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!
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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.
Sea Spirit is a classically styled ship with so much character! The staff were so friendly and welcoming, I instantly felt at home. The cabins are lovely - incredibly spacious and spotlessly clean. I loved the size of the ship, small enough to feel like an expedition but large enough to have lots of spaces to enjoy. The expedition team were brilliant - so enthusiastic and passionate about the wildlife and sharing the Arctic with us. Everything was well organised and I was so impressed with the effort of the expedition team and the crew to provide the best experience possible. Amazing food every day with so much choice! It was an incredible trip!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-07-04
Dear Amy, thank you for your feedback! We are delighted to hear that you were happy with the service we provide. We will pass on your feedback to our staff and expedition team aboard Sea Spirit, whose inspiration and energy ensure our passengers have an unforgettable experience.
Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team
Always, for me, it is the experience you gain from traveling to exciting places and meeting people from around the globe with similar interests. Poseidon provides this opportunity. The ship, it’s staff and guides are definitely a part of this.
The itineraries are the best for all their trips but you must be physically active to participate.
The one thing that I was dissatisfied with was the temperature of the food. It was not hot enough. Also the coffee could be a better brand.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-06-07
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you very much for your constructive feedback and specific comments. We will ensure your comments are passed on to our quality control department.
Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team.
Staff and crew were wonderful! The food on board was excellent as was the service! The destinations Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes, etc. were all that was promised and the views and the wildlife were breathtaking! I will say that the key word for this entire experience is "expedition." Itineraries can and do change based on many factors, especially the weather. You will be getting into and out of Zodiacs for many of the stops and being in "reasonably good condition" is a good idea as hiking is an integral part of getting to prime locations. So, be flexible and have an explorer's heart and you won't be disappointed! Bottom line....... I would do it again!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-06-07
Dear Lawrence, thank you for appreciating our work! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your cruise. Look forward to welcoming you again on board the Sea Spirit!
Yours faithfully,
Poseidon Expeditions team
Poseidon Expeditions cancelled our 13-day cruise to the British Isles ON THE DAY OF OUR DEPARTURE to London. Completely screwed all of our other reservations surrounding the cruise. No explanation other than stuck in dry dock. What kind of company does that??!! How could they not have known sooner? DO NOT TRUST.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-05-14
Dear Ms. Vardeman,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Like our other guests scheduled for the May 8th expedition cruise of the British Isles, you or your travel agent received an email from us as soon as the determination was made that the Sea Spirit would not be able to leave dry dock in Las Palmas, Canary Islands in time for the scheduled program. As you note, some guests had already departed their homes and others, like you, were about to, and this created a cascading effect in impacting air tickets, pre-cruise visits overseas, etc., in addition to the cruise itself. We apologize wholeheartedly for this unfortunate situation.
To address your question, we unexpectedly learned that additional time in dry dock would be necessary to ensure the Sea Spirit is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests. Regrettably, this unforeseen development did not allow us to give our guests more advanced warning.
Our email notification outlined a number of options enabling you to get the full value of your ticket price, and we are working with all guests and their travel agents to address other related expenses. If you haven’t yet discussed the best option for you with your travel agent, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully,
Poseidon Expeditions
Amazing experience with an exceptional Poseidon team.
Every member of the Poseidon team from the expedition team to the hospitality and room staff were absolutely exceptional.
The on shore experiences were frequent and so interactive and amazing. The team worked overtime behind the scenes to make sure we had several amazing experiences every single day. The lectures on board were incredibly informative. The food was 5 star as was the service. We could not find a single fault with this amazing trip with its excellent crew.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-04-22
Dear Jennifer, thank you very much for such an encouraging feedback! We are pleased to hear that your experience with Poseidon Expeditions was enjoyable and memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back on future adventures aboard Sea Spirit!
Yours sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team
The expedition was absolutely amazing and was made special due to the experience and support of the expedition staff.
The service onboard the ship was also excellent.
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-04-18
Dear RMenso, thank you very much for your wonderful review! We're glad you enjoyed your trip. Special thanks for your high assessment of the work of our expedition team, as such reviews are the best confirmation of their professionalism!
Yours faithfully,
Poseidon Expeditions team
It was an Amazing trip to Antarctica with Poseidon Expeditions Cruise, super excellent expedition team, F&B team and the house keeping team.
