Journey To The North Pole
Finland & Russia
Summary
This journey combines the raw power of the ship with the use of
helicopter flights for aerial viewing. Crushing through pack ice that
is metres thick, the 'Victory' can sail in conditions that would
defeat any other ship. Reaching the 'top of the world', the
experience of standing where all directions are south, is
incomparable. There will be time to perform the shortest possible
circumnavigation of the globe before heading south to explore the
remote Franz Josef Land. With its massive flat‐topped islands and
steep basalt cliffs, this archipelago is a birdwatcher's paradise.
This is quite simply a voyage without comparison.
18
14 DAYS
PNP
MIN AGE
LAND ONLY
TRIP CODE
At a glance
14 day ship only expedition on the 50
Years of Victory
Maximum group size of 128, plus
expedition staff
A choice of cabin types, all with en
suite facilities, 2 nights hotel in
Helsinki
Full board whilst on the ship
Highlights
Reach the 'top of the world' at 90
North
Visit Franz Josef Land archipelago
Travel on the nuclear powered
icebreaker, the '50 Years of Victory',
with aerial sightseeing on shipboard
helicopters
Accompanied by extremely qualified
Expedition Staff
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
Page 1
will dictate the exact location. Each flight will be around 15
minutes in duration. There are only 50 places available for each
voyage. Here are some reasons why you may want to join one of
the flights:
‐ Be one of only 150 people to see the North Pole from a hot air
balloon per season
‐ See the top of the world from the top of the world
‐ Photography opportunity and bragging rights
‐ A certificate is provided as a memento
‐ Very competitive price, just about the same cost as a balloon
flight elsewhere in the world
The price of the hot air ballooning option on these voyages is
from £245 per person.
Travelling Conditions
The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking
advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as
passengers' wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The
atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition
staff, including naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the
opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The
ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet / mud room
in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next
adventure.
On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time
with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind ‐ if
you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore
excursions, the majority of landings are 'wet' which means that
the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle
deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington
boots are issued to all passengers).
All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only ‐ it is
possible that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of
wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from previous sailings,
changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion of the
crew onboard may lead to adjustments to the route published.
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals
included.
Day 1 ‐ Start Helsinki
Our journey starts in Helsinki where we spend the night at a
centrally located hotel.
Day 2 ‐ Fly to Murmansk, board ship
From Helsinki, a charter flight will take you to Murmansk, Russia,
where you'll embark on the voyage to the North Pole and get
acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most
powerful icebreaker. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Days 3‐6 ‐ Travelling north
There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough
terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy
ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna and/or a hot
shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.
Optional activities
Hot Air Ballooning option
Clients can sign up for tethered hot air ballooning flights during
the voyage. Flights will be carried out using a basket that can
carry three guests plus the pilot. The basket has a door that
makes access very easy. We aim to deliver these flights right at
the North Pole; however, weather conditions
Watching Victory crush through the Arctic pack‐ice is a sight you'll
never forget, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter
flight for a thrilling aerial view of Victory and expansive Arctic
Ocean.
You can expect the days, and hours, to present variable sailing
conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the
North Pole can take us anywhere from 5 to 8 days.
Day 7 ‐ At the North Pole
All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as we
reach the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome
with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory
mood.Take photos, wave a flag, enjoy the moment!
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice.
Take a Polar Plunge into the icy waters marking the North pole.
Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air
balloon to commemorate this great moment (weather
dependent). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 14 ‐ End Helsinki
Our adventure finishes after breakfast in Helsinki. (Breakfast)
Day 8 ‐ Travelling south
The Journey to the North Pole is offered on the
As 50 Years of Victory makes her way back through the churning
pack ice, we may spot Polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls
following close behind ‐ eager to dine on leftovers. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
50 Years of Victory, which is our Ice Breaker. Please visit our
website to access Ship Information and Deck Plans.
The Icebreaker
Days 9‐10 ‐ Franz Josef Land
This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in
Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here we'll
explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill‐
fated Arctic expeditions.
