North Pole Expedition Aboard the Yamal
With Poseidon Arctic Voyages and the Murmansk Shipping Company

Duration:	15 days/ 14 nights
Dates:	July 22 - August 05, 2008 August 3 - 17, 2008
Cost:	Twin Standard Cabin - $21,900 USD Mini-Suite - $24,900 USD Suite - $28,900 USD Double occupancy. The single occupancy rate is 1.7 times the shared rate.

The North Pole is perhaps the most amazing location on our entire planet. There are no “four corners of the World” here: South is all around you and any wind is southern. Above the “Top of the World,” stars never rise or set: instead they move around you with the Earth’s rotation. The Polar Star, the beacon of all travelers in the Northern Hemisphere, is invariably in its zenith. On the way to the Pole we will encounter walruses, seals, and rookeries that harbor Arctic sea birds by the thousands. Polar bears might get curious enough to approach the icebreaker to obtain a closer view. Sometimes they rise onto their rear paws, coming very close to boards of the ship. ITINERARY Day 1 - Moscow We arrive at the international airport in Moscow. Comfortable buses will take you to a 5 star hotel located in the center of the city where you will be able to rest after your flight. Day 2 - Moscow - Murmansk After a brief Moscow excursion and departure from Moscow's airport, our expedition arrives in Murmansk. From the "Murmashi" airport we take comfortable buses and are transferred aboard the icebreaker "Yamal." We sail late in the evening. Day 3 - Barents Sea Today we head towards the Franz Josef Land archipelago. En route we have time to rest and explore the "Yamal." In the company of the captain, you will be introduced to the ship and the sophisticated technical equipment in the engine room, as well as to the basic principles of ice navigation and the navigator's job. You will also learn about helicopter operations, and how to use safety equipment and lifeboats. The lifeboat drill is obligatory for every passenger. Days 4-5 - Archipelago Franz Joseph Land We cross 80° north latitude and penetrate the remote world of ancient pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers. Discovered only in 1873 by an Austrian expedition aboard the “Tegetthoff,” most of the archipelago remains largely unexplored. Our onboard helicopters will afford astonishing views of the area's magnificent landscape. We plan to call at Calm Bay to view Rubini Rock and its numerous nesting seabird colonies, closely approaching the sheer basalt cliff if conditions permit. Close by is a deserted research station and offshore, enormous fragments of calving glaciers are sometimes seen. We also expect to spot polar bears and walruses. Polar bears are typically not threatened by the ship, and even curiously approach it, thus enabling us to take wonderful photos. We may also visit Cape Norway where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered in 1896-1897. During the second half of the 19th Century a number of daring expeditions tried to make their way through the ice to the top of the Earth, and many attempts exacted a heavy toll in human life. The two Norwegians survived by hunting walrus and seals for their sustenance. Considered lost, the remains of their hut - one of the symbols and landmarks in the history of Arctic exploration - was discovered by a joint Soviet-Norwegian expedition in 1990. Days 6-7 - Towards the Pole We leave Franz Josef Land - the last solid land and remains of civilization in this area of the Arctic. Heading due north, the "Yamal" forces its way through thick, multiyear pack, riding up on top of several meters of ice that breaks under the ship's tremendous mass. Our expedition is divided into several groups to board the helicopters and watch the operation of our vessel from above. On the bridge we can observe the work of experienced hydrologists who update maps of ice conditions from satellite data, and are constantly looking for stretches of open water and cracks in the ice. These conditions significantly improve our progress. Finding a solid piece of ice, the ship may stop for us to take a walk on the ice. Daily, scientists, travelers, and explorers who have dedicated their lives to this austere world will deliver a series of interesting lectures. Day 8 - North Pole Today the expedition expects to reach the geographic North Pole. This time of year the weather is usually mild, with air temperatures of 0 - 1° C (32 - 34° F). As our vessel steadily approaches 90° N, we meet on the bridge of the "Yamal" to celebrate our achievement. Upon reaching our goal, we disembark onto the ice. Here, at the top of the world, we enjoy the silver and azure landscape and pause to reflect on the early explorers' heroic efforts and sacrifices to reach this point. The crew of the ship prepares for the celebration, including a picnic on the ice, and the most daring can take a plunge into the Arctic Ocean. Special communication facilities permit contact with civilization to share our achievement with friends. The celebration is in progress.... Days 9-11 - Course due south Our icebreaker moves on, smashing through high ice hummocks and pack ice. Our precise southern heading depends on local conditions. We will make ice reconnaissance flights and flight-seeing excursions. We may see solid white Ivory gulls, and realize that soon we may view a dark strip of land on the horizon. On our way back, if the weather and ice conditions permit, we intend to make additional landings on Franz Joseph Land or Novaya Zemlya. Days 12-14 - Barents Sea - On the way to Murmansk On the way to Murmansk we recall the exciting experience of our wonderful voyage, full of discoveries and adventures. We belong to a select group of people who have conquered this icy realm, the Arctic. We return home with heightened ecological awareness and renewed commitment to one of the last wild places on earth, our minds stocked with valuable experience and knowledge. The morning of arrival in Murmansk (Day 14), and after breakfast, we will return to the Murmansk airport for our flight to Moscow. We transfer to our 5-star Moscow hotel for the night. Day 15 - Moscow After breakfast at our hotel the buses will take us to the international airport for the flight home. Please note: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather and ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Additional Notes: 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 exist on the verge of their tolerances. Any interference by man in the region must be extremely cautious and carefully considered because the consequences are much more serious than elsewhere. With this in mind, Arctic Odysseys, in cooperation with Poseidon Arctic Voyages and MSCO, ensure that expeditions are arranged in a way that minimizes disturbance to wildlife and the fragile natural environment of the Arctic. Your safety is of paramount importance. Although any expedition involves some degree of risk, our ship is certified by all international organizations having regulatory authority for voyages of this type. The crew and attending staff are experienced and qualified for operations in the most challenging ice conditions. All expeditions are served by the first-class crews of the MSCO along with a team of scientists, naturalists, lecturers, and guides. RATES INCLUDE 2 