contact us to discuss a flight quotation; estimated price based on 2007 guidelines is from £213 per person, including tax. |
Day 3: | Barents Sea
Sail out into the Barents Sea and explore your sophisticated vessel as you begin your voyage. Look for whales and seabirds as your ship sails north. Learn from presentations on Arctic wildlife, geology and history. Listen to essential briefings about upcoming helicopter flights and environmental guidelines for visiting this remote part of the planet. |
Days 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. Watch the ship’s awe-inspiring progress, 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 walk where no man has set foot before! |
Day 8: | The North Pole
Today we hope to reach our ultimate destination – The North Pole! 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’ll have plenty of time to wander out onto the ice and survey the expanse of white and blue stretching hundreds of kilometres in all directions. Reflect on this breathtaking sight and recall the past adventurers who struggled in vain or tragically lost their lives trying to reach the point where you now walk so easily. Then it’s time for a celebration on the ice – and for those who dare, a brief plunge into the Arctic Ocean! |
Days 9-11: | Southward Bound
Heading south, our exact route will vary depending on local ice and weather conditions. Enjoy looking out over the spectacular, constantly changing ice and keep an eye out for more amazing arctic wildlife. Whilst onboard specialists from the Expedition Team will continue to illuminate various aspects of this vast polar wilderness. |
Days 12-13: | Franz Josef Land, Russia
A remote world of jagged mountains and massive icebergs, Franz Josef Land was only discovered in 1873 and still 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 close to our icebreaker. Seals are plentiful, and you can spot beluga whales and narwhals offshore. Explore the dramatic coast via Zodiac boat and marvel at the high, rocky cliffs, home to huge colonies of seabirds. Enjoy spectacular aerial views as you fly in the Yamal’s helicopters over glaciers and volcanic plateaus. 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 and ice conditions.) |
Day 14: | Novaya Zemlya & the Solar Eclipse!
1st August 2008 brings with it a remarkable natural phenomena – a total solar eclipse. Here at the top of the world, you’ll have the chance to experience this spectacular event. The northern island of Novaya Zemlya will be at the centre of the eclipse path, giving you the best chance of seeing the eclipse, weather permitting. It is here that you’ll have the chance to experience the eclipse either from the ship or on land at Novaya Zemlya. We will use weather reports and satellite imaging to decide on the best positioning of the ship during the eclipse, so that you get the best out of this unique experience. |
Days 15-16: | Barents Sea to Murmansk & Helsinki
Journey south across the Barents Sea, looking for whales and seabirds. Learn more about this unique region at onboard presentations given by the Expedition Team. Then it’s time to say farewell to the Yamal and its crew as you disembark in Murmansk. |
Day 17: | Fly back to Helsinki for a final night at the Radisson SAS Royal (or similar property) and, after breakfast on 4th August, continue home independently. Please contact us to discuss your flight itinerary between the UK and Helsinki, together with the possibility of extending your stay in Finland on 0870 060 3288. |
Note: | Please Note: On this voyage you’ll journey to remote polar regions where very few travellers venture. The above itinerary is a guideline, your exact route will be adjusted to take advantage of local weather and ice conditions, and to optimise wildlife sightings. In some cases our exact landings depend on official permission that can only be obtained locally. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition-style travel.
This voyage is 1 day longer than standard North Pole voyages to allow extra time in case difficult conditions are encountered en route. This extra day will improve the chances of accomplishing the two main goals of the voyage: reaching the North Pole and being near or at Novaya Zemlya on 1st August, 2008 during the eclipse. |