Poseidon Expeditions
Expedition Cruising
Poseidon is my sleeper pick in polar expedition cruising. They operate just one ship — the 114-guest Sea Spirit — and they do it exceptionally well. The all-suite accommodation punches above its weight, the expedition team has won Best Polar Expedition Operator multiple years running, and because they are less well-known than Quark or Lindblad, availability is often better and pricing more competitive. For a first Antarctic or Svalbard voyage, Poseidon delivers a polished experience without the premium price tag of the big expedition brands.
Founded in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions has quietly built one of the strongest reputations in polar expedition cruising. Operating a single vessel — the 114-guest, all-suite Sea Spirit — the company focuses exclusively on the Arctic and Antarctic, following the seasons between hemispheres: Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland in the northern summer; Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia in the southern summer. This focused approach means every aspect of the operation is optimised for polar travel, from the ice-strengthened hull and fleet of Zodiacs to the specialist expedition team.
The Sea Spirit herself is a handsome, well-maintained vessel that underwent a significant renovation in 2017 and has been continuously upgraded since. All cabins are suites with ocean views, and the ship features Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilisers that provide genuine comfort even in the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Public spaces are inviting without being extravagant — a well-stocked library, a comfortable lecture theatre, a fitness centre, and a restaurant serving surprisingly accomplished cuisine for a ship of this size. The atmosphere is convivial and expedition-focused, with guests gathering on deck for wildlife sightings and swapping stories over drinks in the evening.
What sets Poseidon apart is the calibre of their expedition team. Multiple-award-winning — including Best Polar Expedition Operator at the International Travel Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 — the onboard naturalists, marine biologists, and polar historians bring genuine expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every Zodiac landing and lecture. The company maintains active participation in Clean Up Svalbard initiatives and adheres strictly to IAATO and AECO guidelines, reflecting a commitment to responsible polar tourism that goes beyond marketing.
Pricing is notably competitive for the quality delivered. Poseidon offers triple-share suites that bring Antarctic voyages within reach of younger travellers, while their standard double suites provide more space and comfort than many competitors at similar price points. For travellers who want a focused, expert-led polar experience aboard a single dedicated ship rather than a rotating fleet, Poseidon Expeditions is an excellent and often underestimated choice.
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