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In a comfortable home for explorers!
The Sea Spirit cruise ship from Poseidon Expeditions offers around 100 passengers the opportunity to explore extraordinary travel destinations, such as the Arctic. Poseidon Expeditions also offers several expedition trips to Spitsbergen (Svalbard), the polar bear archipelago. Although polar bear sightings cannot be guaranteed, polar bear sightings are highly likely, especially on a cruise lasting more than a week.
Expedition ship Sea Spirit from Poseidon Expeditions near the pack ice boundary on an Arctic trip in Svalbard
Cruise for around 100 people on the Sea Spirit through the impressive fjords of Spitsbergen with Poseidon Expeditions
The motivated crew of the Sea Spirit and the competent expedition team from Poseidon Expeditions accompanied us through the lonely world of fjords, glaciers and sea ice of Svalbard. Many years of experience and expertise promise both exceptional experiences and the necessary security. Spacious cabins, good food and interesting lectures round off the ensemble of casual comfort and arctic adventure. The manageable number of passengers of around 100 guests enabled long shore excursions, shared Zodiac tours and a family atmosphere on board.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
On a Svalbard trip with Poseidon Expeditions
I sit on the deck of the Sea Spirit and try to put my thoughts on paper. The impressive glacier front of Monacobreen spreads its arms in front of me and just a few minutes before I had witnessed the calving of this glacier first hand in a rubber dinghy. The cracking, the breaking, the falling, the heaving of the ice and the wave. I am still speechless. At the end of the journey I finally see that I have to come to terms with it... as beautiful, as unique as some experiences were - I will never be able to describe them like that. Not everything that was planned was possible, but a lot of what was not planned touched me deeply. Huge flocks of birds in the mystical evening light at Alkefjellet, turquoise water running down the piled-up sheets of sea ice, a hunting arctic fox, the elemental power of the calving glacier and a polar bear eating a whale carcass just thirty meters away from me.
I sit on the deck of the Sea Spirit and try to put my thoughts on paper. The impressive glacier front of Monacobreen spreads its arms in front of me and just a few minutes before I had witnessed the calving of this glacier first hand in a rubber dinghy. The cracking, the breaking, the falling, the heaving of the ice and the wave. I am still speechless. At the end of the journey I finally see that I have to come to terms with it... as beautiful, as unique as some experiences were - I will never be able to describe them like that. Not everything that was planned was possible, but a lot of what was not planned touched me deeply. Huge flocks of birds in the mystical evening light at Alkefjellet, turquoise water running down the piled-up sheets of sea ice, a hunting arctic fox, the elemental power of the calving glacier and a polar bear eating a whale carcass just thirty meters away from me.
AGE™ was traveling for you on the Poseidon Expeditions cruise ship Sea Spirit in Svalbard
The Cruise ship Sea Spirit is approximately 90 meters long and 15 meters wide. With a maximum of 114 guests and 72 crew members, Sea Spirit's passenger-to-crew ratio is exceptional. The twelve-member expedition team enables the area to be well secured against polar bears during shore excursions and promises the greatest possible flexibility in all activities. There are 12 Zodiacs available. So there are enough inflatable boats to be able to travel with all passengers at the same time.
The Sea Spirit was built in 1991 and is therefore a bit older. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, she is a likeable ship with her own character. The spacious cabins are comfortably furnished and the lounge areas on board also impress with warm colors, maritime flair and lots of wood. The Sea Spirit has been used by Poseidon Expeditions for expedition trips since 2015, it was renovated in 2017 and modernized in 2019.
The ship is equipped with a panoramic deck, club lounge, bar, restaurant, library, lecture room, gym and a heated outdoor whirlpool. Here, unobtrusive comfort meets the spirit of discovery. Your physical well-being is also well taken care of: early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch, tea time and dinner are included in the extensive full board. Special requests or dietary habits are gladly and individually addressed.
The onboard language at Poseidon Expeditions is English, but thanks to the international crew, many nationalities will find a contact person with their native language on their Svalbard trip. German-speaking guides in particular are always part of the team on the Sea Spirit. Headphones with live translation into various languages are also offered for lectures on board.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
Travel information
- When, from where and where is the trip going?
