Poseidon Expeditions is a global leader in polar exploration, offering once-in-a-lifetime voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic. Since 1999, we’ve specialized in immersive expedition cruises that blend comfort, adventure, and a deep respect for the remote environments we visit.Our vessel, the Sea Spirit, accommodates just 114 guests, creating an intimate and personalized experience. With this ship, we explore breathtaking destinations such as Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Franz Josef Land, and Iceland—regions celebrated for their raw beauty and extraordinary wildlife.What sets us apart is our commitment to meaningful exploration. Guests travel with a hand-picked team of expert expedition guides who bring every landing to life. Whether navigating ice-packed waters aboard our vessel or stepping ashore via Zodiac, each journey is designed to inspire awe and deeper understanding.With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Cyprus, and China, we welcome travelers from around the world to discover the polar regions with us.At Poseidon Expeditions, we believe that true adventure begins where the map ends—and we’re here to take you there in comfort, safety, and style!
Written by the business, not verified by us.
Is Poseidon Expeditions legit?
Poseidon Expeditions (poseidonexpeditions.com) has a 4.4 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 101 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is good. 84% of reviews are 4 stars or higher and 11% are 1 star; The business has replied to 86% of negative reviews; 15 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-28.
My wife and I recently (June 26) did an Arctic cruise with Poseidon, and everything far exceeded our expectations, the crew and expedition staff were all so welcoming and knowledgeable. I also took advantage of the Sea Kayaking, and I would thoroughly recommend this as part of the adventure.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Steve, thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that your Arctic voyage exceeded expectations and that our crew and expedition team made you both feel so welcome.
And great to hear you gave sea kayaking a try! It really is a special way to experience the Arctic — a little closer to the water, a little farther from the comfort zone, and absolutely worth it.
Thank you for traveling with us, and we hope to welcome you and your wife back aboard for another adventure!
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
A great experience overall - if scoring allowed I would have given the cruise 4.5. The scenery and the feeling of being on the edge of being a true explorer whilst enjoying home comforts met my expectations. The ship’s crew always had smile on their faces, whatever the time of day or request. The expedition guides were knowledgeable and when it wasn’t their specialist subject, sought out the answer to any questions. With practically no « sea days » the pace of activities was full on. On the plus side we fitted a lot in; on the negative side it was obvious that on the last couple of days some were starting to flag . Why did I not give the cruise 5 stars? It would have been nice if more of the guides( some were very sociable) had joined the passengers at meals rather than sitting at an obvious guides table. The cabins were well appointed and clean but a little tired particularly the bathrooms. In addition incorrect information in the room about connecting to the internet, and misleading information about unlocking and opening the balcony door were an irritation albeit quickly resolved.A quick job to correct this.
Would I recommend it? Yes but remember that an Expedition Cruise is very different from the standard holiday cruise ship.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Bernice, thank you for such a thoughtful and balanced review. We’re very happy to hear that the scenery, sense of exploration, and our crew and expedition team made the experience a memorable one. “True explorer with home comforts” is actually a pretty good description of what we try to achieve!
We also appreciate the constructive comments. Your points about interaction with the expedition team, the cabins, and especially the incorrect onboard information are fair and useful feedback, and we will make sure they are shared with the appropriate teams.
And you are absolutely right about the pace — expedition cruising can be wonderfully exhausting! There is always the temptation to fit in just one more landing, one more Zodiac cruise, or one more experience.
Thank you for recommending Poseidon and, most importantly, for giving future travelers a very good description of what an expedition cruise is really about. We hope we have the opportunity to welcome you aboard again — and earn that missing half-star next time!
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
I recently joined Poseidon Expeditions for their "taster" cruise from Llandudno to Greenock, and it was the perfect introduction to small-ship expedition cruising. The highlight was definitely the Zodiac excursion off Northern Ireland; as a photographer, getting close-up shots of the "seabird cities" on the cliffs, lounging seals, and a playful pod of dolphins was an incredible experience. Between the expert-led workshops (especially from Huw Lewis-Jones whose passion was clear for all to see! (as was the whole teams)), the seamless embarkation via Zodiac, and the social atmosphere of the whole sailing, it was a fantastic, well-organized trip that managed to pack a full expedition experience into just a few days.