The 50 Years of Victory is an actual icebreaker ‐ an enormously
powerful ship, carrying the highest ice rating in the world, and
equipped with helicopters for aerial sightseeing. Some of our
most extraordinary journeys are only made accessible on very
grown up Polar‐Class icebreakers.
When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will
explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again
provide aerial sightseeing and our Zodiacs transferyou to seldom
visited landing sites.
Food
This part of the Arctic Ocean is so remote that Franz Josef Land
was discovered after Antarctica. It is the most northerly
archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle.
We may see walrus and Polar bears on these islands, which we'lll
explore on Zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Typical Meals
Days 11‐12 ‐ Southbound at Sea
Breakfast: Buffet style ‐ unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of
fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a
selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit
and cereal.
During our southbound journey, as it was on our journey north,
we keep a vigil for Polar bears on ice. No two Polar bear sightings
or North Pole voyages are the same. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine
throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus
including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of
drinks from around the world on sale.
Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
Day 13 ‐ Disembark in Murmansk, fly to Helsinki
The return to Helsinki requires a charter flight from Murmansk
and just the right tide conditions for docking the ship. Overnight
in Helsinki, in a centrally located hotel. (Breakfast)
Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or
salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and
a dessert, with tea and coffee.
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
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Transport
Albatross Campaign
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that
are accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for
expedition work, these large and heavy‐duty inflatable vessels
are extremely safe.
Almost half a million US dollars has been raised through staff and
passengers towards the 'Get the Albatross off the Hook' campaign,
aimed at stopping the butchery of albatrosses by long‐line fishing.
Scott Polar Research Institute
14 days, normally start Helsinki Wed, end Helsinki Tue
Exodus supports the work of the Scott Polar Research Institute at
Cambridge. The Institute is the oldest international centre for
Polar Research within a university.
Itinerary Start
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Helsinki in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary described below. Details of how to reach
the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel
Please note that there is a mandatory tranfer package (including
charter flights from Helsinki to Murmansk return) which is £1500
per person paid upon booking
Passports and Visas
The Polar Environment
We take extremely seriously our responsibility to minimise our
impact on these pristine areas.
Exodus is an Associate Member of the International Association of
Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and has agreed to abide by
one of the tourism world's most conscientious codes of conduct.
Our ship operators in Spitsbergen are also members of the
Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which
covers operations in Spitsbergen.
Exodus support various conservation initiatives in the Polar
regions:
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6
months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your
responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to
obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the
regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below
is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities
should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies.
We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and
customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and
any subsequent effects.
Finland
No visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.
Russia
All nationalities require a visa for Russia. The visa invitation will
be obtained by Exodus and issued to clients to use alongside their
visa application: this letter takes 7 working days to issue.
Penguin Lifelines
As part of Exodus' commitment to conservation and responsible
travel, we have supported Penguin Lifelines, a conservation
project set up by the Zoological Society of London and Oxford
University to understand the impact of climate change and
fisheries on Antarctic penguins and to design a protected area
network. Penguinologist Tom Hart travels on a number of trips to
Antarctica each season, picking up feathers and setting time‐
lapse cameras, in order to research threats to penguins and to
identify protected areas for them.
http://www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel/penguin‐lifelines?
As of the 10th December 2014, the diplomatic missions and
consular offices of the Russian Federation in the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Russian Visa
Application Centres in London and Edinburgh will start collecting
biometric data (fingerprints) of all foreign nationals over 12 years
of age for each of their Russian visa applications. As such, all UK‐
based travellers will need to apply for their visa in person at the
Russian Visa Application Centres in London, Manchester or
Edinburgh.
Those based outside of the UK need to check visa requirements in
their country of issue. Further information can be found at
http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/tourist.html
Polar Bear Study
The Polar bear's migratory patterns have long been a mystery to
conservationists. With money raised from expeditions and
donations, we have made valuable contributions to the purchase
of the expensive tracking collars ‐ critical in monitoring their
hunting and mating patterns.
It is your responsibility to arrange a visa prior to travel, but we
will provide you with more information after booking to help and
advice with this. The cost of a single entry visa for British
nationals is currently £50 plus service charges of approximately
£38.
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
For more information please go to
http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/travelink/Russia.pdf
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the
current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is
required.