- who are typical guests on board?
- How much does the Spitsbergen cruise cost??
- What points of interest & sights is there in Svalbard?
- How likely are you to see polar bears?
- Quick information about Program, Talks and Onboard photographer
- What you should know before traveling to Svalbard
Activities & Excursions
Polar travel provider
- who is Poseidon Expeditions?
- Poseidon takes care of it Environmental Protection?
Expedition ship Sea Spirit
- Cabins and equipment
- catering on board
- Common areas of the passenger decks
- Ice class and safety
- Sustainability
daily program
- A pair of typical day with Poseidon Expeditions in Svalbard
- examples for unexpected changes in plans
Our Svalbard travel guide will take you on a tour of the various attractions, sights and wildlife viewing.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
Arctic cruise in Spitsbergen
When do expedition trips in Svalbard take place?
Tourist expedition trips in Spitsbergen are possible from May and up to and including September. The months of July and August are considered high season in Svalbard. The more ice there is, the more restricted the travel route. Poseidon Expeditions offers various itineraries for the Svalbard Archipelago from early June to late August. (You can find current travel times here.)
Where does the journey to Svalbard begin?
The Poseidon Expeditions trip to Svalbard begins and ends in Oslo (capital of Norway). Usually there is both an overnight stay in a hotel in Oslo and a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen (largest settlement in Svalbard) included in the travel price. Your Svalbard adventure with the Sea Spirit begins in the port of Longyearbyen.
What routes are planned in Svalbard?
In spring you will usually explore the west coast of the main island of Spitsbergen during an expedition trip.
The circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is planned for the summer. The Sea Spirit travels along the west coast of Svalbard to the ice limit, then through the Hinlopen Strait (between the main island of Svalbard and the island of Nordaustlandet) and finally back to Longyearbyen via the strait between the islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya. Parts of the Greenland Sea, the Arctic Ocean and the Barents Sea are sailed.
If conditions are very good, it is even possible to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen and the island of Nordaustlandet with a detour to the Seven Islands and Kvitøya. Please note possible changes.
Who are typical guests on this cruise?
Almost all travelers to Svalbard are united by the desire to experience polar bears in the wild. Bird watchers and landscape photographers are also sure to find companions on board. Families with children aged 12 and over are welcome (including younger ones with special permission), but most passengers are between 40 and 70 years old.
The guest list for the Svalbard trip with Poseidon Expeditions is very international. There are usually three large groups: English-speaking guests, German-speaking guests and passengers who speak Mandarin (Chinese). Before 2022, Russian could also be heard regularly on board. In the summer of 2023, a large tour group from Israel was on board.
It's fun to exchange ideas and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There is no dress code. Casual to sporty clothing is completely appropriate on this ship.
How much does an Arctic trip on the Sea Spirit cost?
Prices vary depending on route, date, cabin and travel duration. A 12-day Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions including a circumnavigation of the island of Spitsbergen is regularly available from around 8000 euros per person (3-person cabin) or from around 11.000 euros per person (cheapest 2-person cabin). The price is around 700 to 1000 euros per night per person.
This includes cabin, full board, equipment and all activities and excursions (except kayaking). The program includes, for example: shore leave, hiking trails, Zodiac tours, wildlife viewing and scientific lectures. Please note possible changes.
• Prices as a guide. Price increases and special offers possible.
• There are often early bird discounts and last minute offers.
• As of 2023. You can find current prices here.
What attractions are there in Svalbard?
On a cruise with the Sea Spirit you can observe Arctic animals in Spitsbergen. Walruses swim by, reindeer and arctic foxes meet you on the shore and with a bit of luck you will also meet the king of the Arctic: the polar bear. (How likely are you to see polar bears?) especially the Hinlopenstrasse as well as the islands Barentsøya and Edgeøya had many animal highlights to offer on our trip.
In addition to the large mammals, there are also numerous Birds in Svalbard. There are soaring arctic terns, cute puffins, huge breeding colonies of thick-billed guillemots, rare ivory gulls and numerous other bird species. The Alkefjellet bird rock is particularly impressive.
