Your North Pole cruise starts in Helsinki and takes you through Murmansk on a 13-14 day adventure. You’ll travel on a powerful nuclear icebreaker that cuts through Arctic ice up to 3 metres thick. The journey lets you spot polar bears, arctic foxes and whales in their natural environment.
For other Arctic Cruise Destinations check out our Arctic Cruise Destinations Guide page.
Your ship comes equipped with restaurants, bars and a heated seawater pool. You can join expert talks and take helicopter trips to explore the region. The cruise offers five cabin types to choose from, with prices starting at £22,500 per person.
You should book 12-18 months before your planned trip. June or July give you the best sailing conditions, with temperatures around 0°C.
What you need to know:
- Journey length: 13-14 days
- Start point: Helsinki
- Best months: June-July
- Temperature: 0°C
- Minimum cost: £22,500
- Booking lead time: 12-18 months
- Wildlife: polar bears, arctic foxes, whales
- Activities: expert talks, helicopter trips
- Facilities: restaurants, bars, heated pool
🐧 Polar Cruise Enquiry 🐻❄️
Our team of polar travel specialists have personally explored both the Arctic and Antarctic regions – from tracking polar bears in Svalbard to kayaking with penguins off the Antarctic Peninsula. Let us find the right polar expedition cruise for you.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll need to plan your North Pole trip 12-18 months ahead, with prices starting at £22,500 per person for a 14-day journey from Helsinki.
- Your ship will be a powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker that cuts through 3-metre thick ice, while helicopters scout ahead to find the best route.
- You can spot polar bears, arctic foxes and whales during the prime sailing months of June-July, when temperatures hover around 0°C.
Your vessel offers comfortable amenities including:
- Restaurants and bars
- Heated swimming pools
- Twin cabins (14m²)
- Grand suites (27m²)
Your daily activities include:
- Expert talks on Arctic wildlife and history
- Helicopter sightseeing flights
- Zodiac boat trips around ice floes
- Exploration stops at Franz Josef Land
The Journey to 90° North
Your Arctic journey to 90° North starts in Helsinki. You’ll fly to Murmansk to board your polar ship for a 13-14 day expedition, with eight days of sailing to reach the North Pole.
Your ship leaves Kola Bay using powerful nuclear engines that produce 75,000 horsepower. The vessel’s unique spoon-shaped bow breaks through ice up to 3 metres thick. Helicopters fly ahead to find the best route through natural ice channels.
You’ll experience constant daylight throughout your voyage, with temperatures around 0°C. Your journey includes stops at Franz Josef Land, where you can watch Arctic wildlife and explore historic landmarks.
During your trip, you will:
- Travel through thick Arctic ice
- Experience 24-hour sunlight
- Visit remote polar regions
- See Arctic animals in their habitat
- Explore historic polar sites
Life Aboard the Nuclear Icebreaker
Life aboard the 50 Years of Victory lets you experience a world-class nuclear icebreaker. The ship stretches 150.7 metres and welcomes 128 passengers in various cabin types.
You’ll find all essential amenities at your disposal. The vessel houses a restaurant, two bars, a library and a unique heated seawater pool.
You can maintain your fitness routine at the wellness centre with its gym and sauna.
Your daily activities include:
- Expert talks about Arctic wildlife and history
- Helicopter tours from the ship’s dedicated helipad
- Visits to the navigation bridge
- Support from the 24-hour expedition office
You can stay connected through the ship’s email service, though you can’t send attachments.
The ship’s layout ensures you can easily move between social spaces and private areas. Staff members are always nearby to help you with any questions or needs you might have.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Your Arctic expedition reveals incredible wildlife and natural features of the polar region. You can watch polar bears hunt near ice floes, whilst arctic foxes run across the tundra, their hollow fur keeping them warm.
The Arctic waters teem with beluga and bowhead whales, and you’ll spot walruses lounging on ice patches. A Zodiac boat takes you close to towering icebergs where seals bask and swim.
Above you, arctic birds fill the sky – you’ll see arctic terns, snowy owls, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. As you travel through Franz Josef Land and along Svalbard’s coast, you’ll discover mountains, fjords and glaciers.
On the tundra, you can watch caribou herds and musk oxen roam freely, showing you the rich diversity of Arctic wildlife.