I cannot wait to send clients to the Polar regions with Poseidon!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Dan, thank you for such a great review! We’re delighted that the “taster” voyage did exactly what we hoped it would — pack a real expedition experience into just a few days.
It sounds like Northern Ireland certainly delivered for you and your camera! And we’ll make sure Huw and the rest of the team see your comments. Their passion for what they do is hard to hide, even if they tried.
Most of all, thank you for the confidence you’re placing in Poseidon by recommending us to your clients. There really is no better endorsement than experiencing the product yourself, and we look forward to welcoming some of your travelers — and hopefully you again — on board in the Polar regions.
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
A short exploration of the British Isles, which showcased what spectacular scenery and wildlife we have on our own doorstep.
Lovely little ship with excellent staff onboard, spacious and comfortable cabins, good outdoor decks for viewing and large lounges and areas for relaxing.
The expedition crew were top notch, enthusiastic and made the most of the opportunities to get us off the ship & exploring.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Sue, thank you! It’s amazing what we sometimes overlook right on our own doorstep, and the British Isles certainly gave us plenty to work with on this trip.
We’re really pleased you enjoyed Sea Spirit and, especially, the expedition team. They’re happiest when they can get everyone off the ship and out exploring, so they’ll love reading this.
Thanks again for joining us, Sue. Hopefully this short adventure has given you an appetite for a longer one next time!
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
Poseidon Expeditions exceeded expectations in every way, and I honestly could not recommend them more highly if you are looking for a true expedition experience.
From the beautiful cabins, and there genuinely was not a bad one onboard, to the staff who truly care, the spotless ship, and the fantastic food, every detail was exceptional.
What really made the experience unforgettable, however, was the expedition team. Their passion, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring guests experience the very best of the wildlife, nature, and raw beauty of each destination were outstanding.
I did one of their UK expeditions, and it completely changed my perspective. I never imagined I would see and learn so much about the UK from such a different and inspiring viewpoint.
I am completely sold and already looking at which cruise I can book next.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Sandra, what a wonderful review — thank you! We’re thrilled that the experience exceeded your expectations, from the ship and food to the crew and, of course, our expedition team.
One of the things we love most about expedition travel is that you don’t always have to go to the ends of the earth to discover something completely new. Seeing the UK from the water, through the eyes of our expedition team, can make even familiar places feel like a whole new world.
And hearing that you’re already looking at your next voyage may be our favorite part of the review! It sounds like the expedition bug has officially bitten. We’ll be very happy to have you back onboard wherever you decide to explore next.
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
In January 2026, we had a wonderful trip to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. This was already our second trip with Poseidon. The entire crew, from the technician and captain to the restaurant, hotel, and bar staff, is thoroughly professional and absolutely customer-oriented. Attention is paid to even the smallest details. We grew together like a family during the three weeks. There was a feeling of warmth everywhere, despite the cold outside temperature.
The expedition team had extensive knowledge of Antarctic animals , landscape, geology, geography, and history. It was also noticeable that the members of the expedition team treated each other with mutual respect and friendliness. This was very pleasant and cannot be taken for granted, considering that the teams are put together by Poseidon depending on the destination. We would like to emphasize that we often did not have good weather conditions, which demanded a lot from the captain's team and the expedition. It was therefore wonderful that the expedition leader, Sergey, always communicated any changes to the daily schedule or cancellations very clearly to the guests.
For us, it was a wonderful time with lots of learning and understanding of this unique and precious natural environment, and of course lots of fun on board and wonderful food!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Anke, welcoming you back for a second voyage was already a compliment — reading this review makes it even more special. Thank you!
