Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

Poseidon Expeditions is a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and the North Pole that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being.

Arctic Destinations

Greenland

We’re fascinated by the wonders of Greenland and want to share our passion with real expeditioners from around the globe! Join us on an epic Greenland cruise. Discover the mesmerizing wilderness and iconic wildlife of the world’s largest island, with prime opportunities to see reindeer, musk oxen, polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares and whales. Explore as part of a real expedition and get a feel for the unique scenery and local culture.

Iceland

Discover the remote Arctic off the beaten path! Depart to or from Reykjavík, Iceland and explore Greenland and Svalbard, depending on your chosen cruise. Travel aboard the small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, and see the best of nature, history, local culture and wildlife. Cruise in small Zodiac boats to get a close-up view of magnificent fjords, glaciers and landscapes or join our kayak club.

British Isles

Witnessing the captivating beauty of the British Isles on our cruises, even seasoned polar travelers were left in awe. Undoubtedly, these cruises stand out as a remarkable gem in Poseidon's collection.

Svalbard

At Poseidon Expeditions, we offer various breathtaking polar cruises for every taste. However, Svalbard, with its gorgeous views and wildlife, is one of the most spectacular locations to visit.

Jan Mayen and Svalbard

Do you love tranquility, wild nature and the feeling of being far away from civilization? Then a Svalbard and Jan Mayen expedition is a must for your bucket list!

Iceland and Greenland

Greenland isn’t really green and Iceland isn’t all covered in ice – join our expedition cruises and see for yourself!

ItinerarieS

Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya map route

US$ 8 921

14

Sea Kayaking Photography

Svalbard & NE Greenland National Park
Svalbard & NE Greenland National Park Svalbard & NE Greenland National Park map route

US$ 10 395

14

Sea Kayaking Photography

West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge map route

US$ 6 371

10

Sea Kayaking Photography

British Isles & Faroes
British Isles & Faroes British Isles & Faroes map route

US$ 4 756

12

Photography

Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge map route

US$ 7 561

12

Sea Kayaking Photography

Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland map route

US$ 8 581

14

Sea Kayaking Photography

East Greenland East Greenland map route

US$ 6 966

11

Sea Kayaking Photography

Best of British Isles
Best of British Isles Best of British Isles map route

US$ 5 266

13

Photography Sea Kayaking

British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard
British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard map route

US$ 5 776

13

Photography

Departures

Itinerary Dates Days Activities Special offers Rates from
Best of British Isles
Best of British Isles
08 May - 20 May 2024 13 Photography
US$ 5 995
per person
British Isles & Faroes
Wild Islands & Lands of Legends
19 May - 30 May 2024 12 Photography
US$ 5 395
per person
British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard
Crossing the Arctic Circle
29 May - 10 Jun 2024 13 Photography FLIGHT TO OSLO INCLUDED
US$ 6 895
per person
West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
West Svalbard
09 Jun - 18 Jun 2024 10 Sea Kayaking Photography FLIGHTS OSLO ↔ LONGYEARBYEN INCLUDED
US$ 7 895
per person
West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
West Svalbard
17 Jun - 26 Jun 2024 10 Sea Kayaking Photography FLIGHTS OSLO ↔ LONGYEARBYEN INCLUDED
US$ 7 895
per person
Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
Svalbard Through the Camera Lens
25 Jun - 07 Jul 2024 13 Photography FLIGHTS OSLO ↔ LONGYEARBYEN INCLUDED
US$ 9 595
per person
Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
Best of Svalbard
05 Jul - 16 Jul 2024 12 Sea Kayaking Photography FLIGHTS OSLO ↔ LONGYEARBYEN INCLUDED
US$ 9 195
per person

ItinerarieS

WEALTH OF WILDLIFE

WEALTH OF WILDLIFE

Svalbard boasts one of the Arctic’s highest concentrations of polar bears. They are the world’s largest land carnivores and have become a symbol of the imperiled Arctic wilderness. This is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat: the pack ice.

Svalbard is home to impressive colonies of nesting seabirds, a variety of seal and whale species. This is a protected wilderness where we find flowering tundra and tidewater glaciers. You can also encounter a great abundance of nesting seabirds, and land mammals such as Arctic fox and reindeer.

In Greenland coastal plains are home to prehistoric-looking musk oxen and other wildlife.

PICTURESQUE SCENERY

PICTURESQUE SCENERY

In Svalbard you will see a varied landscape of mountains, tidewater glaciers, and flowering tundra. 

Greenland is the place where you will find some of the finest scenery in the world. Extensive fjord systems provide access to the mountainous interior of Greenland where tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs. Each night in Greenland brings a new possibility to see incredible displays of northern lights, also known as aurora borealis.