This was the last continent I been in my lifetime travel bucket list, I will never ever forget this amazing trip.
All aspects of this trip were phenomenal!
Everyone was constantly on their A-Game and we had a great crew and staff. Expedition team members were fun and knowledgeable while taking care of us and making sure we were safe. We saw incredible things and had an amazing time. I cannot recommend them enough. We look forward to returning for another expedition soon!
The Antarctic expedition with Poseidon is everything you'd expect it to be, and then some. Discounting the fact that weather gods were with us on this journey, the exhilarating encounters with wildlife (orkas and humpback whales, weddell and leopard seals, petrels and albatrosses, and of course, s*loads of endearing penguins) and the smashing beauty of the vast white continent were complimented with an excellent expedition team and superb hospitality on board. Worth every cent!
In short: A fabulous Experience! Visiting the Antarctic and seeing the penguins in their natural habitat has been a long held dream of mine. Choosing a Poseidon Expeditions cruise with the 114-passenger Sea Spirit was the absolute perfect choice. Their booking agents were very responsive and helpful. The 10-day journey was extremely well organized, the guides were very knowledgeable and enjoyable, the friendly restaurant crew's service impeccable, the food excellent, the house crew very helpful, and the front desk folks always ready to tend our needs. Being able to visit the bridge and talk to the captain and his crew was unexpected. We were pampered and felt very safe during the whole trip including the Zodiac outings, the hikes on land, the sea kayaking experience, the sleep-over on Antarctica (another dream come true) and the Polar Plunge. We set a record. 62 jumped into the icy water! Why not, you probably only have the chance once and you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't take it. Each guide and crew member knew exactly what guidelines to follow to make this unique experience the best it can be. We were amazed that there were 23 nationalities of travelers on board. Sharing the same special experience created an instant bond. Conversations flowed easily. All announcements were in English, German, Russian and Chinese. The Antarctic is a very special and magical place on Earth and we learned a lot about what it takes to protect this fragil land. Keep up the good work Poseidon Expeditions!
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2024-04-18
Dear Monika, thank you for such a detailed and positive review of our cruise. We would be glad to see you again on board our cozy ship Sea Spirit!
Out of the world experience at the Antartica cruise. Very competent, knowledgeable and experienced team of crew that makes the trip safe, fun and educational. Will totally recommend Poseidon for anyone aspiring to visit Antartica.
Spectacular! Antarctica 🇦🇶 Never fails to impress!
The company provides high quality hospitality experience, friendly staff and expert polar guides with amazing food.
We had wonderful experience on the ship the expedition teams the in house team were very good. This is my second trip there is one thing which can be a bit better. We came to make memories but it would have been nicer if family pics are also clicked as we get those pics professionally. The usb stick that we got appeared like documentary. In our previous trip our photographer did a fabulous job of capturing all members . We do feel like seeing usb stick again and again.My husband being a good photographer himself captured us beautifully. But he was missing most of times . This little aspect will definitely work wonders for all guests participating in this journey which is definitely out of the world.
Kind regards
Rashmie Kapoor
Each and everything including the hotel arranged on the previous day of the cruise, crew team, service were excellent. A good team to choose fro your cruise.
Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise!
And the best part of course the wild nature, animals.
It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!
It was an amazing trip right from the very beginning. Clear instructions before the trip, along with tips and recommendations, were provided. The representative was always attentive and answered all our questions via email.
The pre-boarding and boarding processes were well-organized and quick.
The onboard experience was incredible: informative lectures from the expedition team, exceptionally clean rooms, housekeeping service all day long available, friendly and attentive staff, and breakfast, lunches, and dinners with a wide variety of tasty options. The rooms (we were at the 4th floor) were spacious and very comfortable.
The program itself was well-designed from every perspective:
- Different locations with diverse landscapes.
- We saw all the animals we were hoping for, such as penguins, whales, seals, and birds.
- High levels of safety were maintained at every step.
- There was a very responsible and eco-friendly approach to travel.
- Very interesting and diverse guest from all over the world!
On the ship, we found a reception, doctor, bar, small fitness center, library and even a jacuzzi on one of the decks—a truly amazing experience! There was also the captain's deck, available for visits (not always, of course), a restaurant, a mini-bar in the room, and laundry service.