Varied landscapes are among the special attractions of this remote area. In Svalbard you can enjoy rugged mountains, impressive fjords, tundra with arctic flowers and huge glaciers. In summer you have a good chance of seeing a glacier calving: we were there Monacobreen glacier there live.
You want to sea ice see? Even then, Svalbard is the right place for you. However, fjord ice can only be seen in spring and is unfortunately declining overall. On the other hand, you can still marvel at floating sea ice sheets and sea ice that has been compacted into pack ice in the north of Svalbard even in summer.
Cultural sights of Svalbard are a regular part of the cruise excursion program. Research stations (e.g Ny-alesund with the launch site of Amundsen's airship expedition over the North Pole), remains of whaling stations (e.g Gravneset), historical hunting lodges or a lost place like Kinnvika are typical excursion destinations.
With a bit of luck you can also Watch whales. AGE™ was able to observe minke whales and humpback whales several times on board the Sea Spirit and was also lucky enough to spot a group of beluga whales during a hike in Svalbard.
Would you like to extend your vacation before or after your Svalbard cruise? A stay in Longyearbyen is possible for tourists. This settlement in Svalbard is also called the northernmost city in the world. There is also a longer stop-over in the City of Oslo (Norway's capital). Alternatively, you can explore southern Norway from Oslo.
Good to know
5 reasons to travel to Svalbard with Poseidon Expeditions
Specialized in polar travel: 24 years of expertise
Charming ship with large cabins and lots of wood
Lots of time for activities due to limited number of passengers
AECO member for eco-friendly travel in the Arctic
Ship route including Kvitøya possible
Who is Poseidon Expeditions?
Poseidon Expeditions was founded in 1999 and has since specialized in expedition cruises in the polar regions. Greenland, Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land and Iceland in the north and the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falkland in the south. The main thing is harsh climate, spectacular landscape and remote.
Poseidon Expeditions is internationally positioned. The company was founded in Great Britain and now has offices with representatives in China, Germany, England, Svalbard and the USA. In 2022, Poseidon Expeditions was named Best Polar Expedition Cruise Operator at the International Travel Awards.
Infected by the polar virus? Experience even more adventure: with this Expedition ship Sea Spirit on a trip to Antarctica.
What does the Sea Spirit Expedition Program offer?
An Ship cruise in front of impressive glaciers; Zodiac driving between drift ice and sea ice; Short hikes in a lonely landscape; A Jump into the ice water; shore leave with a visit to a research station and sightseeing at historical places; The trip has a lot to offer. The actual program and in particular the Game Viewing However, they depend on the local conditions. A real expedition trip.
Excursions are planned twice a day: two shore excursions or one landing and a Zodiac ride are the rule. Due to the limited number of passengers on the Sea Spirit, extended shore excursions of around 3 hours are possible. Additionally there is on board Talks and sometimes one panoramic ride with the Sea Spirit, for example along the edge of a glacier.
During the cruise, several glaciers, walrus resting places and various bird rocks are usually visited in order to increase the chance of good weather conditions and good animal sightings. Of course, everyone is on the lookout for foxes, reindeer, seals and polar bears (How likely is it to see polar bears?).
How likely are you to see polar bears?
Around 3000 polar bears live in the Barents Sea area. About 700 of them live on the sea ice north of Svalbard and almost 300 polar bears live within the borders of Svalbard. So you have a good chance of seeing polar bears with Poseidon Expeditions, especially on a longer Svalbard cruise. However, there is no guarantee: it is an expedition trip, not a visit to the zoo. AGE™ was lucky and was able to observe nine polar bears during a twelve-day voyage on the Sea Spirit. The animals were between 30 meters and 1 kilometer away.
As soon as polar bears are spotted, an announcement is made to inform all guests. The program will of course be interrupted and the plans adjusted. If you are lucky and the bear settles near the shore, then it is possible to set off on the polar bear safari by Zodiac.
Are there any good lectures about the Arctic and its wildlife?
The Sea Spirit expedition team includes various experts. Depending on the tour, biologists, geologists, botanists or historians are on board. Polar bears, walruses, kittiwakes and plants from Svalbard were just as much a topic of the lectures on board as the discovery of Svalbard, whaling and problems caused by microplastics.