Jan Mayen landscape is dominated by the heavily glaciated Beerenberg, an impressive stratovolcano considered to be the northernmost active volcano on the earth’s surface.

In Iceland, in the ruggedly beautiful Westfjords, we will visit the historic fishing port of Ísafjörður. This small town embodies Iceland’s trademark blend of contemporary charm and rich cultural heritage.

POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY

POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY

Arctic is rich with historical sites. You may find here the staging areas for many historic expeditions to the North Pole, including those of Roald Amundsen and Walter Wellman.​

In Svalbard, modern human endeavor can be experienced at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to a multinational community of Arctic researchers. In addition to a museum, gift shop, and post office, visitors to this extreme northern settlement find a famous bust of Amundsen and a historic airship mast.

At places like Bell Island, Cape Flora, and Cape Tegetthoff we have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick George Jackson, Julius von Payer, and other polar explorers.

THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER

SEA KAYAK CLUB

SEA KAYAK CLUB

On this voyage, our optional sea kayaking program is conducted in the Svalbard portion. This is a truly world-class paddling destination that very few kayakers have had the fortune to experience.

Svalbard rewards kayakers with spectacular scenery, unique marine wildlife, and a variety of excellent paddling locations. Spitsbergen also offers the possibility of kayaking in the vicinity of tidewater glaciers.

Sea Kayak Club is a fun and interesting way to experience the landscapes and wildlife of this unique Arctic environment. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this exciting adventure option.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FREE OPTION
This voyage offers a wealth of photographic opportunities for novice and experienced photographers alike. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your photography skills alongside an expert photographer.

In Svalbard, charismatic megafauna abound in dramatic Arctic icescapes. Species include walrus, bearded seal, and, of course, the photogenic polar bear. While at sea, whales and seabirds also make excellent subjects.

From the cliffy shore of the British Isles to Jan Mayen’s icy volcano and spectacular views of Spitsbergen, this voyage promises a wide range of great landscape photo opportunities too. Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Why go to the Arctic with Poseidon Expeditions?

The northernmost reaches of the globe shelter many polar wonders: tidewater glaciers, polar bears and whales, northern lights and majestic scenery. Our portfolio includes both traditional and unique destinations. Why travel with us?

Small ship – big advantage

Small ship – big advantage

With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

AECO member

AECO member

We are a member in good standing of AECO, which works cooperatively to ensure safe and environmentally responsible travel.

25 years of polar experience

25 years of polar experience

Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 25 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field.  Each expedition cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

Sea Kayak Club

Sea Kayak Club

We offer an exhilarating kayaking program for experienced paddlers. A completely different, more immersive way to discover the Arctic.

Expedition team excellence

Expedition team excellence

Our guests continually rate our expedition team as top-notch, highlighting their expertise in their field, knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to making each expedition cruise truly unforgettable and life changing.

Wildlife encounters

Wildlife encounters

In the Arctic, wildlife is on our radar. Polar bears stalk seals on the ice, while whales and seabirds hold dominion over the frozen sea and landscapes.

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All about Arctic cruises

To satisfy our inner adventurers, we travel to unexpected places to explore the most remote corners of the world. An Arctic expedition cruise is a comprehensive journey that can make our adventuring dreams come true. Just like the brave polar explorers that came before, you can go to the High Arctic destinations of Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, and Greenland — with one exception: a modern-day Arctic tour can be carried out in complete comfort and won’t take longer than your average holiday.

An Arctic cruise is an opportunity to discover the pristine ecosystem of the polar regions, learn more about the flora and fauna of the high latitudes, and see it all with your own eyes. And not merely observe: think of it as a real expedition, with landings, hikes, photography tours, kayaking, and active exploration of the land. A nimble ship perfectly suited for Arctic travel can take you, among the select few passengers, to places others can only dream about visiting.

What you can see in the Arctic

An Arctic expedition allows you to witness the geological and topographical characteristics specific to the polar regions. These include different types of sea ice, icebergs of all shapes and sizes, fjords, glaciated mountains, basalt columns, cliffs, and tundra. The High Arctic also boasts an abundance of wildlife: polar bears, Arctic foxes and hares, whales, walruses, muskoxen, and seabirds are the true residents of these remote areas. When you travel to the Arctic, you may also have the opportunity to meet the people that have made a home here: local merchants, Inuit residents, and a multinational community of researchers.

Arctic Destinations

There are three main Arctic destinations that you can explore with Poseidon Expeditions: Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, and East Greenland.

