Poseidon Expeditions today announced 2015 departure dates and rates for the final icebreaker voyages of the nuclear-powered 50 Years of Victory to the North Pole.
Poseidon will operate three successive 14-day expeditions to “the top of the world” in July and August, the height of the 2015 summer season. Although the company has sales commitments for the first two departures, the July 30-August 12, 2015 voyage – the final trip of the season and the last voyage of 50 Years of Victory as a commercial expedition vessel – is now available for reservations.
The president of Poseidon Expeditions, Nikolay Saveliev, made the announcement. “We are proud to be a significant partner of Atomflot, the icebreaker’s owner, in providing the ultimate experience to the top of the world. Starting in 2001, we have operated 26 North Pole cruises aboard the nuclear icebreakers Yamal and 50 Years of Victory, carrying more than 2,400 passengers to 90º North,” he said.
In addition to the 2015 voyages, three 14-day North Pole programs scheduled for the current 2014 Arctic summer season also remain open for reservations: July 14, July 25 and August 5. Per person rates start at US$24,995 for the 2014 season, and US$25,995 for the final 2015 season.
“These voyages have been an unqualified success and a great opportunity for intrepid travelers looking for the ultimate polar adventure. Unfortunately for the expedition market, practical considerations will take precedence following the 2015 season. Simply put, there is stronger demand for this powerful ice-breaking vessel to lead cargo and scientific ships to hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic and along the Northeast Passage,” Saveliev added.
Being aboard the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world, capable of forcefully driving through Arctic ice nearly ten feet thick, sets these North Pole voyages apart from any other expedition ship adventure. The July 30, 2015 departure also will feature an exceptional lineup of expedition guides, lecturers, helicopter flights, and other special events and activities in keeping with its recognition as the final commercial passenger voyage of 50 Years of Victory for the foreseeable future.
Despite being a working vessel, the 525-foot 50 Years of Victory carries 128 passengers in comfortable accommodations, all with exterior 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.
With offices in the US, UK, Russia, China and Japan, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. In addition to offering North Pole cruises aboard 50 Years of Victory, the company provides guests with the unique opportunity to travel to Antarctica aboard the 114-passenger luxury expedition vessel Sea Explorer. Starting in 2015, Poseidon Expeditions will operate the Sea Explorer’s sister ship, the Sea Spirit, to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. A variety of polar itineraries are available.