Scientists and adventurers are also regularly part of the team. Then first-hand reports round off the lecture program. How does the polar night feel? How much food do you need for a ski and kite excursion? And what do you do if a polar bear suddenly appears in front of your tent? You will definitely meet interesting people on the Sea Spirit.
Is there a photographer on board the Sea Spirit?
Yes, an on-board photographer is always part of the expedition team. On board our trip was the young talented wildlife photographer Piet Van den Bemd. He was happy to help and advise the guests and at the end of the trip we also received a USB stick as a farewell gift. There is, for example, a daily list of animal sightings as well as a wonderful slide show with impressive photos taken by the on-board photographer.
What should you know before your trip?
An expedition cruise requires a little flexibility from every guest. Weather, ice or animal behavior may require a change of plan. Surefootedness is important when climbing the Zodiacs. Since it can get wet on a dinghy trip, you should definitely pack a good waterspout and a water bag for your camera. Rubber boots will be provided on board and you can keep the high-quality expedition parka. The onboard language is English. Additionally, there are German guides on board and translations for several languages are available. Casual to sporty clothing is completely appropriate on this ship. There is no dress code. The internet on board is very slow and often simply not available. Leave your phone alone and enjoy the here and now.
Is Poseidon Expeditions committed to the environment?
The company belongs to AECO (Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and follows all standards for environmentally conscious travel set out there.
On expedition trips, passengers are instructed to clean and disinfect their rubber boots after each shore leave to prevent the spread of diseases or seeds. Onboard biosecurity control is taken very seriously, particularly in Antarctica and South Georgia. They even check daypacks on board to make sure that no one brings in seeds. During Arctic voyages, crew and passengers collect plastic waste on the beaches.
The lectures on board impart knowledge, as critical topics such as global warming or microplastics are also discussed. In addition, an expedition trip inspires its guests with the beauty of the polar regions: it becomes tangible and personal. The desire to work towards preserving unique nature is often awakened. There are also different ones Measures to make the Sea Spirit more sustainable.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
Experiences with Poseidon Expeditions in Svalbard
Panorama drives
Of course, the entire cruise in Svalbard is somehow a panoramic trip, but sometimes the landscape is even more beautiful than usual. The guests are then actively made aware of this in the daily program and the captain, for example, takes a break directly in front of the glacier.
Shore excursions in Svalbard
One or two shore excursions in Svalbard are planned every day. For example, research stations are visited, historical places are visited or the unique landscape and wildlife of Svalbard are explored on foot. You can also discover arctic flowers on various shore excursions. A particular highlight is landing near a walrus colony.
You will usually be brought ashore by rubber boat. During a so-called “wet landing”, the guests then disembark in shallow water. Don't worry, rubber boots are provided by Poseidon Expeditions and a naturalist guide will help you get in and out safely. Only in rare cases can the Sea Spirit dock directly on the shore (e.g. on the Ny-Alesund research station), so that the passengers reach the country dry-footed.
Since Svalbard is the home of polar bears, caution is always advised when going ashore. The expedition team checks the entire area before landing to ensure it is bear-free. Several nature guides keep polar bear watch and secure the area. They carry signal weapons to scare away polar bears if necessary and firearms for emergencies. In bad weather conditions (e.g. fog), shore leave is unfortunately not possible for safety reasons. Please understand this. The strict rules in Svalbard are important in order to endanger both the passengers and the polar bears as little as possible.
Short hikes in Svalbard
Passengers who enjoy exercise can sometimes be offered an additional walking option (depending on the weather and local conditions). Since the Poseidon Expeditions expedition team has 12 members on Svalbard trips, there is one guide for fewer than 10 guests. This enables a flexible program with individual support. If you are not good enough to walk or would like to start the day more slowly, you can enjoy an alternative program: For example, a walk on the beach, more time at the heritage site or a Zodiac cruise.
Although the hikes are around three kilometers long, they are not very long, but they lead over rough terrain and can involve inclines. They are only recommended for sure-footed guests. The hiking destination is often a viewpoint or the edge of a glacier. No matter where you go, it is definitely a special experience to hike through the lonely nature of Svalbard. To ensure safety from polar bears, a nature guide always leads the group and another guide brings up the rear.