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago that stands out by being easily accessible and offering most of the key elements of the polar regions: icy mountains, tidewater glaciers, polar bears, and legacies of human endeavor. It is a great choice for your first Arctic encounter. Svalbard acted as a starting point in many legendary expeditions, and contains remnants of those times in abandoned North Pole staging areas, whaling camps, coal mines, and trapper’s cabins.

Franz Josef Land is a Russian High Arctic archipelago that is famous for striking landscapes and a history of polar exploration preserved by the cold. Travelers have a chance to encounter polar bears, walruses, and whales anywhere along the route. Geological wonders include the mystical spheres of Champ Island and basalt columns of Rubini Rock, which harbor thousands of seabirds.

East Greenland is widely known for the magical Northern Lights displays, a show that travelers have front-row tickets to from the ship’s deck. But this Arctic area has a lot more to offer, from the colorful autumn tundra inhabited by prehistoric animals like muskoxen to the largest fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund, filled with towering icebergs.

Arctic Expeditions

Arctic Wildlife Safari

This Arctic expedition cruise starts and ends at Longyearbyen and lasts 9-10 days. Two days will be dedicated to learning the town’s history. This includes a walking tour of the town, a visit to a closed mine and the Svalbard Museum, and a short trip to Barentsburg. After that, we will embark on an expedition around the islands of western and northern Spitsbergen to explore the nature and history of the Arctic.

Best of Svalbard

On this voyage, we will attempt to perform a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen in 11-12 days, hoping to get closer to the polar ice edge and encounter even more of its wildlife: polar bears, Arctic seals, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds, and whales. Along our route lies the Northwest Svalbard Nature Reserve, which covers extensive parts of the largest islands of the archipelago.

Arctic Odyssey

This is an expedition cruise for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Arctic on a single trip: polar bears and the glaciated mountains of Svalbard, enormous icebergs and the Northern Lights of Greenland, and the cultural heritage and volcanic landscapes of Iceland. Over the course of 14 days, we go from the northwestern part of Spitsbergen across the Greenland Sea to visit the Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund. The last expedition day is spent in the Westfjords of Iceland, followed by disembarkation in Reykjavík.

The Unexplored Frontier

A voyage beyond the boundaries of civilization, the Franz Josef Land expedition cruise presents a complete change of scenery. The stark landscape is dominated by mountains, cliffs, and scree slopes. Even more surprising is the diversity of wildlife thriving in these polar conditions: polar bears, walruses, whales, seabirds, and other species are frequently spotted on land and at sea. Over two weeks and depending on weather and ice conditions, we may visit Bell Island, Champ Island, Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, and Cape Tegetthoff on Hall Island, among other islands of the High Arctic archipelago.

Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

In early autumn, the conditions in Greenland are ideal to observe the mesmerizing Northern Lights. We take advantage of that with one or two September trips each season, usually lasting 11-12 days. The expedition starts in Reykjavik, and we go across the Denmark Strait to the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands of Scoresby Sund. Archeological sites, colorful tundra, wildlife encounters, and iceberg watching will be frequent and plentiful.

From the Highlands to the High Arctic

In 2022, we start this Arctic Circle cruise by exploring the British Isles, including the Shetland and Orkney islands, a haven for birdwatchers and history lovers. From there, we make our way to the Faroe Islands, with ancient cathedrals, traditional houses, and authentic charm. We then cross the Arctic Circle on our way to Jan Mayen, an uninhabited island with the northernmost subaerial active volcano on the planet. The voyage ends with a four-day exploration of Svalbard.

What you need to know

How to get to the Arctic

Our Svalbard and Franz Josef Land cruises start and end in Longyearbyen, the main settlement on Svalbard’s biggest island, Spitsbergen. You can get there by a regular commercial flight from Norway. At the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a hotel, which is included in the cost of the program. A group transfer to the embarkation pier the next day is also covered by us. Similarly, our Arctic Circle cruise ends in Svalbard but starts in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Cruises to East Greenland start and end in Reykjavik, Iceland. We will book you a room in Grand Hotel Reykjavik, but cannot arrange a transfer from the airport. The drive from Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle (recommended) or taxi. Group transfer to the airport after disembarkation is included in the cruise price.

Please refer to the “Rates include” and “Itinerary” sections on the desired cruise page to find out more about the hotels, transfers, and flights you will need to arrange. Airfare is not included in any of our cruises, but we can refer you to our partner airlines and suggest the best routes from your location.

Visa requirements

Depending on the destination you choose, you might require a visa. For trips starting in Longyearbyen, citizens from some countries need a visa to travel through mainland Norway. Franz Josef Land cruises currently require a valid Russian visa. Check with your consulate or embassy to find out more. For Franz Josef Land cruises, we provide a visa invitation letter which you will need for travel into Russian territory.

