Expedition Cruises, based in New York and Moscow, operates cruises to the North Pole aboard the Russian nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. The company operates the two-week tours each summer, commencing in Helsinki, Finland. Approximately 128 passengers fly from there to Murmansk, Russia, where they board the ship, one of the most powerful in the world, for the journey through the Barents Sea to the Pole, under the midnight sun. Along the way, they fly via helicopter to several islands and glaciers in the Franz Josef Land archipelago, where they see birds, polar bears, whales, seals and other wildlife. The experience includes champagne and a barbecue at the Pole, treks onto the ice, mountain climbing and, for those who dare, a swim in the icy Arctic waters. Aboard the ship, they enjoy gourmet meals, a spa, swimming pool, nightlife and the camaraderie of other seasoned, sophisticated travelers. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one can ever forget.