Zodiac tours in Svalbard
Zodiacs are motorized inflatable boats made of extremely durable synthetic rubber with a solid bottom. They are small and maneuverable and in the unlikely event of damage, various air chambers provide additional security. Zodiacs are therefore ideal for expedition travel. In these inflatable boats you not only reach the land, but also explore Svalbard from the water. The passengers sit on the boat's two inflatable pontoons. For safety, everyone wears a slim life jacket.
The Zodiac tour is often the highlight of the day, as there are places in Spitsbergen that can only really be experienced via Zodiac. An example of this is the Alkefjellet bird rock with thousands of breeding birds. But a Zodiac tour through the drifting ice in front of the edge of a glacier is also a unique experience and, if the weather is good, you might even be able to explore the sea ice at the pack ice edge in one of these sturdy inflatable boats.
The small boats can accommodate around 10 passengers and are perfect for animal watching. With a bit of luck, a curious walrus will swim closer and if a polar bear is spotted and circumstances permit, then you can watch the king of the Arctic in peace from the Zodiac. There are enough Zodiacs available to travel with all passengers at the same time.
Kayaking in Svalbard
Poseidon Expeditions also offers kayaking in Svalbard. However, kayaking is not included in the price of the cruise. You must book participation in the paddling tours in advance for an additional charge. Places in the Sea Spirit kayak club are limited, so it's worth inquiring early. In addition to kayaks and paddles, kayak equipment also includes special suits that protect the wearer from wind, water and cold. Kayaking between icebergs or along the rugged coast of Svalbard is a special natural experience.
Kayak tours often take place alongside a Zodiac cruise, with the kayak team leaving the cruise ship first to get a little head start. Sometimes a kayak tour is offered alongside a shore excursion. Which activity the members of the kayak club actually want to take part in is up to them. Unfortunately, no one can estimate how often it is possible to go kayaking on each trip. Sometimes every day and sometimes just once a week. This is extremely dependent on the weather conditions.
Wildlife watching in Svalbard
There are several places in Svalbard that are known as resting places for walruses. So there's a good chance you'll be able to spot a group of walruses on shore leave or from the Zodiac. Furthermore, bird cliffs with huge breeding colonies of thick-billed guillemots or kittiwakes offer unique animal encounters. Here you also have a good chance of spotting arctic foxes looking for food. For bird watchers, encountering the rare ivory gulls is the goal of dreams, but the flight maneuvers of Arctic terns, a breeding Arctic skua or the popular puffins also offer good photo opportunities. With a bit of luck you can also spot seals or reindeer in Svalbard.
And what about polar bears? Yes, you will most likely be able to see the King of the Arctic on your Svalbard trip. Svalbard offers good opportunities for this. Please note that a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Especially on a longer trip around Svalbard, it is very likely that sooner or later you will meet the King of the Arctic.
Note: AGE™ was lucky enough to see nine polar bears on a twelve-day Poseidon Expedition voyage on the Sea Spirit in Svalbard. One of them was very far away (only visible with binoculars), three were extremely close (only 30-50 meters away). For the first six days we didn't see a single polar bear. On the seventh day we were able to observe three polar bears on three different islands. That is nature. There is no guarantee, but definitely very good chances.
Polar plunge into ice water
If weather and ice conditions permit, a jump into the ice water is usually part of the program. No one has to, but everyone can. The doctor is on standby for safety and all jumpers are secured with a rope around their stomach in case anyone panics or becomes disoriented due to the sudden cold. We had 19 brave volunteers jump from the Zodiac into the icy Arctic Ocean. Congratulations: polar baptism passed.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
The expedition ship Sea Spirit from Poseidon Expeditions
Cabins and equipment of the Sea Spirit:
The Sea Spirit has 47 guest cabins for 2 people each, as well as 6 cabins for 3 people and 1 owner's suite. The rooms are divided into 5 passenger decks: On the main deck the cabins have portholes, on the Oceanus Deck and the Club Deck there are windows and the sports deck and the sun deck have their own balcony. Depending on the room size and furnishings, guests can choose between Maindeck Suite, Classic Suite, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Premium Suite and Owner's Suite.