We loved your description of finding so much warmth onboard while it was decidedly cold outside. Three weeks together, especially on a voyage where the weather keeps everyone on their toes, has a way of turning a ship into a little family.
Thank you also for recognizing the people behind the experience — from the bridge and technical crew to the hotel, restaurant and bar teams, and our expedition staff. We’ll make sure Sergey sees your comments as well. Keeping everyone informed when Mother Nature decides to rewrite the schedule is a very important part of the job!
Most of all, we’re happy you came away with wonderful memories, new knowledge, plenty of good food and, as you said, lots of fun. We hope voyage number three is somewhere in the not-too-distant future.
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
Sea Spirit in Antakrtika - a breathtaking and unique journey
The decision to choose the Sea Spirit for an Antarctic Expedition Cruise was absolutely right. The Sea Spirit and its team are the expedition cruise ship par excellence and, in our experience, the first choice! Both the crew on board under Captain Yaroslaw and hotel manager Paz, as well as the Poseidon expedition team under Sergej and our first point of contact Steffi, convey the mixture of experience, spontaneity, and enthusiasm that permeates the entire team. With the Sea Spirit, we were able to venture further south than planned (via Crystal Sound to the channel “The Gullet,” where two icebergs forced us to turn back). The entire team (quote from Sergei: “We are guided by the weather and ice”) constantly adapted to the ever-changing conditions and was committed, genuinely warm, and cheerful (not just friendly and nice). We were able to observe all the relevant animals encountered on the Sea Spirit's route. Some sightings (such as a jumping whale or orcas) were also a first for most Poseidon employees, as was the southern advance across the Arctic Circle to “The Gullet.” All in all, it was a breathtaking and unique journey. On the morning of February 8, we bid a fond farewell to the Poseidon crew and the expedition team.
Conclusion: Top marks. With the current Sea Spirit team, an expedition cruise is always the first choice!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Alexander, what a review — thank you! “We are guided by the weather and ice” really does sum up expedition travel rather well. You can make all the plans you want, but in Antarctica, nature always gets the final vote.
It sounds like she rewarded you with quite an adventure this time! Making it south across the Antarctic Circle and into Crystal Sound toward The Gullet was something special, even if those two icebergs ultimately had other ideas.
Thank you for recognizing so many members of the Sea Spirit family by name. Captain Yaroslaw, Paz, Sergej, Steffi and the entire crew and expedition team will be very proud to read your words. We especially appreciate your comment that the team was not simply friendly, but genuinely warm and cheerful — there is a big difference, and it means a lot to us.
We’re very happy you chose Sea Spirit for your Antarctic adventure, Alexander. After a journey like this, saying goodbye on February 8 must have been bittersweet. Hopefully it was more “see you again” than farewell.
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
A fantastic trip and amazing teams. From the expedition team and the hotel staff to the ship's crew. Although excursions were always heavily dependent on the weather and weren't possible relatively often, an alternative was usually found (by sailing back and forth), and the ship's relatively small size was also an advantage. I'd especially like to commend the kayak team! Elo, Katherine, and Flipper did a fantastic job and ensured an unforgettable paddling experience.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-08-20
Ronald, thank you for the great review! The weather doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, but that’s part of the adventure — and having a smaller ship certainly gives us more flexibility to go looking for Plan B (and occasionally Plan C!).
We’re really glad the team was able to make the most of the conditions and keep the experience going. And a special shout-out to Elo, Katherine and Flipper — we’ll make sure they know just how much you enjoyed your time on the water. An “unforgettable paddling experience” is about as good a compliment as a kayak team can get!
Thank you for joining us, Ronald. We hope there are more adventures together in the future.
Warm regards,
Your Poseidon Expeditions Team
A crew member warned me that I was not following the rules in a very aggressive manner, even though they were breaking the same rules themselves. I also saw crew members asking passengers to leave reviews on tablets provided by them. I believe many of the reviews you see are false.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-29
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
We take all feedback seriously, especially when it relates to guest experience and staff conduct. That’s why we carefully reviewed our passenger records and booking history—including variations of your name—and unfortunately, we were unable to locate any record of your participation on any Poseidon Expeditions voyage.
