Poseidon ExpeditionsReviews of poseidonexpeditions.com

We had a wonderful expedition to the Falklands and South Georgia. The crew were excellent at manoeuvring the planned itinerary to account for storms, and the expedition leader had the brainwave of creating the ship’s own time zone (+4 hrs) so that sunrise was at a slightly more civilised time. It was a photography trip, and although there were 4 professional photographers on the expedition, I felt they were there to promote their work more than helping others with their photography and I would have liked more presentations with photography advice. The hotel and restaurant staff were wonderful, and the food excellent, and we have lots of happy memories although it was an exhausting trip!

Having just read some recent reviews I am really surprised and sad about the experience Ben M had on the same cruise as me because for me, it was the most exhilarating experience from start to finish. I was waiting for a Zodiac when Ben was and although there were no seals or penguins near the landing tarp when I arrived, while we were waiting to go back to the Sea Spirit, a weaner Elephant Seal pup came across the beach towards us and decided to investigate the tarp. The excursion guides kept us as far away from the pup as they could and most of us stood in the water to give the pup its space. On another occasion when King Penguins came ashore close to the Zodiacs, the guides did the same, keeping us away from their trail and giving them as much space as possible. I had the most incredible cruise and came on here to say that I found that the Excursion staff, the Hotel staff and the ships crew worked together to give us as many landings and good excursions as possible, and they achieved this. The respect shown by the guides to Biosecurity and to the environment and animals, often under challenging conditions, was exceptional in my view. I am now on the ensuing cruise to Antarctica because my experience of the former one was so brilliant, and I'm happy to say that the standards are equally high and I am having the best time!

Our October 2024 trip to South Georgia Island onboard the M/V Sea Spirit exceeded my expectations. I really don't have words to adequately describe how wonderful it was. The Expedition Team, Captain and his officers, and the Hotel staff were 100% focused on providing us the best experience possible. When the weather and seas didn't cooperate with their plans, they adapted quickly. The restaurant staff also regularly modified dining times to accommodate changes to our landing schedules. When we were forced by weather to delay our departure from the Falkland Islands, Chris and the Expedition Team were able to regroup and provide us with local bus and jeep expeditions to visit the Gentoo and Rockhopper colonies, nature walks, tours of Stanley, etc. Our landings were varied and spectacular. The team laid out pathway guidelines to maximize viewing of the wildlife and keep us safe. Their physical dedication to ensure the Zodiac loading and unloading were as easy as possible was impressive. Several of the team were regularly waist-deep in the icy water, helping to hold the Zodiac in place on-shore while we disembarked. We were instructed at all times to keep a 5m distance from the wildlife and avoid kneeling or crouching. The wildlife, of course, were unaware of this rule and would sometimes encroach on the tarps and our positions. It was unfortunate that several of the passengers repeatedly ignored these rules in order to get close-up photos. When they were reminded of the rules, by passengers or the Expedition Team members, they chose to argue and then continue to blatantly ignore the reminders. The Expedition Team dealt with these situations in a professional manner. Our Cabin steward, Jeffrey, was the best. Our cabin was kept spotless and neat (at least the parts Jeffrey was responsible for!), and he was always a friendly and welcoming face when we returned to our cabin. The Restaurant and Reception staff were invariably helpful and concerned that our experience was the best possible. I look forward to booking another cruise with Poseidon at my earliest opportunity!

I recently visited South Georgia with Poseidon Expeditions, having arranged the trip through Wildfoot Travel. Even before I arrived on board the M/V Sea Spirit, I was amazed at the smooth operation of the pickup from the airport and guided bus tour to Stanley Harbour. We were greeted by the friendly hotel staff and incredible expedition team. My dietary requirements as a vegan were more than well catered for, with personal service from all of the hotel staff, headed up by Maitre d’ Andrej, and hotel manager Paz. The rooms were very comfortable and all of the hotel staff were friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. The whole trip was well organised and communication was handled really well from the start. Due to challenging weather conditions, our journey to South Georgia was postponed for a couple of days - but the expedition team took it all in their stride, quickly arranging an incredible array of activities for a short stay in The Falklands. Our expedition leader, Chris, was personable and made all of the passengers quickly feel like they were in safe hands. Local guide and photographer, Andy, was able to give great advice about the wildlife we would find there and we had an incredible few days visiting locations with gentoo penguins, Rockhoppers and even South American sea lions! After an action packed few days, we set sail for South Georgia. Even the trip there was a fantastic experience, with lectures on biology, geology and physics from the expert guides. Even when at sea, there is beautiful wildlife to watch, as an array of stunning and rare seabirds follow in the ship’s wake. At any time, the on board photographers (Piet, Andy, Junior and Dmitry) were at hand to give guests advice on best settings for photography! Once we arrived at South Georgia, the expedition team arranged a whole range of incredible activities at some of the most iconic locations: from Grytviken and Stromness, to Salisbury Plain and St. Andrew’s Bay! Despite challenging weather conditions, the team were constantly able to adapt - making sure we made the most of our time at this unique location. The experienced expedition team weren’t fazed by the sometimes tough conditions, ensuring all of the guests had the best possible experience and were kept safe throughout. If you’re considering a trip to South Georgia, look no further than Poseidon Expeditions. The whole team are second to none and it truly was a perfect South Georgia experience.