The cabins are 20 to 24 square meters in size. The 6 premium suites even have 30 square meters and the owner's suite offers 63 square meters of space and access to the private deck. Each cabin has a private bathroom and is equipped with a television, refrigerator, safe, small table, closet and individual temperature control. Queen-size beds or single beds are available. Apart from the 3-person cabins, all rooms also have a sofa.
Of course, not only towels, but also slippers and bathrobes are provided on board. A refillable drinking bottle is also available in the cabin. In order to be ideally equipped for the excursions, rubber boots are provided to all guests. You will also receive a high-quality expedition parka that you can take with you after the trip as a personal souvenir.
Meals on board the Sea Spirit:
Water dispensers, coffee and tea stations, and homemade cookies are available free of charge XNUMX hours a day on the Club Deck. Early risers are also well catered for: an early bird breakfast with sandwiches and fruit juices is offered in the Club Lounge early in the morning.
The large breakfast buffet is available for guests to self-service in the restaurant on the main deck. A selection of baked goods, cold cuts, fish, cheese, yoghurt, porridge, cereals and fruits are complemented by hot dishes such as bacon, eggs or waffles. In addition, freshly prepared omelets and changing daily specials such as advocado toast or pancakes can be ordered. Coffee, tea, milk and fresh juices are included in the offer.
Lunch is also served as a buffet in the restaurant. As a starter there is always soup and various salads. The main courses are varied and include meat dishes, seafood, pasta, rice dishes and casseroles as well as various side dishes such as vegetables or potatoes. One of the main courses is usually vegan. For dessert you can choose from a changing selection of cakes, puddings and fruits. Table water is served free of charge, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks for an additional charge.
At tea time (after the 2nd activity) snacks and sweets are offered in the Club Lounge. Sandwiches, cakes and cookies satisfy your hunger in between meals. Coffee drinks, tea and hot chocolate are available for free.
Dinner is served á la carte in the restaurant. The plates were always beautifully presented. Guests can choose starter, main course and dessert from a changing daily menu. In addition, there are meals that are always available. On our trip these were, for example: steak, chicken breast, Atlantic salmon, Caesar salad, mixed vegetables and Parmesan fries. Table water and a bread basket are available for free. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are served at an additional cost.
If the weather is good, there will be an outdoor barbecue at least once per trip. Then the tables on the sports deck at the stern of the Sea Spirit are set and the buffet is set up on the outside deck. In the fresh air, passengers enjoy grilled specialties with a beautiful view.
Continue to the daily program: What time do you eat?
Common areas on board Sea Spirit:
The Sea Spirit's large restaurant is located on the main deck (Deck 1). Table groups of different sizes with a free choice of seating offer the greatest possible flexibility. Here each guest can decide for themselves whether they would prefer to dine with familiar friends or make new acquaintances. At the stern of the ship you will also find the so-called marina, the place where the big adventures begin. The inflatable boats are boarded here. Guests enjoy with these small boats Zodiac tours, wildlife viewing or Shore excursions.
The Ocean Deck (Deck 2) is the first place you enter when you board the Sea Spirit. Here you will always find the right contact person: the reception is available to help guests with all kinds of requests and at the expedition desk you can ask questions and have the expedition team explain the route or activities to you, for example. The Oceanus Lounge is also located there. This large common room is equipped with several screens and invites you to lectures about animals, nature and science. In the evening, the expedition leader presents the plans for the next day and sometimes a film evening is also offered.
Feeling good is the order of the day on the club deck (deck 3). The Club Lounge has panoramic windows, small seating areas, a coffee and tea station and an integrated bar. The perfect place for a lunch break or a cozy end to the evening. Have you suddenly discovered the perfect photo motif through the panoramic window? No problem, because from the Club Lounge you have direct access to a wrap-around outdoor deck. If you prefer to read in peace, you will find a comfortable place in the adjacent library and a large selection of books on the subject of polar regions.
The bridge is located at the bow of the sports deck (deck 4). Weather permitting, guests can visit the captain and enjoy the view from the bridge. At the stern of the sports deck, a warm outdoor whirlpool promises cozy moments with a special view. Tables and chairs invite you to linger and, when the weather is good, there is an outdoor BBQ. A small fitness room with sports equipment inside the ship rounds off the leisure activities.