We understand how concerning your comments are, and we want to investigate them thoroughly. But to do that, we need more information. If you did travel with us under a different name or booking reference, we kindly ask that you contact us directly at [email protected] with any details you can provide—such as your travel dates, booking number, or the name used to book the trip.
We want to be fully transparent and resolve any issue that may have occurred. If your review was posted in error or relates to another company, we would also appreciate the opportunity to clarify and avoid confusion.
Thank you again, and we hope to hear from you soon so we can look into this further.
Best regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Greenland Northern Lights trip - 15 Sep - 26 Sep 2025
The good:
* Expedition itinerary was great.
* We had wonderful weather which helped as we saw Northern Lights about 6 or 7 days out of the itinerary which was fantastic
* We saw muskoxen - even some butting heads and a pack, along with Arctic Hare - so that was good
* Excursions - with hikes were outstanding
* Food was very good
* Western Iceland - was very nice. We're catholic and even visited a Catholic Church - St John The Evangelist in Westfjord - which was great.
* Expedition team was very good and approachable and informative
The Bad:
* The design and the quality of the Parka's (which were included was TERRIBLE).
* First the design, it has at end of the sleeves some cloth that functions as hand warmers - but if they get wet - they stay wet. Compared to competitor Parka's that are actually 2: an inner lighter parka and an outer heavier parka - that design is much better. I still use the inner jacket of the competitors (8 years after going to Antarctica ) and is good marketing for them. (I don't use the outer jacket as much, living in Texas - another plus of that better design).
* Second the quality was TERRIBLE. My torn off in 2 places before the end of the trip. I showed to the expedition team and i though they would have replaced it but they didn't. So we donated mine (and my wife's, since she wouldn't keep hers if mine was torn).
I also told the sales person on my return. I would have been ok even if they at least had given a "Polar plunge" shirt or something (since i did the Arctic plunge). I have pictures of this.
The opportunity to improve:
* The competitor, at least on our trip to Antarctica, had professors and researchers giving lectures, in addition to the expedition team. So this added extra-depth and knowledge which was very useful.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-15
Dear Juan-Carlos,
Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review of your Greenland Northern Lights voyage with us this past September. It’s wonderful to hear that the itinerary, wildlife sightings, excursions, and overall service—from the expedition team to the kitchen staff—made this a memorable journey. We’re especially happy you had so many nights of clear skies for the Northern Lights and that you were able to visit St. John the Evangelist Church in Westfjords. That’s a beautiful and meaningful stop.
We also want to sincerely thank you for your honest feedback regarding the parkas. We agree that expedition gear is a key part of the guest experience, and we're sorry to hear about the design and quality issues you encountered. Your comments have already been passed along to our product and logistics teams, and we are currently in discussions with suppliers for future improvements. The idea of offering a dual-layer parka—especially with a removable inner layer that guests might want to continue wearing back home—is well taken.
As for your parka tearing during the trip, we apologize that a replacement or gesture of goodwill wasn’t offered on board. That shouldn’t have been overlooked. We’re also sorry you didn’t receive a memento like a “Polar Plunge” shirt, especially since you braved the Arctic waters!
And finally, your note about including guest lecturers such as researchers and professors is excellent. We’re always looking for ways to deepen the educational value of our voyages, and your comparison gives us helpful perspective as we refine our programming.
Thank you again for traveling with us, and for offering both compliments and constructive feedback. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon—with better parkas and even more enriching experiences.
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
This was an outstanding experience with outstanding service
This was - by far - the best (and most expensive ;-)) Trip of my life. (This counts as I did a lot of traveling in the past 54 years!)