Planning Your Arctic Expedition
Getting to the North Pole requires 12-18 months of advance planning.
You’ll start your 14-day expedition from Murmansk, Russia, after flying from Helsinki, Finland. Your vessel, the nuclear-powered “50 Years of Victory,” cuts through Arctic ice up to 3 metres thick.
You should travel in June or July when temperatures reach 0°C. Your budget needs to cover at least £22,500 per person, though cabin choices affect the final cost.
You’ll find essential comforts aboard, including dining areas, a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool.
Your journey includes:
- Exploring the Franz Josef Land archipelago
- Taking helicopter flights over the ice
- Joining Zodiac boat trips to spot wildlife
You’ll learn from expert guides who deliver daily talks about:
- Arctic wildlife
- Regional geography
- Polar history
These activities help you understand the Arctic environment and make the most of your polar adventure.
See what’s on offer from the Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise Guide for a different Arctic Cruise destination.
Choosing Your Cabin Experience
Your Cabin Options on “50 Years of Victory”
The ship offers five cabin types, each with essential amenities:
- Private bathroom with shower
- TV and DVD player
- Windows that open for fresh Arctic air
Standard Room Types:
- Twin Cabin (14m²): Features two single beds
- Mini Suite (21m²): Offers twin beds with extra space
Luxury Room Types:
- Victory Suite: Fits three people with a double bed and sofabed
- Arktika Suite: Accommodates three guests with premium furnishings
- Grand Suite (27m²): Includes a separate bedroom and living area
Your booking includes:
- All meals
- Transfer services
- Shore excursions
- Access to medical facilities
You can choose your cabin based on:
- Number of travelling companions
- Space requirements
- Budget preferences
- Desired comfort level
This format presents key information clearly while remaining accessible and easy to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Join North Pole Expeditions, and What Is the Minimum Age?
You can take your children on polar expeditions provided they meet key safety requirements. Each child must be at least 10 years old and measure 125 cm in height to fit the necessary safety equipment. Tour operators maintain these strict guidelines to ensure your child’s safety whilst exploring the Arctic environment. The thick polar ice and extreme conditions require careful preparation and suitable protective gear that fits properly.
What Happens if the Ship Can’t Reach 90° North?
Don’t worry if your ship can’t reach the exact North Pole. Your expedition will take you through equally amazing Arctic routes instead. You’ll spot polar bears, seals and seabirds whilst navigating through stunning ice formations. Your expert crew will choose the safest and most interesting alternative paths, ensuring you still experience the Arctic’s unique beauty and wildlife.
Is Satellite Internet or Phone Service Available During the Cruise?
Satellite internet and phone services are available on your cruise, but come with some limitations:
You’ll get stable connections in most areas, but expect slower speeds than on land.
Your costs will be higher than standard mobile or internet rates.
Your signal quality may drop when sailing in far northern regions.
Best approach: Set expectations for occasional connectivity and plan your online activities accordingly.
Tip: Check your cruise line’s specific satellite service packages and rates before sailing.
How Physically Demanding Are the Landings and Excursions?
You need a moderate level of fitness for Antarctic landings and walks. Getting in and out of Zodiac boats requires basic movement skills, whilst walking on Antarctica’s terrain needs good balance. You’ll find most landing sites manageable if you can:
- Step confidently between boats and landing spots
- Walk steadily on uneven ground
- Stand up for 30-60 minutes during excursions
- Maintain your balance on rocky beaches
The physical activity isn’t intense, but your body should be able to handle basic movement challenges.
Are Solo Travelers Paired With Roommates to Avoid Single Supplement Fees?
Many cruise operators will try to pair you with another same-gender solo traveller to help you avoid single supplement fees. You can request this service during booking. Each cruise line has different matching policies – some guarantee a roommate match, whilst others offer it on a best-effort basis. You’ll need to check your preferred cruise line’s specific policy when booking your trip.
Thinking about something different? Check out the Franz Josef Land Expedition Cruise.
🐧 Polar Cruise Enquiry 🐻❄️
Our team of polar travel specialists have personally explored both the Arctic and Antarctic regions – from tracking polar bears in Svalbard to kayaking with penguins off the Antarctic Peninsula. Let us find the right polar expedition cruise for you.
