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This September Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavík, Iceland, where you’ll explore cultural landmarks before boarding the M/V Sea Spirit. Sailing through Faxaflói Bay, you’ll cross the Denmark Strait and the Arctic Circle en route to East Greenland. There, six days are spent navigating the spectacular fjords of Scoresby Sund, known for colossal icebergs, towering peaks, and possible visits to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit. Wildlife sightings, Northern Lights, hiking, and kayaking highlight this remote region. The journey then returns to Iceland, stopping in the scenic Westfjords before concluding with disembarkation back in Reykjavík.
Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly and quintessentially Nordic city.
For an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture, we recommend starting at the superb National Museum and Culture House. You will also want to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s most famous landmark. For those interested in natural history, we recommend the Whales of Iceland museum, which houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found around Iceland. For dinner, Reykjavík offers countless options for an authentic Icelandic meal.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden or a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the heart of the city. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the views as we sail through Faxaflói, where it is possible to encounter our first whales.
As we sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, we celebrate our crossing of the Arctic Circle. We keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, we have our first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.
The itinerary for this part of our voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s best wildlife viewing. As with any true polar expedition, our exact schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. At this late stage of the season, we expect our explorations will be minimally affected by sea ice. However, we will be alert for icebergs from surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational challenges. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.
Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”.
Ancient Thule archeological sites remind us of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, we plan to visit the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the world. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs.
In September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.
This itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.
After our amazing time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.
Our last expedition day is spent in the beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to whales while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.
A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the appropriate cabin rate is required to confirm the reservation of the Expedition Cruise. The final payment (80%) is due 90 days prior to the departure. Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred method of payment) or by credit card. All payments are to be made in the agreed currency indicated in the invoice.
CABIN DETAILS
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
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21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23 M² (248 FT²) m²
Portholes
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
20 M² (215 FT²) m²
Picture window
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
24 M² (258 FT²) m²
Private balcony
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
30 M² (323 FT²) m²
Private balcony
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
63 M² (678 FT²) m²
PRIVATE DECK
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23 M² (248 FT²) m²
Portholes
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21 M² (226 FT²) m²
picture window
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
20 M² (215 FT²) m²
Picture window
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
24 M² (258 FT²) m²
Private balcony
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
30 M² (323 FT²) m²
Private balcony
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Sea Spirit are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
63 M² (678 FT²) m²
PRIVATE DECK
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Due to the small ship size, we normally have an average of two activities per day, each lasting about 2.5 hours — ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the polar world! Enjoy landings with scenic hikes for all levels (walking sticks provided), wildlife encounters with insights from experts, and Zodiac cruises. Onboard, you’ll find expert-led lectures, masterclasses, bridge visits, and polar photography tips. Alternatively, you can relax in the jacuzzi, unwind in the library, or enjoy a drink at the bar. On one of the days, we’ll host a BBQ on the open deck! For the bravest, there’s the Polar Plunge — those who prefer not to participate can enjoy watching the fun. Each day is packed with exciting, unforgettable experiences.
U$ 795 Per Person
Sea Kayaking is typically offered on voyages that include High Arctic destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Franz Josef Land, or a combination of these thrilling places. Experience calving glaciers in Svalbard, cathedral-like icebergs in Greenland, or labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, all from our sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have ever paddled.
The polar regions are a photographer’s dream, teeming with breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture perfect shots.
To enhance your experience, our expedition photographer will host onboard masterclasses, offer tips during landings, and create a stunning slideshow of highlights to enjoy at the end of the cruise. After the journey, you’ll receive this slideshow along with a curated selection of photos to relive the adventure.
Our goal is to inspire and support you, ensuring you capture extraordinary images that you’ll treasure forever.
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Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries — a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. In 2017, she was renovated to offer a unique mixture of adventure and comfort for our sophisticated travelers.
Sea Spirit has been retrofitted with Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers that allow safe, stable navigation through icy waters. The operational benefits of the new retractable fin stabilizers include reducing the ship’s roll when anchored, moored, or drifting, reducing dynamic drag when deployed while underway, and eliminating vibration and noise.
Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal — to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations.
The Sea Spirit’s State-of-the-Art Stabilizers
Polar adventurers aboard Poseidon Expedition’s 114-passenger vessel Sea Spirit will now benefit from advanced technology when the ship is equipped with new retractable fin stabilizers next year.
The 4,200-GRT vessel will be retrofitted with Rolls-Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers during the scheduled dry dock in May 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal, just prior to the commencement of the 2019 Arctic season.
According to Poseidon Expeditions’ Senior Director of Cruise Operations Nikolay Zakharov, “These new stabilizers will provide high-performance roll damping when the Sea Spirit is underway, while drifting, or even at anchor. They incorporate a time-tested trailing edge design that eliminates vibration and noise. At the same time, they look to the future with safeguards to protect the polar ecosystems. The stabilizers are fully compatible with environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL) and feature quad main seals for additional redundancy.
“The current Blohm & Voss stabilizers have served us well, but the new Rolls-Royce system uses a computer-based programmable logic controller (PLC) that develops different algorithms depending on conditions. The result will be a ride for our passengers as comfortable as aboard any expedition ship currently coming into the market,” he said.
The improvements will be made at the same time that the Sea Spirit will be re-certified for new IMO Polar Code requirements. Currently, the vessel has all valid technical and international certificates complying with IMO conventions to provide tourism activities in polar waters. Along with the technical improvements, more than $2.5 million in refurbishments to passenger areas – all cabins and public areas – have been made over the past few years to the Sea Spirit.
The Small Ship Advantage
Travel aboard a cruise ship is like staying in a resort hotel, except that your accommodation is also your transportation. Small expedition boats and passenger ships have an undeniable advantage over large cruise vessels. On a small ship Arctic & Antarctica cruises, you retire to the same bed each night and awake in a new polar place each morning. More and more people are discovering the joy and convenience of exploring a string of new destinations without changing hotels or repacking their suitcases.
When most people think of cruise ships, they imagine the floating mega-resorts that can exceed 1,000 feet (328 meters) in length. They imagine disembarking to explore the day’s destination with thousands of their shipmates and possibly also the passengers of several other ships in port that day. This style of traveling is certainly not for everyone. Many people prefer the autonomy and flexibility of independent travel. They want the freedom to wander off the beaten track, to discover the undiscovered, and to experience the world in a personal way.
At the same time, seasoned cruise passengers have realized there are still many parts of the world that are inaccessible to large cruise ships, due to constraints of draft or lack of port facilities. Some of these places are so remote or inhospitable that one cannot simply go on one’s own either. Such is the case with the Polar Regions.
In the wild, remote, unpopulated regions of Antarctica and the Arctic, the demand for tourist transportation and accommodation has been met by small cruise ships, also known as expedition ships. Being much smaller and more maneuverable than traditional cruise ships, these ships can navigate in shallow bays and narrow channels far from the shipping lanes and developed ports of the industrialized world. In addition, expedition ships operating in the high latitudes have hulls that are strengthened against ice. These features allow ships such as Sea Spirit to go where other ships cannot follow.
But of course, it is not enough simply to view these places from the ship. That is why Sea Spirit has a fleet of Zodiacs—small but extremely capable rubber boats perfect for taking passengers ashore at wild landing sites. Zodiacs are also ideal for giving passengers more intimate experiences with marine wildlife and natural features such as glaciers and icebergs. The ability to launch an excursion from the ship—anywhere, anytime—is essential for getting the most out of a visit to the Polar Regions.
Sea Spirit sets herself even farther apart by providing a level of comfort and luxury not usually found on a ship of her size. Travelers of all backgrounds are impressed with the size of the staterooms as well as the deluxe furnishings and thoughtful amenities throughout the ship, not to mention the superior cuisine and personalized attention from the crew. For the adventurous, sea kayaking and camping are offered as optional activities not found on traditional cruise ships.
From veteran cruise passengers to fiercely independent travelers, everyone wanting to visit the polar regions will find that taking small ship Arctic & Antarctica cruises aboard Sea Spirit is the best way to go.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! After leaving Reykjavik, it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