The trip was exciting because of several topics:
1. The destination was outstanding (ok, I chose it ;-))
2. The ship (size, condition, layout, facilities) / number of tourists: the OPTIMUM for a traveling type "expedition"
2.1 size of the ship: not "small" but sufficient (size, lounges, rooms for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Not too big so guests could stay together for communication and nobody had the risk of "being alone"
2.2 cabines in very good condition (of course depending on the money "invested")
2.3 number of guests not too big:
- it was possible to get in touch basically with everyone -> big enough to "select" people / groups fitting into the own "style"/language
- allowed everybody to do all activities together without giving the feeling, that the nature is disturbed too much; the guests diluted a lot while being on shore an in the wild
2.5 the size of the ship gave me also a feeling that it does not interfere with the nature too much
2.6 Even if - because of the smaller size of the ship - the power of nature (waves, wind) had a significant impact on the ship (the ship moved a lot under strong conditions on open water) I personally loved this as it gave me the feeling of an expedition and to of an "all inclusive big scale ship cruise far away from the nature"; exciting to feel the power of the nature!
3. Staff andservice
3.1 Expedition Team (ET):
3.1.1 I loved to understand that these members have been specialists on their fields (scientists, guides for kayaking) being absolutely competent and knowledgeable. Even detailed/scientific questions had been answered in any case. And if one did not know the answer he/she made a research and came back with the answer! Lectures of these guys have been amazingly interesting/competent (as far as I can judge it); I felt the passion with which the lecturer presented their topics. Absolutely outstanding!
3.1.2 The entire ET showed to be caring about the nature, which I loved to see. They communicated precisely the rules 4 being in the nature/how to behave so that the nature is not too much disturbed by the guests. If the rules have not been followed they interfered promptly to fix it. (This even could have been more intensive as some guests seemed not adhere to the rules with adequate care sometimes)
3.1.3 The ET did an amazing job to care about all guests to enable all of them to experience all activities & especially about guests, being not that fit and athletically. All of them onboarded and offboarded the Zodiacs safely and not one accident happened here. For doing that they stood in ice-cold water up to the hips to enable these experiences for everybody. Amazing!
3.1.4 The ET showed the guests that they are a real team. They worked together, everybody did care about everything (even if the tasks had been split up between the members) and I did't recognize any conflicts at all. They communicated in each minute with each other so the information flow was outstanding. In particular information about e.g. whales, in particular during the last expedition day where we all could watch the orcas coming along. Kayakers, guests on the Zodiacs and the guests on the ship had been informed in real time.
So I had the feeling of the best service on all kind of topics. Even individual arrangements have been achieved ("is it possible to get back to the ship a bit earlier because of ..." (I had a job interview during the trip and ask for a special service to be back on the ship latest on a concrete time).
Having problems with my teeth on Falkland Island they arranged an appointment with a dentist and organized a ride to the dentist and back again). The doctor on the ship frankly told me that he's not a dentist and to be sure about the situation he strongly proposed a visit with a specialist!
Please let them know my feedback! It was AMAZING!
4. Staff for housing / cleaning / making up the rooms / cooking / serving the meals
4.1 same thing as above! Everything has been done on a level that I did not miss anything. Also here the staff communicated with each other quickly. E.g. as I told - not as a complaint but just as a comment - somwhen that my back is aching while sleeping, at the same day I had 2 toppers on my bed without having asked for it.
I took the time to write all this because it was super service by everyone!
Only one final thought "room for improvement":
The internet connection was really slow. As - "sadly" - everybody is hanging on the smartphone to send pics/information to their families this was sometimes difficult and pulling e.g. an ebook via the network was not possible. This is the only recommendation!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-15
Dear Matthias,
Thank you—truly—for this extraordinary review. We’re incredibly grateful that you took the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful reflection on your voyage. It means a great deal to our entire team to know that your experience with Poseidon Expeditions was, in your words, “the best (and most expensive 😉) trip” of your life.
We’re thrilled that the ship, group size, layout, and the balance between comfort and an authentic expedition feel all hit the mark for you. Your comments about the ship’s size allowing for real connection—both with fellow guests and with nature—are exactly what we aim for, and it’s wonderful to know that came through so clearly.