Safety on board the Sea Spirit
The Sea Spirit has ice class 1D (Scandinavian scale) or E1 - E2 (German scale). This means that it could navigate waters with an ice thickness of around 5 millimeters without damage and can also push aside occasional drift ice. This class of ice enables the Sea Spirit to travel to polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.
However, the actual itinerary remains dependent on local ice conditions. The ship is not an icebreaker. Of course, it ends at the pack ice boundary and closed fjord ice and areas with closely spaced sea ice sheets or large amounts of drift ice cannot be navigated. The experienced captain of the Sea Spirit always has the last word. Safety first.
In Svalbard there are rarely problems with heavy seas. Deep fjords and sea ice promise calm water and often even glassy seas. If swell occurs, modern stabilizers have been added since 2019 to significantly increase the Sea Spirit's travel comfort. If you still have a sensitive stomach, you can always get travel tablets at reception. Good to know: There is also a doctor on board just in case and in case of emergencies there is a medical station on the main deck.
At the start of the trip, passengers receive a safety briefing on the Zodiac, polar bears and onboard safety. There are of course enough life jackets and lifeboats and a safety exercise is carried out with the guests on the first day. The Zodiacs have multiple air chambers so that the inflatable boats remain on the surface even in the unlikely event of damage. Life jackets for the Zodiac rides are provided.
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Sustainability Arctic trip with the Sea Spirit
Poseidon Expeditions is a member of AECO (Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and follows all standards for environmentally conscious travel set out there. The company cares about biosecurity on board, collects beach trash and imparts knowledge.
The Sea Spirit runs on low-sulphur marine diesel and thus complies with the IMO (International Maritime Organization) agreement to prevent marine pollution. Unfortunately, it is not possible to operate the expedition ship without a combustion engine. The Sea Spirit's speed is reduced to save fuel and modern stabilizers reduce vibrations and noise.
Single-use plastic has been largely banned from the ship: for example, all cabins are equipped with refillable dispensers for soap, shampoo and hand cream and you will never find a plastic straw at the bar. Each guest also receives a refillable drinking bottle as a gift, which can also be used for shore excursions. Water dispensers with drinking water are available in the hallway of the club deck.
Using a reverse osmosis system on the Sea Spirit, sea water is converted into fresh water and then used as industrial water. This technology saves valuable drinking water. The resulting wastewater is first chlorinated and then treated with a dechlorination process in order to obtain clean water without residues before it is discharged into the sea. The sewage sludge is stored in tanks and only disposed of on land. Garbage is not burned on board the Sea Spirit, but instead is shredded, separated and then brought ashore. Reusable materials flow into the SeaGreen recycling project.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
Daily expedition trip
with Poseidon Expeditions in Svalbard
A typical day on an expedition in Svalbard is difficult to describe, because something unforeseen can always happen. After all, that’s what an expedition is all about. Nevertheless, there is of course a plan and a daily program that is presented and posted every evening for the next day. Whether the plan is adhered to depends on the weather, ice and spontaneous animal sightings.
Example of a Sea Spirit day program in Svalbard
- 7:00 a.m. Breakfast offer for early risers in the Club Lounge
- 7:30 a.m. wake-up call
- 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast buffet in the restaurant
- Always planned: Morning activity shore leave or Zodiac ride (~3h)
- 12:30 p.m. to 14:00 p.m. lunch buffet in the restaurant
- Always planned: afternoon activity shore leave or Zodiac ride (~2h)
- 16:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. Tea time in the Club Lounge
- 18:30 p.m. Review and presentation of new plans in the Oceanus Lounge
- 19:00 p.m. to 20:30 p.m. Dinner á la carte in the restaurant
- Sometimes planned: Evening activity panoramic trip or Zodiac trip
The Sea Spirit, inflatable boats and kayaks in the drifting ice on the glacier in front of a fantastically beautiful Svalbard panorama
Planned daily program Svalbard:
Depending on the program, the times vary slightly: For example, there may be a wake-up call at 7:00 a.m. (breakfast is available from 6:30 a.m.) or you may be able to sleep until 8:00 a.m. This depends on the planned activities for the day. The time for dinner can also be adjusted to the program if necessary.
