Poseidon bags new North Pole 'final voyage' on 50 Years of Victory

Poseidon Expeditions' new 14-day program, which begins Aug. 10, was added to its earlier summer departures that commence July 8, 19 and 30. Per person rates start at $25,995 for the final 2015 season departures.

Nikolay Saveliev, president of Poseidon Expeditions, noted demand is high for the North Pole program next summer for several reasons: 'It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to travel to the top of the world aboard an icebreaker with two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower. This ship can safely pound through Arctic ice nearly 10 feet thick. There is simply no other vessel on the globe offering such an experience to travelers.'

Also, owing to the needs of the cargo, mining and oil production sectors, 50 Years of Victory will retire from commercial tourism service following the Aug. 10 departure. The icebreaker will be employed full-time to keep the sea lanes of the Northeast Passage clear.

'So this really is the last opportunity for those interested in traveling to the North Pole in this unique manner,' Saveliev said.

Poseidon Expeditions worked closely in recent months with Atomflot, the icebreaker’s owner, to create one more voyage during the 2015 schedule before 50 Years of Victory leaves tourism service.

Since 2001, Poseidon Expeditions has operated 28 North Pole cruises aboard the nuclear icebreakers Yamal and 50 Years of Victory, carrying more than 2,650 passengers to 90 degrees North.

Departures during the final 2015 season will feature expedition guides, lecturers, helicopter flights, Zodiac cruises ashore and other special events and activities. The program includes one-night pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in Helsinki and transfers to/from the airport for the special charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, to embark/disembark the vessel. The charter flight is an additional $1,750 per person.

The 525-foot 50 Years of Victory carries 128 passengers in accommodations with sea views. Public spaces include a dining room; aft salon for lectures, presentations and socializing; a bow-facing bar and lounge; library and lounge; plus a gym, two saunas and swimming pool with heated seawater. The ship has a clinic and physician.

Poseidon Expeditions has offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia, China and Japan.