Your praise for our expedition team is deeply appreciated. They truly are the heart of what we do, and your recognition of their professionalism, depth of knowledge, real-time coordination, and passion for both the environment and guest care will mean the world to them. We’ll make sure they see every word. We’re also glad to hear that their efforts to support all guests—regardless of physical ability—made a strong impression.
We’re equally proud that our hotel and galley teams delivered seamless, behind-the-scenes service that made you feel cared for at every step—from extra mattress toppers to accommodating special requests like a timely return for a job interview, or a trip to a dentist in the Falklands. That’s the kind of personalized care we strive for, and we’re so glad it stood out to you.
And thank you as well for your candid comment about the internet. We know that satellite connectivity in remote regions still has its limitations, but it’s something we’re continually working to improve—especially as more guests wish to stay in touch with loved ones or access digital resources during their travels.
On behalf of everyone at Poseidon Expeditions, thank you for trusting us with such a meaningful journey—and for celebrating the team behind it. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for your next great adventure.
With sincere appreciation,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Loved my Antarctic expedition. Guides Marta, Max and Santi all gave interesting talks. Marta's on Antarctica was comprehensive and her talk on her sailing trip to Antarctica was entertaining; Max was great on history - especially the explorers. I'd read a lot about them, but still learned much from him. And Santi's talk on mate told us a lot about Argentina's history and culture. Those 3 were also great Zodiac pilots and always had smooth rides.
We had 2 landings most days and got to see lots of ice, penguins and seals. I'm a keen walker and enjoyed trekking through the snow.
The food on board was plentiful and tasty and the hospitality staff very helpful and entertaining. Loved the birthday ceremonies.
Rooms were comfortable and it was great not to get seasick either.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-15
Dear Frances,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review—we’re thrilled to hear how much you loved your Antarctic expedition with us!
We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Marta, Max, and Santi. They each bring such unique passion and depth to the experience, and it's clear their talks and Zodiac guiding left a lasting impression. We're glad you enjoyed not just the wildlife and landings, but also the cultural and historical insights they shared—especially over a good cup of mate!
It’s great to hear the walking excursions through the snow were a highlight (always a treat for keen hikers!), and we’re so pleased the ship’s hospitality, food, and birthday touches added to the joy of the voyage. And no seasickness? That’s a win we’ll happily take credit for—even if we know the Drake Passage doesn’t always make that easy!
We truly appreciate you sailing with us and hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back for another adventure—perhaps the Arctic next time?
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
The expedition met all our expectations. The team made a real effort to ensure we had as many landings as were feasible given the conditions. Landings were well organised, safe and swift. The expedition team varied a little in quality, friendliness and knowledge. It was disappointing not to have a naturalist on board and we felt it was top heavy on photography.
The cabin was spacious and really comfortable. Polar Spirit (max approx 112 but we were 86) was well stabilised with great outdoor viewing. The food was generally very good and the choice was generous.
There were about 13 different nationalities amongst the guests and this enhanced the experience.
The wildlife and other viewings on South Georgia were absolutely wonderful. The Falkland landings were also good but a whole day in Stanley felt excessive.
Poseidon use the Arakur hotel in Ushuaia for the night before the trip and this was excellent. Luggage collection and other arrangements were faultless.
Poseidon made it possible for us to visit these incredible places in a small(ish) ship at an affordable price and to do so comfortably, efficiently and safely. We would recommend this trip.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-15
Dear A. Turnbull,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful review of your Falklands and South Georgia expedition with us. We’re so pleased to hear that the journey met your expectations, and that you found the landings well organized, safe, and efficient—even as we adapted to changing conditions. That’s a real credit to the flexibility and dedication of our expedition team and crew.
It’s also great to hear that you enjoyed the comfort of your cabin aboard the Sea Spirit, appreciated the generous dining options, and found the international mix of guests added to the richness of the experience. We're especially happy that the breathtaking wildlife encounters in South Georgia stood out—there truly is nothing like it.
