Helsinki is unique among Northern European cities. Helsinki's identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. Over 450 years of history, several architectural layers and the impact of different periods can be clearly seen in Helsinki. Finnish design has also made the country's capital city world famous. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends.

Murmansk was the last town founded in the Russian Empire. “Murman” is a traditional Pomor name for the Barents Sea and derives from the Old Russian word for Norwegians, "Murmane", cognate to the English "Normans". The city, first known as Romanov-on-the-Murman, was founded on October 4, 1916 and named after the royal Russian dynasty of Romanovs. The city, the only ice-free port in the Russian Arctic, was built as a terminus for the railway line to Kola designed to open the North Atlantic supply route to Russia in support of the Eastern Front during the First World War. The city was renamed Murmansk after the February Revolution in 1917. During the Cold War it was a center of Soviet submarine activity and, since the breakup of the Soviet Union, remains the headquarters of the Russian Northern Fleet.
Nature Conservation. Nowadays the Arctic is one of the last ecologically intact wilderness sanctuaries on our planet. The Arctic's ecological balance, however, is extremely precarious. Under the region's extreme climatic conditions, animal and plant life exists on the verge of their tolerances. Therefore our expeditions are arranged in a way that minimizes disturbance to wildlife and the fragile natural environment of the Arctic. All our expeditions comply with all International ecological requirements and requirements for conservation of natural resources.

Our Expertise. The North Pole Expedition is presented to you in partnership with Expedition Cruises, the market leader in Arctic-bound adventure tourism. Expedition Cruises has been leading expeditions into the Russian Arctic on its chartered icebreakers and expedition cruise ships since 2001. Its expert guides have led expedition cruises to such faraway places as the archipelagos of Novaya Zemlya and Severnaya Zemlya as well as to the islands of Vaigach, Oranskiye and Vise. The company is operating the only expedition cruises to Franz Josef Land archipelago.

Icebreaker "50 years of Victory"

Description

The "50 Years of Victory" is the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. For those with an appreciation of such vessels, the "Victory" is a new generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class. Among its state-of-the-art features are a spoon-shaped bow designed for greater icebreaking ability, an automated, digitized control system, the most up-to-date nuclear safeguards and protection systems. As a working icebreaker, the "Victory" is vastly more suitable to life onboard than was its predecessor the "Yamal". Though its cabins and suites are as comfortable and spacious as were those on the "Yamal", the "Victory" offers its passenger much more room for socializing and get-togethers. Qualified chefs prepare a variety of international cuisine and experienced waitresses attend your needs. The bar has a large supply of alcoholic and soft beverages.
NB. The "50 Years of Victory" is the property of the Russian Federation and has received maritime registration under the name "50 LET POBEDY".

Icebreaker "50 years of Victory". Technical Specs:

Length       160 m, Breadth 30 m, Draught 11 m, Power Plant: 2 nuclear reactors, two steam turbines rotating six generators, Total Capacity: 75,000 hp, Max Fuel Storage: 4 years, Passengers: 128, Crew: 140

Registry: Russia