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Q U E S T T O T H E N O R T H P O L E BARENTS SEA & FRANZ JOSEF LAND (PASSAGE) Day 5 & 6: Tuesday 27 June & Wednesday 28 June Warm on deck in your expedition parka after a hearty breakfast, you notice dramatic changes in the landscape over the Barents Sea. The first icebergs begin to float by as wilderness takes over. As with any great expedition, safety briefings are conducted before the fun begins. Feel the tingle of anticipation as you learn the protocol for helicopters and Zodiacs. With all formalities dismissed, why not seek out the team of experts who are always on hand for a chat around the ship. Ever wondered what a glaciologist does? Pop in on an informal discussion and you too can become an expert on the science of the ice. Our onboard experts live and breathe these ice lands with a passion and they're more than happy to share their knowledge with you – but be warned, their adventure spirit is highly infectious! NORTHBOUND THROUGH THE PACK ICE Day 7 & 8: Thursday 29 June & Friday 30 June The ship is a sight to behold, especially from the air. Now's your chance to catch a view of the action with the definitive adrenalin kick – a helicopter ride over the ice with a birdseye view over the ship. Take an insightful tour of the engine room – prepare to be amazed by the roar and thunder of machinery. THE NORTH POLE – 90° NORTH Day 9: Saturday 1 July Today's the big day. Hearts pound with anticipation as the ship is meticulously manoeuvred into position at exactly 90 degrees north. It's an impressive spectacle as everyone on board gathers on deck, resplendent in their bright parkas with champagne poised. Cue an eruption of cheers and applause as the mission to the Geographic North Pole is completed. We take a rosy cheeked walk on the very top of the world as the festivities move from deck to ice and the celebration gets into full swing. Prepare to lose yourself in the exhilaration of true north – past guests have been known to indulge in many zany antics to celebrate including golf, polar painting and of course the obligatory dip into the icy waters. Do you have the mettle to go for a swim? A delicious polar BBQ will warm you up whatever you choose. Imagine how good that will taste as you're wrapped up on the ice, toasting your success together. Get up close to the action on daily Zodiac adventures Conquer 90 degrees north as the ship completes its ultimate quest Opposite: We hope for close encounters of the furry kind 38 CAPTAIN'S CHOICE | Europe 2017