We also appreciate your candid feedback regarding the expedition team composition. While many of our staff bring naturalist knowledge and training to their roles, we understand how the absence of a dedicated naturalist and a stronger emphasis on photography may have felt unbalanced. Your comments help us reflect and make thoughtful adjustments to ensure our team offerings better align with the expectations and interests of all our guests.
We're glad that your pre-cruise stay at the Arakur Hotel and all logistical arrangements went smoothly—thank you for recognizing the behind-the-scenes effort our team puts in to make sure your journey is seamless from start to finish.
It was our pleasure to help make this adventure possible for you, and we sincerely appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another journey to the polar regions.
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Beware: Poseidon Sales Team Ignores Included Services
My recent trip with Poseidon Expeditions was overshadowed by serious shortcomings from their sales team. Although I had received clear written confirmation that Poseidon would arrange the South Georgia landing permit, I only discovered after boarding the ship that this had not been done. No one from the sales office or my travel agent notified me in advance—leaving me to find out about this last-minute exclusion in the middle of my voyage.
This essential permit costs £200 per person and is required for every South Georgia landing.
Had I not managed to resolve it myself, I would have missed all planned excursions on the island. When I requested compensation, the Poseidon sales office refused, claiming that anyone booking under the “Last Minute Price” must secure their own permit—directly contradicting their earlier written assurance and standard expedition practices.
While the onboard crew were outstanding and always helpful, the lack of transparency and support from the head office sales team led to unnecessary stress and frustration.
Travelers should beware: with Poseidon Expeditions, even written promises from the head office may not be honored, and you may only discover problems after your trip has begun.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2026-01-15
Dear Nelly,
Thank you for your candid and detailed review. We're truly sorry to hear that your experience with Poseidon Expeditions was marred by the issue surrounding your South Georgia landing permit. We understand how upsetting it must have been to discover this onboard, and we deeply regret the stress it caused during what should have been a seamless and unforgettable expedition.
We appreciate you acknowledging the efforts of our onboard team, and we’re pleased to know they were helpful throughout your voyage. That said, we take full responsibility for any breakdown in communication that occurred prior to embarkation.
Regarding the South Georgia permit, our intent is always to be transparent about what is and isn’t included in different promotional fare types. However, it’s clear in your case that expectations were not properly aligned with internal handling—especially given the written confirmation you received. That is something we take seriously and are actively reviewing to prevent similar issues going forward.
We understand your frustration and sincerely apologize for the last-minute nature of the situation. Your feedback has been shared directly with our sales and operations teams to improve how we communicate inclusions and exclusions—particularly for last-minute bookings.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and for recognizing the dedication of our shipboard crew. We are grateful you were ultimately able to participate in the South Georgia landings, and we hope that—despite this experience—you will consider sailing with us again in the future under better circumstances.
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Trip of a lifetime! This was my second voyage with Poseidon, after experiencing the Antarctic with them in 2023. This time we visited Svalbard and what a trip it was! I love the small ship, it feels very homely with luxury service. The expedition crew are soo knowledgeable and they made sure we experienced the best of the Arctic.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2025-07-29
Thank you so much for sailing with us again—and for sharing such kind words! We're honored to have been part of not just one, but two unforgettable journeys with you, first to Antarctica and now to Svalbard.
It’s wonderful to hear that the small-ship atmosphere, attentive service, and expert expedition team helped make your Arctic adventure feel both luxurious and personal. Our crew is passionate about what they do, and it means a great deal to know their knowledge and care helped you experience the very best of the region.
We truly appreciate your continued trust in Poseidon and hope to welcome you aboard for another adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
The circumnavigation of Svalbard with Poseidon Expeditions was an exceptional experience. The limited number of passengers allowed all guests to participate fully in each expedition activity. The expertise, organisation, and meticulous attention to detail demonstrated by the expedition team ensured that every activity was distinct and memorable. The team's extensive knowledge across various disciplines meant that all questions were thoroughly addressed, greatly enhancing our understanding through onboard activities and lectures. Additionally, the hotel staff consistently provided exemplary service, displaying attentiveness and friendliness at all times. Their commitment to delivering a comprehensive experience rather than merely a service was clearly evident throughout the trip.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2025-07-29
Thank you for your thoughtful and generous review. We’re truly delighted to hear that your Svalbard circumnavigation with Poseidon was such a rewarding and memorable experience.
