VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE - AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD
15 or 16 nights Departures: 23 June, 6 July & 19 July 2008 Helsinki to Helsinki Ship: Yamal (Nuclear Icebreaker)
For centuries, explorers set out for the North Pole by sled, ship, aircraft and even balloon, but it wasn’t until 1948 that a human reached 90º north.  Now Quark Expeditions can take you there – aboard the icebreaker Yamal, one of the few ships powerful enough to push through the formidable Arctic ice pack.  Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and add your name to the handful of adventurers who’ve stood at the top of the world. Find out more about the Nuclear Icebreaker Yamal. Note:  On the 19 July departure you will have the opportunity to observe a Solar Eclipse.  This occurs on the 1 August and last for a maximum of 2 minutes 27 seconds, passengers can view the dramatic event from onboard the ship.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland Just six degrees south of the Arctic Circle is a sophisticated city with nightlife, green spaces and a breathtaking harbour - 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 travellers, 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. Days 3 to 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 time on the eighth day of the expedition. (The seventh day should you choose the shorter voyage.) Days 9 to 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. Days 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 harbour 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.
Note:  Please read this itinerary as a guide only.  Our exact program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to experience wildlife.  Our goal is to reach the North Pole.  All landings on Franz Josef Land are subject to time as well as final governmental permission (not available at the time of publication).  If ice conditions are particularly heavy, we may rely on our helicopters for excursions and therefore Zodiac landing craft may not be used.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person for 15 or 16 nights and do not include international flights.
Departure dates Prices per person  23 June & 6 July 08 (15 nights) £12,330  19 July 08 (16 nights - Solar Eclipse) £12,330 With this departure there is an extra day travelling towards the North Pole.  The Solar Eclipse will occur on the 1 August and last for a maximum of 2 minutes 27 seconds, passengers can view the dramatic event from onboard the ship.
Price Includes: Voyage as indicated in the itinerary. Flights as indicated in the itinerary. Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary. All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed). Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff. Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. Comprehensive pre-departure materials and handbook. Price Excludes: International flights. Passport and visa expenses. Government arrival and departure taxes. Meals ashore. Supplement for single hotel accommodations. Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance.  Excess baggage charges.  All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges, and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).  Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard.