24 hours onboard Sea Spirit: a ship with character
Dated 11.05.2025.
As CEO and Co-Founder of Expedition Cruise Network Ltd. , it is my job—and passion—to truly understand the expedition cruise sector. That understanding doesn’t just come from reading brochures or hosting webinars. It is built through years of immersing myself in the industry, working briefly onboard an expedition ship, and staying curious. But most importantly, it comes from first-hand experience.
Expedition cruising is a complex, high-value product. To sell it well, you must go beyond knowing the ship or destination—you need to understand the operational nuances of exploring remote regions, be able to match the right ship to the right traveller, and communicate what the client’s money actually buys. This is especially true in today’s landscape, where the sector has doubled in size and the spotlight has turned to sleek newbuilds. It begs the question: how do older ships justify their place in a crowded, premium market?
That is why I was particularly intrigued to step aboard Sea Spirit, Poseidon Expeditions 114-passenger vessel, during an overnight visit in Portsmouth. With all the new luxury ships entering the polar market, I wanted to understand: who is this ship for?
Introducing Poseidon Expeditions
Founded in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions specialised in North Pole voyages aboard Russian nuclear icebreakers. Today, the company operates Sea Spirit in both the Arctic and Antarctica, offering in-depth polar exploration. Its small-ship format allows for greater flexibility and deeper engagement with the destination—a key selling point in the expedition space.
Sea Spirit: A Ship with Character
Stepping onboard Sea Spirit was oddly nostalgic. Though visually distinct, it reminded me of Silver Discoverer, the ship I once worked on in the Pacific. There is a warmth to the Sea Spirit—not modern, not trying to be. Think polished wood panels, mirrored accents, and a layout that invites easy movement. Cabins are impressively spacious, with ample storage across all categories, and outdoor access is exceptional—crucial for real-time engagement with the surrounding wilderness.
What Makes Sea Spirit Stand Out
Size That Enhances Exploration
With capacity for just 114 guests, Sea Spirit offers a genuine small-ship experience. In regions like Antarctica, that size makes a tangible difference. Everyone can land ashore at once, maximising time off the ship. Kayaking is treated as a full-voyage programme, sold in advance—ensuring committed paddlers get the most out of it, without reducing others’ experience.
A True Sense of Team Spirit
Whether it was the skill of Poseidon’s Head of International Sales Kate Statsenko or just an exceptional expedition team, there was a tangible camaraderie onboard. Expedition leader Huw Lewis-Jones brought humour, expertise, and warmth to the experience—rare and refreshing.
As the sector has grown, teams have become more polished—but sometimes that raw, communal spirit that defined early expedition cruising is harder to find. On a small ship like Sea Spirit, that human connection feels stronger. There is something special about knowing your fellow travellers and relying on a tight-knit team to deliver the adventure.
Who is Sea Spirit For?
This ship is ideal for clients seeking authentic, immersive polar exploration. They will enjoy excellent service, delicious food, and an expert-led adventure—all in a ship that brings them closer to the action and fosters a sense of community onboard. It’s for those who value experience over extravagance, and connection over convenience.
It’s not the right choice for travellers whose definition of luxury is tied solely to cutting-edge interiors, multiple restaurants, or an Instagram-first mindset. Sea Spirit isn’t trying to be the shiniest ship in the fleet—it’s trying to be the right one for the right kind of guest.
Thank you for reading.
For inquiries and reservations in North America, consumers and agents can contact the company’s Miami, RI sales and reservation office at SalesUSA@poseidonexpeditions.com or by telephone at 347-801-2610.
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, contact Poseidon’s Hamburg office – Anfrage@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +49-40-7566-8555.
In the UK and elsewhere on the globe, contact Sales@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +44-870-068-9142.
About Poseidon Expeditions
With headquarters in Cyprus and sales/reservation offices in the US, UK, Cyprus, Germany and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a highly rated specialty provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
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