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Q U E S T T O T H E N O R T H P O L E SOUTHBOUND THROUGH THE PACK ICE Day 10 & 11: Sunday 2 July & Monday 3 July The main goal may have been accomplished, but the adventure is far from over. There's still plenty of time to break the ice. The ship's restaurant is a great place to swap stories with fellow explorers over delicious lunches and hearty dinners, or toast your success over a warming brandy in the bar – you're bound to find kindred spirits among this hardy bunch of pioneers. This is your chance to bask in the glory of having conquered the very pinnacle of the world, reaching further than many great explorers could ever have dreamed of. Don't forget to take some time away from it all as you steam your cares away in the sauna, grab a rejuvenating massage or take a relaxing dip in the ship's pool. Keen for a work out with a view? You'll never miss a blink of scenery as the ship's fully equipped gym features panoramic windows! How could desolation be so beautiful? FRANZ JOSEF LAND Day 12 & 13: Tuesday 4 July & Wednesday 5 July Bound south, we enter a remote world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers at Franz Josef Land. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, walrus and polar bears on the ice – it's here where you're most likely to encounter them. Weather permitting, we take our trusty Zodiacs to explore the hinterland, hoping to find the mysterious spherical rocks that abound on Champ Island and Cape Flora. Want to know more about the migration of whales? Or the best places to spot polar bear cubs? Seek out the onboard team of marine biologists and conservationists who are always ready to inspire you with facts. BARENTS SEA Day 14: Thursday 6 July Tufts of green herald our arrival back into civilisation as we set our course for Murmansk. Your mission has been a success. The conquests of the last ten days may seem surreal as you imagine the failed efforts of explorers past. The locals are surprisingly friendly Expert guides offer colour and context Imagine the aerial view from the ship's helicopter 40 CAPTAIN'S CHOICE | Europe 2017