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Embark on a 14-day Arctic expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Reykjavík, Iceland, and concluding in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Experience the majestic fjords and tundra of East Greenland, the Northern Lights, and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Svalbard, with stops in Ny Ålesund and the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city! We’ve arranged a hotel accommodation where you can rest after your flight and get ready for our upcoming Arctic adventures. Still have some energy left? Then use this opportunity to explore the city, which offers various points of interest and attractions for visitors. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the Perlan observation deck, the futuristic Hallgrímskirkja church towering over the city, cozy houses with colorful tin roofs, narrow streets, historic relics of the Viking era and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Reykjavik.
We bet you’ll fall in love at first sight! Walk along Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, or visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the National Museum. For dinner Reykjavík offers countless options to enjoy an authentic Icelandic meal.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to explore the city. Our expedition starts in the afternoon. You’ll be transferred to the pier where our expedition team will offer a warm welcome aboard our comfortable vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled into your spacious cabins and explore the ship — It’ll be your home away from home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After departure, we’ll kick off our adventure with a full schedule of info briefings and introductions from the expedition staff. After a sumptuous dinner, step out onto the open decks to admire the spectacular views as we sail through Faxaflói. And keep your eyes open for whale encounters!
From Iceland we head toward East Greenland, crossing the Arctic Circle on the way. 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 as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our itinerary and exploration opportunities in East Greenland are dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Again you can be sure that our experienced captain and expedition leader will take advantage of every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, to discover incredible scenery, and to go ashore wherever possible. The Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. We anticipate exploring these fjord systems to the extent made possible by ever-changing ice conditions.
Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high, reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. On shore, fields of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. The landscape—vast, open, and seemingly untouched since the beginning of time—is a hikers’ paradise. Throughout this area we also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins.
The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and of course the opportunity to meet Inuit people.
And in late August, there’s a chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights! As summer fades, the skies come alive with vibrant colors, offering a magical experience you won’t want to miss.
After our amazing time in East Greenland we head toward Svalbard. All along the way we remain vigilant for sightings of marine mammals such as whales and seals.
In Svalbard, the High Arctic wilderness comes alive, offering an authentic expedition experience. Our route and exploration opportunities depend on the ever-changing weather and sea ice conditions. With our skilled captain and expedition leader, we adapt the itinerary to seize the best opportunities presented by Nature in this remote and untamed corner of the Arctic.
We anticipate exploring in the northwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to a wide variety of marine mammals. Polar Bears can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard.
Also in this area is Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers, complete with museum, gift shop, and post office. This was also a staging area for historic attempts to discover the North Pole.
After enjoying one final breakfast buffet on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and final destination of our expedition. After disembarkation, a captivating sightseeing tour awaits you, showcasing some of the most interesting locations in the world’s northernmost city. We provide transfers to the airport or to the town center in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard.
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.
Included
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.
