Icebreaker Yamal cruise to the North Pole

Arctic Cruises and Antarctic Cruise Adventures to North Pole, Spitsbergen, Greenland, Falklands, Patagonia

The Nuclear Icebreaker Yamal

With a displacement of 23,000 tons, 75,000 total horsepower and an armour steel icebreaker hull no less than 48mm thick, the Yamal is among the world's most powerful and sophisticated ships.

Expedition staff, officers and crew

Our icebreaker is staffed by an experienced crew of 150, including 50 officers and engineers. With the world's largest and most modern fleet of icebreakers, the Russians are recognised experts in polar operations. The voyage is directed by a Western expedition leader and highly-qualified staff chosen for their local knowledge and experience.

Quality accommodation

The vessel accommodates passengers in 50 first-class outside cabins and suites, all with private facilities and large windows, as well as a desk, television and other comforts. Public areas include a large dining room (accommodating all passengers in one sitting), library, lounge, theatre-style auditorium, volleyball court and gymnasium, heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. Views are excellent from the Navigation Bridge (where we are almost always welcome) and there are large open decks on several levels. The Yamal also has a good polar library and a small infirmary.

Excellent European cuisine

European master chefs present an excellent and varied international menu with fine provisions from around the world. A combination of European and experienced Russian staff will serve you aboard. The popular bar is stocked with your favorite spirits, wines and champagnes.

Although primarily used as a scout, the Yamal's helicopter is also used for passenger excursions

The Yamal's Zodiac landing craft allow you to get up close and personal with the local wildlife - in this case a Walrus

Unique excursions by Zodiac landing craft and helicopter

Essential for navigation in the ice, the Yamal carries a helicopter for reconnaissance - which we also use for passenger excursions. The helicopter takes us on sightseeing flights and transports us to inland sites and otherwise inaccessible shores. Seeing the polar landscape from the air - and our ship crashing through ice several meters thick - is a unique feature of this expedition. In addition, the Yamal carries Zodiac landing craft which we may use if ice conditions allow.