Facts about the Arctic

  • The most commonly accepted definition of the Arctic is the territory above the line of latitude about 66.5° north of the Equator, or the so-called Arctic Circle.

  • The northernmost point of our planet, the North Pole, is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. The North Pole and its surrounding ice-covered sea do not belong to any country.

  • The Arctic summer lasts from June to early September, and temperatures can reach up to 10°C (50°F). The polar day prompts intense ice melting. In the winter, it can be as cold as -50°C (-58°F).

  • The Arctic has a permanent population of more than four million people. The largest cities are located in Russia.

Arctic History

Early Arctic exploration goes back to the Viking Era, when these hardy seafarers sailed from Iceland and settled in Greenland in 981. As the climate got colder, the food supply became scarce. The next significant period started in the 1500s, when Europeans tried, and tragically failed, to find the Northwest Passage from Europe to Asia. One of those attempts led to the discovery of Svalbard: Willem Barentsz spotted its northwest coast in 1596. In 1906, Roald Amundsen, a famous polar explorer from Norway, finally succeeded in traversing the passage.

Franz Josef Land was discovered a bit earlier, by an Austro-Hungarian expedition to the High Arctic under Julius von Payer and Karl Weyprecht in 1873. The next big conquest was to reach the North Pole. Debated to this day, two explorers claimed to have done it first, both from America: Robert Peary in 1909 and Dr. Frederick Cook in 1908. Other expeditions followed to put the rest of the Arctic on the map. We now have the opportunity to see memorials and remnants of these conquests and follow in the footsteps of the great explorers with comfortable Arctic travel.

What will I do on the cruise?

We want our passengers to get as many experiences out of their Arctic tour as possible at a comfortable pace. Each cruise day will have a pre-set schedule and most likely will include one or two landings or Zodiac excursions that take place off the ship. This involves nature and wildlife watching, polar photography, walking tours, and boat rides. Evenings are usually spent on the ship, with all the necessary amenities for having fun and getting ready for the next adventure.

Ashore

During the expedition cruise, travelers spend a significant amount of time off the ship, exploring islands, fjords, and landing sites along the route. Activities include Zodiac cruises, historical site visits, hiking or walking tours, and photography workshops. During landings, our expert guides take you closer to see the flora and fauna of the region and can provide educational context for every animal, plant, or landscape element. On an Arctic cruise, we also offer optional kayaking and an opportunity for a polar plunge.

Onboard

Back onboard, passengers also have an array of options for entertainment and relaxation. The expeditions take place aboard the Sea Spirit, a modern 114-passenger Arctic cruise ship with spacious public spaces including a library, a gym, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a presentation hall. Meals are served at the restaurant three times a day. The open decks provide wonderful opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.

Optional (Ocean, Alpine)

On each Arctic cruise, we gather a small group of kayakers who get to discover the Arctic from a unique angle. This option is not included in the cruise cost and should be booked well in advance as the kayaking roster, limited to just eight lucky adventurers, fills up fast.

FAQ

Do I need travel insurance?

Before your expedition, you do need to get insurance with evacuation and repatriation coverage of no less than $200,000 USD per person. Please note this is not a regular insurance package you get for other vacations. It should be purchased no sooner than six months before the cruise departure date. We also strongly recommend but do not require trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

How close can I get to the animals?

A certain distance is always required to guarantee the safety of both parties. Approaching potentially dangerous animals like polar bears or whales too closely is prohibited in order to keep passengers safe. And even if the animal does not seem harmful, we still need to respect its boundaries. We are just guests in the pristine wilderness of the Arctic and should act accordingly, keeping a camera distance. Rely on your experienced guides to assist you with this.

How cold is the Arctic?

An Arctic expedition takes place during the summer or early autumn, with average temperatures of 0 - 7°C (32 - 44.6°F). With appropriate Arctic-quality clothing, passengers can spend several hours off the ship and not get cold.

Is there internet onboard?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered on all our Arctic cruises. Keep in mind that the polar regions are remote areas, and the connection might not always be as stable and strong as we are used to in cities. Still, you will be able to read the news or keep in touch with your loved ones back at home.

What is not included in the cruise rate?

The most significant expenses that are not included are travel insurance and airfare, the same as for all major cruise lines. You might also need to purchase appropriate outdoor clothing before the voyage. The expedition price does include accommodation, meals, excursions, and a parka and boots for landings. The parka is yours to keep and take home.

Am I going to be seasick?

The Sea Spirit is equipped with Rolls-Royce stabilizers to lower the effect of the waves. Most of the routes during an Arctic cruise have the ship sheltered by islands in the ice-bound waters, with no ocean swell or heavy seas. We do have seasickness medication onboard during the expedition just in case.


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