Vaccinations and Health
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long
way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we
strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a
Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐
date information.
Page 4
atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to facilitate the
frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction with
our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join
an international group, not all of whom have booked through
Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than 18 years
old, the Exodus' stated minimum age for this trip.
We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts,
bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history,
geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship's operating
crew is Russian and have many years of experience in Polar
Regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable
journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the
housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and
attentive restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical
officer.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years.
Insurance ‐ are you adequately covered?
Currency Information
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining
a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are
covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are
resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel
insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on
your trip.
The national currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR), with an
exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 1.2 to
the UK£ and 0.9 to the US$.
Local Time
The national currency of Russia is the Russian Rouble (RUB), with
an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 81
to the UK£ and 65 to the US$.
GMT + 2 in Finland, GMT + 3 in Murmansk
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
Electricity
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. You may
require some Euros before or after the trip while passing through
Finland.
on the 50 Years of Victory is 220v 50Hz
Group, Staff and Support
The Exodus group forms part of the ship's complement (max of
approx. 100), enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be presented with an
account. This will include any drinks from the bar, laundry or
ship's shop purchases for which you have signed. You may pay for
this in US Dollars cash, credit card (Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or
US dollars Traveller's Cheques.
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
Page 5
Please note: on the last evening, once your ship account has
been settled, credit card payments are no longer accepted. It is
therefore advisable to bring at least some US$ cash if you wish to
purchase drinks from the bar or any items from the on board shop
at this time.
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold
luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's
website for the latest information prior to your departure.
ATMs dispensing Euros are readily available in Helsinki. Credit
cards are widely accepted in Finland.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
Tipping (leader and local staff)
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal
matter but it is customary to provide an end‐of‐cruise gratuity (as
a rough guide approximately US$13‐15 per day per passenger
would be appreciated)
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Boots ‐ Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to
eliminate these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for
the duration of the voyage.
Parkas ‐ A complementary Quark parka will be provided on the
ship.
Trousers ‐ Waterproof trousers are essential for Zodiac travel as
well as activities on shore.
Gloves ‐ To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of
two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be
worn underneath warm outer gloves.
Hat and Scarf ‐ Pack a warm, woollen hat or cap that covers your
ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Socks ‐ For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs
of socks to wear inside the rubber boots.
Outer Clothing ‐ Pack woollen or fleece jumpers and tops, plus
several turtlenecks for layering.
Underclothing ‐ Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will
keep you warm without adding bulk.
Knapsack or Backpack ‐ To keep your hands free for shooting
photograph, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or
backpack.
Shoes ‐ Non‐slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
Optional items
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera, extra batteries, film or memory cards
Protective sunscreen
Electric converter with adapter plug set
Small medical kit containing prescription medicines and over‐the‐
counter medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets,
allergies, headaches and seasickness
Snow poles or trekking poles
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can
view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write‐ups
which have featured in the national media and take advantage
of some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge
where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you
depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to
upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This
helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll
be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting
for?
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to
participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you
have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Exodus
office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different
capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone's ability to
safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people's
enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in
some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that
activity.
Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to
section 16 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our
leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we
will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered
alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided
for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional
costs incurred.
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which
can be contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to
read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or
at www.exodus.co.uk/about‐exodus/essential‐information?
Finland & Russia • Journey To The North Pole
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and
details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Page 6
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current
brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and
website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in
order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where
necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be
possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a
variety of reasons ‐ climatic, political, physical or other. In these
circumstances we will make the best possible alternative
arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and
airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder
than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we
endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily
fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of
date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of
our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice
Service advises British tourists on the potential dangers they
might experience when travelling overseas. We liaise closely with
them and adhere to their travel advice. For up‐to‐date advice on
all countries, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign‐travel‐advice.
Should there be any change to advice prior to or during travel,
we may have to cancel or curtail a tour at short notice, or re‐
route an itinerary part way through.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book
with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour
operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators
(FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can
book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to
us for your trip are fully protected.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of
publication. The most up‐to‐date prices can be found on the
Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
Edition No. KT 2 2017