overnights in a 5* hotel in Moscow with breakfast; Airfares Moscow-Murmansk-Moscow; Group transfers between the airport, ship and airport (from 15 passengers); Luggage transfer between the airport and the ship; Voyage aboard the vessel "Yamal" as indicated in the itinerary; All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by "Zodiacs" and helicopters (as included in planned group excursions); Program of lectures by noted naturalists and the service of an experienced guide; Four meals a day; Pre-departure materials and expedition log; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; Special expedition parka. NOT INCLUDED Not included: Passport and visa expenses (if required); Government arrival and departure taxes (if required); Meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodation (if required); Luggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly ecommended); Excess Luggage charges; Telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel; Standard tips at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion). YAMAL - NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER The "Yamal" is one of the most powerful and sophisticated ships in the world. Designed as a working ship for plowing Russia's sea routes in the north, the "Yamal" can crash through the thickest and heaviest ice. This remarkable vessel, combining advanced technology and comfortable passenger accommodations, is under the management of the Murmansk Shipping Company. High Quality accommodation Passengers aboard "Yamal" are lodged in 50 outside cabins (i.e., having windows or portholes) and first class cabins with all conveniences including large portholes, desk, television, etc. Public areas include a large passenger lounge (that can accommodate all passengers at once), restroom, cinema/lecture hall, basketball court, gymnasium, and an indoor swimming pool filled with heated sea water, in addition to a sauna. The captain's bridge (open almost around the clock) and wide, open decks at various levels, provide splendid views from the ship. The "Yamal" also has a good library and a small hospital. Superb cuisine Qualified chefs prepare varied international cuisine, and experienced staff attend your needs. The bar has a large supply of alcoholic and soft drinks. Unique "Zodiac" landing crafts and helicopters Two onboard helicopters are required for ice navigation and used for reconnaissance flights. Employees, guides and the crew Our icebreaker has an experienced staff of 150 persons, including 50 employees and mechanics. As Russia's icebreaker fleet is considered to be the world's biggest and most up-to-date, Russians are recognized experts in polar research. The expedition is directed by an experienced leader with a staff of specialists chosen for their local knowledge and expertise. Technical equipment The "Yamal", an icebreaker with a capacity of 75,000 h.p., a thick armor of special sheet steel forming a double hull, and a specific ice ship design, is one of the few surface vessels to ever have reached the North Pole. The advance of the vessel through the ice is facilitated by a pneumatic bubbling system supplying hot water through jets under the level of the ice, as well as a polymer coating over the hull and the ability to quickly move ballast water. Ice can be broken during both forward and reverse movement. The vessel is set in motion by the rotation of three screw propellers, each having four blades weighing seven tons each. Two nuclear reactors providing steam for the engine are enclosed in a casing made of 160 ton steel, high density concrete, and water. Double vacuum water softener produces five tons of fresh water an hour. Our vessel is equipped with the most up-to-date satellite navigation system and communication equipment, including a telephone, telex, fax, and e-mail. Specifications of the Yamal: Length: 150m, Breadth: 30m, Draft: 11.08m, Displacement: 23,000, Propulsion: Two steam turbines driving 6 generators (75,000 total hp), cruising speed: 20knots, Crew: 150, Passengers: 100, Registry: Russia TERMS AND CONDITIONS Reservations and payment A deposit of 20% of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. Cancelation and Refunds All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 90 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of 10% of the cabin rate per person. Please note that within the 90 days limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation, and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which at the discretion of the captain and expedition leader may or may not be utilized). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to the passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever. Itinerary The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the expedition leader. This is an expedition to a remote and scarcely populated part of the world, and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the participants. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with regard to the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing in this brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of helicopter. Responsibility Please read this important information carefully. The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this tour shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein. Poseidon Arctic Voyages, Ltd. («PAV») acts as General Sales Agent for the vessel and as such exercise every possible care. However, «PAV», their subsidiaries and/or their associated Agents (Arctic Odysseys™), shall not be held responsible for property loss or damage and/or any damages resulting from illness, personal injury or death which may be sustained by reason of, or while engaged on, any tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft, helicopter, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, State carrier or any other conveyance used in carrying out these tours. We can assume no liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or delay or other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or supplied by owners, operators or public carriers for whom «PAV» acts only as agent. «PAV» and/or their associated Agents (Arctic Odysseys™) shall not be responsible for any injury to person (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military action in the countries of origin, destination or passage. «PAV» strongly recommends that individual passengers to obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Luggage is at the owner’s risk entirely. In case of medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger. «PAV» strongly advises that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance the responsibility still remains with the passenger and «PAV» declines any responsibility whatsoever. The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their carriers or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned (when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation company and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. By accepting a ticket the passenger also agrees to its terms and conditions. By forwarding of deposit the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. «PAV» reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of a tour at any time.