Our entire team—both on the expedition side and in hotel operations—takes great pride in creating meaningful, in-depth journeys, and it’s incredibly gratifying to know that their expertise, attentiveness, and dedication came through in every aspect of your voyage. We're especially pleased that the smaller group size allowed for full participation and enriched engagement throughout the trip.
Thank you once again for choosing Poseidon Expeditions. We hope to welcome you aboard for another polar adventure in the future!
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Unfortunately this expedition didn't live up to expectations!
With the new regulations its not easy to see polar bears like it says on there website, "Polar bears easy to see!" Its not.
We had 2 opportunities to see polar bears yet twice we had to turn and didnt see then!
If you want to see polar bears i wouldn't recommend Svalbard or this company.
They are miss selling this trip!
They need to change there website!
The staff was lovely but lacking in enthusiasm apart from the whale expert, hardly seem on deck looking out for wildlife!
This trip is not worth its money, I feel robbed, and its not cheap!
I definitely be returning to Quark Expeditions, they are in a different league!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2025-07-04
Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations, especially regarding polar bear sightings and the overall sense of value. We understand how important this kind of trip is—both emotionally and financially—and we’re disappointed to hear that it left you feeling unsatisfied.
As you mentioned, current wildlife regulations in Svalbard, including mandatory 500-meter distancing from polar bears, are designed to ensure the safety of both guests and animals. While we always aim to provide incredible wildlife encounters, the Arctic is a true wilderness, and sightings can never be guaranteed. We strive to set realistic expectations in our materials and will certainly review any language that could be misinterpreted as a promise of guaranteed sightings.
We’re glad you found the staff lovely and will share your feedback about enthusiasm and visibility on deck with our expedition leadership team. Continuous improvement is core to our values, and we take guest input seriously.
As for your mention of Quark Expeditions—we respect the work of our colleagues in polar travel. Each company offers different styles of expeditions, and we’re sorry we didn’t deliver what you were hoping for. We appreciate you traveling with us and hope you’ll consider giving Poseidon another opportunity in the future.
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Poseidon were outstanding throughout, a very helpful app which included all you needed to know about the trip. The ship was super comfortable and the team were super friendly. My wife and I had a great trip and I would recommend Poseidon to anyone looking to explore the Artic.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2025-06-27
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your wife had such a memorable journey with us to the Arctic. It’s wonderful to know that you found the app helpful, the ship comfortable, and our team welcoming—these are exactly the experiences we strive to provide.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again for another adventure in the near future—perhaps Antarctica next time?
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
Room size good. Toilet continually clogging and out of action. Bad smell in Toilet even though ours not clogged.
Food..luke warm and not inviting..no toaster..overall not appetising. Can't see polar bears as ruled have changed..must be 500m from so no easy vision. Stops on zodiacs boring..basically a waste of money. Nothing great to see. Go to Antarctica instead.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2025-06-27
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond.
We regret any issues you encountered with your cabin facilities and the onboard dining. Your comments have been shared with our operations and hospitality teams so we can address them directly and continue improving the quality of our service.
Regarding wildlife viewing, we understand how disappointing it can be not to see polar bears up close. However, our expedition team must strictly follow AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) regulations, which are designed to protect Arctic wildlife and their habitats. These rules include maintaining a safe distance from polar bears for the safety of both guests and the animals. While this can limit proximity, our guides always strive to provide the most rewarding and informative experience possible.
We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that the Arctic did not resonate with you as much as other destinations might. If you do decide to explore Antarctica, we’d love the opportunity to show you how spectacular and unique that region can be with Poseidon.
Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team
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