For centuries, people dreamed of reaching the "top of the world" — the point where all meridians converge. Explorers attempted to reach this destination by ships, dog sleds, and skis, often sacrificing their lives in pursuit of this dream. Now, it's become simpler with the availability of an atomic icebreaker that conducts several cruises to the North Pole during the summer. While it may be expensive and not accessible to everyone, it offers a safe and relatively fast means to experience this extraordinary journey. Might be the only one to take you off the screen making online casinos real money, right?
The cruise typically lasts for 12-13 days, with the icebreaker spending most of this time navigating through the ice. Tourists have the opportunity to witness polar bears and walruses from the deck, take helicopter flights over the vast expanses of the Arctic Ocean, and traverse through the northernmost archipelago, Franz Josef Land. After six days, the icebreaker arrives at the "top of the world," where eager travelers can complete the shortest circumnavigation possible.
Attempts to conquer the North Pole began in the second half of the 18th century, fueled by the belief that during daylight hours, the sea would be free of ice. Over 200 years, seafarers sought a northern sea route from Europe to China, but without success. Back then, there were no icebreakers, so explorers used boats with runners for movement on ice, relied on dog sleds, and even went on skis. In the early 20th century, claims were made about reaching the pole, but compelling evidence was lacking. The first documented expedition to the North Pole was achieved in 1926 by an airship, as ships of that time could not make it to the pole.
Today, it's much simpler — anyone interested can reach the North Pole aboard the atomic icebreaker "50 Years of Victory."
The cruise is organized by the Poseidon Expeditions Polar Travel Club, a company specializing in expeditions to remote and unexplored corners of the planet. The journey begins in Murmansk, where the largest icebreaker, the "50 Years of Victory," is stationed at the base of the Russian nuclear-powered fleet.
The best time for a tourist trip to the North Pole is during the summer months. The temperature around the Arctic Circle hovers around 0°C, and the winds are not too strong, allowing for long walks on the deck and the enjoyment of the northern views. Even in winter, the icebreaker is busy accompanying research and cargo ships in the Arctic.
Typically, 124 participants embark on the cruise — the icebreaker doesn't accommodate more passengers. Onboard, everything is provided for extended cruises, including a restaurant, bar, sauna, gym, swimming pool, and lecture hall. Cabins come in standard and deluxe categories. The "Arctic Suite" cabins are located at the front, near the captain's quarters, chief engineer's quarters, restaurant, and the captain's bridge.
As the ship departs from the port of Murmansk, most passengers are on the open decks. From here, one can admire the views of the Kola Bay, with settlements like Roslyakovo and Severomorsk clearly visible. After venturing into the sea, expedition jackets are distributed to tourists, and safety rules on board are explained.
The first ice is encountered in the Barents Sea on the third day of the expedition. The icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" hardly notices it — the thin ice hardly affects its speed. The atomic-powered vessel has already been to the North Pole 45 times, and the sailors are accustomed to dealing with more formidable obstacles.
Tourists enjoy spending time on the bow — the front part of the icebreaker's deck. Around them stretches the boundless and serene Arctic Ocean. In summer, it's the polar day — the sun shines around the clock. During free time, passengers attend lectures and take guided tours of the icebreaker. Experts share stories about the history of the Northern Fleet and show the engine room.
The atomic icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" cruises through the water at speeds of up to 21 knots (38 km/h), but the ice slows its progress. With a 2.8-meter ice cover, the icebreaker moves at speeds of up to 3 knots (5-6 km/h). In 2014, this icebreaker delivered the Olympic flame to the "top of the world" during the polar night, and in 2017, it set a record — reaching the North Pole from Murmansk in 79 hours. The average speed for such a voyage is about 16 knots (30 km/h).
To chart the right course, information about the ice conditions along the way is crucial. Satellite images of the area of operation are sent "from the shore." However, these images provide only a general idea of the ice cover, lacking in detail. They serve to strategically plan the route.
When the icebreaker is in motion, the crew relies on a radar station. The radar screen displays the outlines and parameters of the ice cover, allowing for timely course corrections. The only drawback is that the radar shows the situation only within a range of 6 nautical miles (11 kilometers).
Around the fifth day, the icebreaker reaches the North Pole. By this time, passengers have taken several helicopter flights, marveled at the vast Arctic Ocean, and observed from above how confidently the icebreaker navigates through the ice.
Reaching the exact 90° mark is not easy. There are no recognizable signs at this point, and the ice constantly shifts. The location is determined solely by instruments, and adjusting the course while moving through the ice is not a quick process — which is why the massive icebreaker might simply pass by.
At the 90° mark, all meridians converge. Each conquering of the world's peak is a significant event. All tourists are notified in advance of the approaching pole, and the passengers gather on the bow.
Such a cruise comes at a considerable cost — starting from 30,000 dollars. This is because the vessel is designed for only 124 tourists, and the charter of the atomic icebreaker falls on their shoulders. But the North Pole is worth it. In the past, people spent several years preparing and often perished on their way to this dream destination. Now, to visit the North Pole, all you need is money and the desire.
A cruise to the North Pole leaves a lasting impression. The geographical "top of the world" is not even visible on a globe — it is the point through which the Earth's axis passes. Expedition participants not only visited this point but also walked on the ice, traversed all the meridians, and some even took a dip in the Arctic Ocean.
