Hop on $25,000 cruise to the North Pole during Santa’s off-season
Mega-cruise ships won’t take you to the top of the world but a powerful icebreaker will. Polar fanatics who pony up $25,000 each can snap a selfie on an icy speck of the planet at 90 degrees north, otherwise known as the North Pole. And you won’t be alone.
Montana-based Adventure Life takes 128 passengers on 14-day cruises to the North Pole this summer that begin in Helsinki, Finland, and then fly to Russia to board the 50 Years of Victory icebreaker. It takes five to eight ice-crunching days to reach Santaland, during which time you can look for polar bears and walruses, or relax in the ship’s lap pool.
There’s nothing at the top -- no ice hotels, no posh pop-up bars -- except a sign marking the spot. But participants will chow down at a barbecue with a Champagne toast on the ice. Wildlife viewing in Zodiac boats and helicopter tours of the area are included too; you even have the option of taking a hot-air balloon ride ($295 extra) over the pole. The itinerary includes a visit to Franz Josef Land, a remote group of islands named for the Austro-Hungarian emperor.
When: Cruises leave June 19 and June 30.
Price: $24,995 to $37,995 per person plus $1,690 charter flight package. It includes guides, land tours, helicopter tours, meals, parka and waterproof boots. International airfare to and from Finland is extra.
Info: Adventure Life, (800) 344-6118
Mary.Forgione@latimes.com
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