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit South Georgia with Poseidon Expeditions on their first expedition of the year. I booked Wildfoot Travel, a travel company based in the UK. From the moment I stepped foot on MV Sea Spirit, the hospitality was incredible. Paz was wonderful and her team really did her proud, always polite and caring, truly going above and beyond with any wishes I had. Andrej, the Maitre D was also fantastic, nothing was too much for him and he always served with a smile. The reception team and hotel staff were spectacular, working away in the background and making sure everything was maintained to the highest degree, absolutely no complaints there. The expedition team were amazing, every last one of them, Fabienne, Morgane, Elo, Bea, Steffi, Miriam, Bella, Piet, Junior, Andy, Chad, Dima, Steffan (I really hope I haven't forgotten anyone). I felt respected and always in safe hands, the zodiacs tackled some precarious conditions but I couldn't have wished for a better team to be looking after me. On the boats, the zodiacs and the landings they were all kind, caring and professional. They clearly have a massive passion for these areas, the wildlife and the landscapes and a wish to share these amazing places with us! A fantastic team. And last but not least, our expedition leader - Chris. I will never tire of his announcements and his gentle wake up calls. I actually cannot fault Chris at all, the hard work and dedication to making sure I had the best trip possible was inspiring. South Georgia is truly one of the last true wildernesses, everything about it is awe inspiring, it's madness that these places exist. We were fortunate enough to land at St Andrew's Bay - and it really is mind blowing. 150,000+ pairs of king penguins was beyond words! If you want to visit this spectacular place, look no further than Poseidon Expeditions, you'll have a once in a lifetime experience with this team!

This is my 5th sailing with Poseidon and each trip impresses; the expedition staff quickly pivoted to weather which could’ve spoiled our time but found opportunities to show us wildelife in the Falklands we would’ve otherwise not been able to see. Really appreciate their bias to pivot and keep us entertained.

The entire crew of the ship was always helpful, caring and patient. Ship was always clean. Expedition team was excellent in caring for the safety of the passengers going in and out of the zodiacs. Wonderful experience. Enjoyed all the formative lectures and talks.

Overall, we were very happy with our experience on Poseidon Exp's "Best of Svalbard" cruise, July 6-16, 2024.  I think that it's a testament to PE's commitment to quality & service that despite my 5 days of being cabin-bound due to Covid 19 I consider this trip a total success! EVERYONE on the PE crew was courteous. enthusiastic, and helpful.  The expedition team was knowledgeable in both the natural world and the human history of the region.  They were always seeking out wildlife sightings for the guests.  Housekeeping and food service staff accommodated requests with a smile. Kayak Club:  the decision to elect the Kayak Club option greatly enhanced our appreciation of the trip and the environment.  Limited to 8 passengers, the group was guided by one member of the expedition team and accompanied by a Zodiac and its driver.  We and kayaks were delivered from the ship via Zodiac to calm waters.  Kayaking was offered 7 days (approx 1.5-2hrs each) on our trip, for which we were very grateful.  We may have missed some experiences that the other passengers had, but nothing beats quietly floating among the ice in front of vast glaciers.  PE provides everything you need to wear in order to kayak. FYI: Besides the parka that you can donate or take home, PE provides knee-high waterproof boots for Zodiac cruises and land excursions. Choices we made and don't regret: we did not buy the beverage pkg; we chose a balcony room on the Sports Deck which really made my sequestering tolerable. A thoughtful parting gift was the thumb drive of wonderful photographs by staff photographers who captured passengers, the various activities and landings, and wildlife. Our only wish: that the cruise offered an add-on to spend some time in Longyearbyen.