Quark Expeditions is celebrating the return of iconic nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory to its fleet for 2016 through 2018. Quark announced that the legendary expedition ship, previously scheduled to be retired at the end of 2015, is now available for North Pole expeditions until 2018.
50 Years of Victory is one of the largest and most powerful nuclear icebreakers ever constructed. Victory is a Russian Arktika-class nuclear-powered icebreaker. Arktika-class icebreakers are the largest and most powerful nuclear icebreakers ever constructed. With an ice-class LL1, Victory is designed to continuously break through ice up to 9.19 feet thick. The icebreaker is equipped with a basketball court, indoor lap pool, two saunas, a Polar library and lounge, a gym with windows, an onboard helicopter for aerial sightseeing and landings.
Earlier this year, Quark announced that 2015 would be the final season for Victory expedition voyages, due to an increased demand to return the ship to duty as an escort ship for the cargo and industrial sectors. This increased demand was due to the de-activation of icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz, which had been pulled from duty to undergo refurbishment and repair. With refurbishment now completed ahead of schedule and Sovetskiy Soyuz scheduled to return to sea earlier than expected, Victory is now again available for passenger voyages. Discussions with Atomflot, the Russian government-owned company that maintains the icebreakers, resulted in term agreements to allow Victory to service Quark voyages for 2016 through 2018.
“We are delighted to be able to continue our signature Victory voyages to the North Pole,” announced Andrew White, president of Quark Expeditions
“Victory has enjoyed an almost celebrity status with Quark passengers, and we are thrilled she will continue to be such a large part of our Arctic expeditions.”
A total of 128 passengers can travel on each 50 Years of Victory voyage to the top of the world on the 14- day The Ultimate Arctic Adventure, one of Quark Expeditions more popular and highly-anticipated voyages. Enroute to the North Pole, they will be some of the few travelers in the world to witness Victory’s ice-class LL1 power as it crushes through virgin ice, a voyage highlight for many.
June 15 and June 26 departures are still available for 2015 with limited space. Future departures are now confirmed for June 15 and June 26, 2016, and for July 9, July 20 and July 31, 2017. Departures for 2018 will be announced at a later date. Quark’s North Pole expeditions start at $25,995 per person based on double occupancy.
Quark Expeditions, www.QuarkExpeditions.com