My only suggestions, to bring something to hydrate your skin as the air both outside and inside could be quite dry.
Overall, we always felt comfortable, safe, and entertained. The level of detail and care in the planning and execution really made it a memorable experience. Already recommended to a couple of friends.
We booked this cruise in 2022. When we arrived in Svalbard, they would not allow my husband on board as they claimed he tested positive to covid, although he had all vaccinations and no symptoms. They would not allow me on board although I tested negative. We were stranded on Svalbard with no help from the company and the boat left. They would not refund monies. Thus, we rebooked in 2023 at an increased cost and lower cabin quality. The boat and food were good and the staff well organized. But we rate the trip a 1 star. Our trip included a flight from LYR to Oslo. at the end of the cruise. We requested an early flight which we needed to make our ongoing arranged and paid for travel plans to Mongolia possible. We were informed late June, when we were in Europe, that we were on a 7:30 pm flight (not listed in their information). We were told that there were no spaces on earlier flights. She refused to change the flight plans. We asked the company rep in Svalbard for help and were told they were independent contractors and could not help us. In panic, we booked an earlier flight (which was available) at a cost of $926.00. On board, we asked the company rep for help and requested a refund. We were told again that they were independent contractors and could not help us. Upon disembarking at the end of the trip, the company arranged for bus transportation to the airport for those on the two earlier flights but did not even have transportation for the later flight we were put on. We could not find who to contact with our problem or where the main office is located. Is this a company you want to trust with your travel plans and monies?
Reply from Poseidon Expeditions2023-08-21
Dear Edith,
While it is true that you were not allowed to board in 2022 when your husband tested positive for Covid-19, this was the policy of our ship as well as all other expedition ships at that time. Knowingly exposing our passengers, staff and crew to an active case of Covid went against all safety and medical protocols that were in place at that time. They were clearly stated in all of our literature. As a gesture of goodwill we transferred the entirety of your payment from this cruise to the one in 2023 which was. according to the Terms and Conditions you signed, was non-refundable, non-transferable.
Your air was not booked through Poseidon Expeditions and therefore, due to privacy issues, we could not access your airline records to assist with rebooking the flight. Our sales rep, Jennifer, assisted you while in Svalbard, but she was not able to make changes for your flight. You were successful in rebooking your flight out that day. You flew home on the same plane as Jennifer.
Regarding this year’s flight issue, at no time did we publish or promise flight times. On your passenger forms you listed a flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo as your departure flight. There was no mention of a flight out of Oslo to Mongolia. We have email saying you were leaving the US early for a trip to Europe prior to the expedition, but no mention of Mongolia until June 26, 2023, ten days prior to your expedition. When we asked you about your ongoing flight we received no answer until July 5th, at which time it was too late for us to change your tickets that were non-changeable and non-refundable. The flights we booked for you were on July 17, 2023, as promised and did not cause any misconnect with your ongoing flight on July 18th. We did everything according to policy and the promise to our customers.
My experience with Poseidon exceeded all of my expectations. We chose them because the Sea Spirit is small and we wanted to be sure we could land. From Mario with his endless good cheer, and whale encounters with Maxim and Maggie, to Ari's excellent, constant care of our room, it was more than I even hoped. The dining room staff, particularly Rey and Angelo seemed to delight in finding ways to take care of us and make sure every little thing was just right. Ive stayed at Anantara and Belmond properties and i highly recommend them, but, when talking about service, this Poseidon crew took better care of me. Expedition leaders were knowledgeable and worked to keep us safe. Their talks were interesting and informative. The kitchen somehow produced a variety of delicious food (in particular, the soups were amazing). Someone really knows how to shop bc there is no Whole Foods in Antarctica. How they make hot food while going through the Drake is beyond me. We were blessed, excellent weather and lots of animals. Special moments - One day we were surrounded by humpbacks while out in a zodiac, the day they transported the kitchen up on deck and we enjoyed lunch outside, zooming around Spert Island, moments I will treasure forever.
The Service on the cruise BUT especially the Expedition Crew was outstanding, helpful, experienced and accommodating CONGRATULATIONS TO "MARIO" AND HIS CREW
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