Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Fifty Years of Victory
★★★★
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 367 out of 500
Accommodation: 143 out of 200
Food: 260 out of 400
Service: 307 out of 400
Entertainment: 80 out of 100
Cruise: 306 out of 400
Overall Score: 1463 out of 2000
Fifty Years of Victory Statistics
Size: Boutique Ship
Tonnage: 23,439
Lifestyle: Standard
Cruise Line: Various expedition operators
Former Names: Ural
IMO Number: 9152959
Builder: Baltic Works, St Petersburg (Russia)
Original Cost: n/a
Entered Service: Jul 2009
Registry: Russia
Length (ft/m): 523.6/159.6
Beam (ft/m): 98.4/30.0
Draft (ft/m): 36.3/11.0
Propulsion/Propellers: 2 x nuclear reactors, with 3 propulsion motors (75,000 hp)
Passenger Decks: 6
Total Crew: 140
Passengers (lower beds): 132
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 177.5
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 0.9
Cabins (total): 66
Size Range (sq ft/m): 148.5-367.0/13.8-34.1
Cabins (for one person): 0
Cabins (with private balcony): 0
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 0
Wheelchair accessibility: None
Cabin Current: 110 volts
Elevators: 1
Casino (gaming tables): 0
Slot Machines: 0
Swimming Pools: 1
Hot Tubs (on deck): 0
Self-Service Launderette: Yes
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: No
Library: Yes
Onboard currency: US$
Nuclear-powered, it’s the ultimate expedition ship
Overview. An advanced vessel of the Arktika-class of icebreaking ships, Fifty Years of Victory is an outstanding polar expedition cruise ship that carries adventurous, hardy outdoors types of mature years. It is powered by two nuclear reactors, and carries enough fuel to power it for four years. Experienced lecturers are carried on each sailing.
The Ship. This dramatic, incredibly impressive vessel (Let Pobedy in Russian, or 50 Years of Victory or Fiftieth Anniversary of Victory) is the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker, capable of breaking through ice up to 8ft (2.5m) thick. While the noise created by the ice-crushing capability of this marine machine is intense, it is all part of the great adventure.
There are more crew members than passengers, giving a most impressive passenger/space ratio. The ship is comfortable, and it carries a fleet of Zodiac inflatable landing craft, as well as two helicopters for passenger use, and expedition leaders. The crew is experienced in challenging conditions.
Fifty Years of Victory typically leaves from its northern Russian base city of Murmansk before heading across the Barents Sea. Approaching the North Pole - 90° north and 1,000 miles (1,600km) from the closest tree - aboard a Russian icebreaker is the ultimate prize of a true Arctic Expedition voyage. It’s really one of the most spectacular voyages to be made by ship.
The ship has a library that is stocked with books about polar exploration, nature, and wildlife. Because there are so few voyages to the North Pole, places sell out quickly. Yellow parkas and rubber boots are provided, but you should take waterproof trousers and thermal wear.
Gratuities to the staff are left to your discretion, but a suggestion is about $10 per day, per person. Note that the ship will be withdrawn from service after the 2015 Arctic season.
Accommodation. There are two ‘suite’ grades and three cabin grades. The suites have a spacious bedroom and separate lounge room, while the bathroom has a tub. Suites also have a coffee-making machine, and fresh fruit is replenished daily. All suites/cabins have windows that open. Each has private bathroom facilities (with shower, except the suites with bathtub), TV/DVD player, and a decent amount of storage space. Only two cabins (46 and 48) have obstructed views.
Dining. The dining room operates in a single, open seating, so you sit with whomever you wish. Expect the food to be carbohydrate-rich, hearty fare that will provide the energy you need for the adventures ahead.
Entertainment. There isn’t any as such: dinner and conversation among all participants being the main event each day, as well as evening recaps, and, of course, wildlife spotting.
Spa/Fitness. Sauna, fitness center, basketball and indoor volleyball court. There is a small ‘dip’ pool at the stern, underneath the helicopter deck.