Tours to the Arctic on an icebreaker – a cruise from Murmansk, prices 2021, reviews

The Arctic is a mysterious part of the world that strikes not with its bright local color, but with the atmosphere itself, which fetters endless expanses with a heavy snow cover. Therefore, the relevance of tours to the Arctic is not surprising, because such trips are guaranteed to allow you to plunge into the world of “harsh” adventures in conditions of almost complete isolation from the civilized world, which they have already managed to outline and explore.

Such cruises, including cruises to the Arctic from Russia, allow not only to feel the ship's life option or enjoy the isolation of the natural world, but also to get to know some of the unique settlements that are on the way.

Many are also pleased with the opportunity to personally taste the so-called polar cuisine, which is rightfully considered unusual, but, nevertheless, really healthy and satisfying. Served dishes are baked in ashes, dried over a fire or dried. Perhaps not everyone will like this food option, however, polar cuisine is worth trying at least once.

Journey to the North Pole on the icebreaker “50 Years of Victory”

Cruise itinerary

Murmansk is the starting point of this cruise. Located among the gray rocks of the Kola Bay and the cold overflows of the Barents Sea, Murmansk has the status of one of the largest port-type cities in Russia. Despite its more than remote location – beyond the Arctic Circle – there is a fairly developed infrastructure, a handful of lights and attractions. Here – in the Kola Strait – the icebreaker “50 Years of Victory”, one of the largest “atomic” creations of the Baltic Shipyard, awaits passengers. Climbing on board ends the first day of the trip.

The next two days – subject to a favorable situation – pass in the waters of the Barents Sea, which forms a wall around the land borders of Norway and Russia. Guests of the icebreaker will have the opportunity to observe seascapes, learn a little more about the operation of the icebreaker, and get acquainted with its mechanical performance. There will also be briefings. Perhaps the part relating directly to the safety rules will not interest anyone, but the prospect of participating in a helicopter rescue operation is usually met with great excitement.

Only once in the waters of the Arctic Ocean, the guests of the icebreaker begin to understand the full power of the ship they are on board. The very sight of the Arctic ice breaking under the onslaught of an icebreaker leaves a strong impression. A special bonus is the opportunity to watch this picture from the air, plunging into the arctic sky in the cockpit of a helicopter. It is impossible to say exactly how long this boat trip will take, since the situation at sea is too changeable. This element of improvisation brings a touch of dangerous anticipation to the journey.

One way or another, but the goal of sailing will be achieved – the North Pole, a place where all the meridians converge at one point, a place that officially does not belong to any of the countries of the world. As a rule, the sixth day of the journey takes place in such scenery – a tour of the North Pole, an unusual rather polar picnic, for lovers of hardening and extreme sports – the opportunity to swim in the local waters. Most of the tour participants also use another option – the so-called call to a friend from the North Pole, which becomes possible due to the presence of satellite communications.

The journey continues again along the waters of the Barents Sea, but this time the purpose of the voyage is somewhat shifted – the course to the land of Franz Josef. This archipelago is still insufficiently explored, however, there are a number of stations on it, including a meteorological one. But it's worth a look here not for the sake of frozen researchers, but for the sake of permanent residents of the archipelago. The icebreaker will enter Tikhaya Bay on the ninth day of the journey. The bay offers an impressive view of the Rubini rock, which has long turned into something like a “floor” house for polar birds. But these are not the only inhabitants of the archipelago.

On Franz Josef Land, walruses, which look really imposing, and polar bears coexist quite comfortably. Moreover, the latter, having become accustomed to the presence of regular guests on the archipelago, often come very close to the ship's side. It remains only to take advantage of the opportunity and take another series of impressive shots. But not all views of this archipelago are equally inspiring – an abandoned research station among aloof looking glaciers makes a depressing impression.

](https://tourism.com.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/post-367075-6191f7d486afc.avif)[

And then – return to the stronghold. Two days by the Barents Sea end in Murmansk. The twelve-day voyage ends with a transfer to the airport immediately after the icebreaker berths in the bay.

What is included in the tour price

Personal insurance, which includes the risks of repatriation and emergency evacuation.

Transfer from and to the airport on the way back.

Group excursion programs (including when going ashore), helicopter excursions, guide services.

Accommodation and meals on board (including a snack bar and coffee), drinking water is available 24 hours a day.

Lecture material of Russian and foreign naturalists and researchers.

Materials containing information about the Antarctic, as well as diaries and expeditionary notes of travelers, photographic materials (materials are provided in Russian).

Rental of expedition jackets, as well as rubber boots, which may come in handy during the descent ashore.

Bathrobe and hair dryer in cabins.

Technical costs incurred during the cruise.

What is not included in the tour price

What to bring on a cruise

The package for an Arctic cruise is always individual, but there are some general recommendations that you should know in advance.

The most important part of luggage is clothing. It should be selected in accordance with the conditions in which you will find yourself. Outerwear should be waterproof and well protected from the wind, as getting wet and cold arctic winds accompany almost any trip in this direction.

Do not stuff your suitcase with bulky things that seem warm. The main secret of keeping warm lies in the multi-layered nature of the intended set of clothing. So, things can be relatively thin, but, nevertheless, perfectly maintain a comfortable body temperature. Another advantage of this clothing option is the ability to quickly adapt to changing temperature conditions by adjusting your suit.

Waterproof trousers over regular, cloth ones are also a good idea.

It is also worth taking care of the choice of shoes. As a rule, rubber boots are provided directly on the boats, however, it is better to take practical shoes with ribbed soles, which are quite stable and suitable for long walks in not always homogeneous terrain. Everyone who is going to go to conquer the Arctic must have mittens and a hat!

Among other things that every traveler should have, it is worth noting especially sunglasses, as well as sunscreen. And this is no joke – in an environment where most surfaces perfectly reflect sunlight, sun protection is essential.

You can also take some medications with you, but their choice is purely individual. Others – chargers, flash cards, photographic equipment, and so on – this is everyone's personal choice.