Two activities are planned daily and sometimes there is an additional activity after dinner. For example, our trip included a panoramic trip on the glacier, a panoramic trip off the island of Moffen with walrus watching, a fun knotting techniques course in the Club Lounge and the unforgettable Zodiac tour at the Alkefjellet bird rock after dinner. In addition to the program items mentioned, lectures are also offered: For example, during tea time, before the review of the day or even if a planned activity unfortunately had to be cancelled.
You can't plan for polar bears, but one thing is certain: As soon as a polar bear is spotted, an announcement will be made at any time of the day (and night) and of course, if necessary, the meal or a lecture will be interrupted and the daily plan will be quickly adapted to the polar bear. In Spitsbergen the following applies: “Plans are there to be changed.”
Unplanned daily program: “Bad news”
Svalbard is known for its untamable nature and wildlife and this cannot always be planned. During our twelve-day trip with the Sea Spirit, we had to deviate from the planned route from day five because the ice conditions had changed. You are not on a cruise in the South Seas, but on an expedition ship in the High Arctic.
The weather is also an unplannable factor. Luckily we were able to enjoy glassy seas and lots of sunshine most of the time, but heavy fog rolled in in places. Unfortunately, the shore leave at Smeerenburg and the long-awaited panoramic trip on Brasvellbreen had to be canceled due to heavy fog. Once we were able to land in light fog, but were unable to hike there. Why? Because the risk of being surprised by polar bears in fog is simply too great. Safety first. For you and for the polar bears.
Unplanned daily program: “Good news”
The wildlife in Svalbard is always good for surprises: For example, we couldn't go ashore because a polar bear blocked our way. He calmly walked past the old hunting lodge that we actually wanted to visit. Admittedly, we were happy to exchange this shore excursion for observing the bear via Zodiac. Sometimes changes to plans have their advantages.
During a hike, our group (only about 20 people that day) moved unusually quickly, so we arrived at the foot of the glacier earlier than planned. The accompanying guides spontaneously organized an additional climb onto the glacier ice. (Of course only as far as this was possible safely and without crampons.) Everyone had a lot of fun, a great view and the special feeling of standing on a glacier in Spitsbergen.
Once the expedition team even spontaneously organized a very late extra activity for the entire ship: a polar bear was resting on the shore and we were able to get closer to it in the small inflatable boats. Thanks to the midnight sun, we had the best lighting conditions even at 22 p.m. and enjoyed our polar bear safari to the fullest.
Explore Svalbard's impressive nature and wildlife with the AGE™ Svalbard travel guide.
Infected by the polar virus? With the expedition ship Sea Spirit on an Antarctic journey there are more adventures.
Cruises • Arctic • Svalbard travel guide • Svalbard cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit • Experience report
This editorial contribution received external support
Disclosure: AGE™ were given discounted or gratuitous services from Poseidon Expeditions as part of the report. The content of the contribution remains unaffected. The press code applies.
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Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright for this article in words and images lies entirely with AGE™. All rights remain reserved. Photo number 5 in the catering section on board the Sea Spirit (people at the table in the restaurant) was published with the kind permission of a fellow passenger on the Sea Spirit. All other photographs in this article are by AGE™ photographers. Content will be licensed for print/online media upon request.
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The cruise ship Sea Spirit was perceived by AGE™ as a beautiful cruise ship with a pleasant size and special expedition routes and was therefore presented in the travel magazine. If this does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. The contents of the article have been carefully researched and are based on personal experiences. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.
Source reference for text research
On-site information and personal experiences on a 12-day expedition cruise with Poseidon Expeditions on the Sea Spirit in Svalbard in July 2023. AGE™ stayed in a Superior Suite with a panoramic window on the Club Deck.
AGE™ Travel Magazine (October 06.10.2023, 07.10.2023) How many polar bears are there in Svalbard? [online] Retrieved on October XNUMXth, XNUMX, from URL: https://agetm.com/?p=41166
Poseidon Expeditions (1999-2022), Poseidon Expeditions homepage. Traveling to the Arctic [online] Retrieved on August 25.08.2023, XNUMX, from URL: https://poseidonexpeditions.de/arktis/