Poseidon Expeditions Avis 591

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.

Our Svalbard circumnavigation was an unforgettable expedition that met all expectations. The journey offered a remarkable variety of discoveries, ranging from breathtaking landscapes to fascinating historical sites and spectacular fauna. The moments on board, on the zodiac cruises, and onshore were unique—a big thanks to the crew and expedition team who contributed to this great experience.

Everything is PERFECT!
I'm totally grateful and happy with the voyage and that I've chosen Poseidon once again!

The amazing level of personel service provide by all staff created a very special experience all round

Staff commitment to making sure expeditioners had the best possible experience

Very nice staff and Expedition team, everything was well planed and we saw a lot. The food was very good and the cabin and ship clean and in good shape

My trip was a mismatch- my mistake. Best appreciated by enthusiastic photographers and nature devotees. I came interested in Arctic exploration/history, in depth examination of climate change, and evolving politics of Russian- EU Arctic cooperation. Expedition guides are enthusiastic outdoorsy types, but not reflective engaging instructors capable of sparking meaningful conversation and framing climate issues.

Secondly, it’s a value based trip, not luxury- as advertised but not fully understood by me. Think Toyota, not Porsche. Economy class, not business.
This is not comparable to Lindblad or Ponand, nor is its cost basis. Surprise, you get what you pay.

Probably the most unique journey I ever made. A polar bear on the ice edge is an experience to remember for a liftetime! Poseidon assisted with everything from beginning to end and helped to make this an unforgettable experience. Great crew and great expedition team. I hope to been on board again soon.

Wonderful service from staff at all level right from top to ground work staff!!!
Room service in terms of upkeeping and daily maintenance is 5 stars!
The downside is n terms of wildlife adventure or glaciers is not as exciting as I expected as I signed up doing alot of homework watching videos of artic but the reality is abit below my expectation as we dont see alot of seals or whales sighting, maybe that is artic as is too huge. My previous trips to Alaska, Iceland and Greenland were much better in terms of wildlife and glaciers (esp Greenland)

Great guides.
Awesome operations support staff on cruise.
Excellent food.
Good accomodation.
Good itinerary.

Diese Expeditionskreuzfahrt ist ein besonderes Highlight , da Sie uns mit einem kleinen Schiff und in kleinen Gruppen bis an die Eisgrenze geführt hat. Ein Verhältnis von 110 Passagieren zu 16 Guides ist phänomenal. Die Reise ist
zweisprachig , so dass alle Auswertungen gut zu verstehen waren. Das Expeditionsteam hat alles unternommen um uns unvergessliche Tierbeobachtungen zu ermöglichen - immer so , dass die Tiere nie gestört wurden!
Das Expeditionsteam unter Leitung von Aaron Strahlke hat einen tollen Job gemacht. Die Guides waren immer ansprechbar und konnten alle Fragen beantworten. An der Eisgrenze hatten wir das Glück , dass ein Polarbär in seiner Neugier bis in die Nähe der Bordwand kam. Ein einmaliges Erlebnis!
Wer Interesse an unverfälschter arktischer Natur hat ist hier richtig.

Die Reise wurde auch dadurch zum unglaublich schönen Erlebnis, weil der Kunde immer im Mittelpunkt stand. Großen Respekt und ein herzliches Dankeschön an das Poseidon Team und die gesamte Schiffscrew für ihre super Leistungen. Wenn Polarregionen, dann nur mit Poseidon!

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!

Vom 29. Mai bis 10. Juni 2024 waren wir an Bord von Poseidon / MS Sea Spirit auf einer Arctic Expedition von Edinburgh nach Svalbard, bis hin zum 80° Breitengrad. Es war unsere dritte Erfahrung mit Poseidon / MS Sea Spirit. Wie auch schon auf der Expedition in die Antarctica und nach Grönland im Jahr 2023 wurden auch diesmal alle Erwartungen mehr als erfüllt. Vom Einschiffen in Edinburgh bis zum Ausschiffen in Longyearbyen war alles perfekt. Das Schiff, die Crew, der Küchen, -Restaurant, -Bar und -Kabinen-Service waren grandios, mit bemerkenswertem Geschick für Details. Das Expeditions Team führte verständlich durch die ganze Reise und war omnipräsent. Experten und Expertinnen für Gletscher, Fjorde, Geologie, Biologie, Klima, Geschichte und vieles mehr, vermittelten Wissen in Vorträgen. Es hat alles gepasst. Bei so viel Perfektion hatten wir dann auch das Glück Eisbären und Walrosse auf freier Wildbahn auf den täglichen Zodiac Exkursion, mit maximal 8-10 Personen, zu beobachten. Zahlreiche Vogelarten, Rentiere und Polarfüchse wurden Backbord und Steuerbord gesichtet. Wie auch schon zuvor schätzten wir die Vorteile eines kleinen Schiffes mit einer niedrigen Anzahl an Passagieren, was auch den Vorteil hat Regionen zu erreichen die große Schiffe nicht erreichen. Wer auf MS Sea Spirit Disco und Party 24/7 erwartet, der wird enttäuscht werden. Wer jedoch in die entlegensten Pol-Regionen reisen möchte, ohne dabei auf Sicherheit, Gelassenheit und Komfort zu verzichten, ist hier genau richtig. Poseidon? Sehr zu empfehlen!

Es war einfach alles Super organisiert angefangen von der Anfunkt im Hotel bis zum Abflug am Flughafen mit Begleitung zum Terminal.

Das Expeditionsteam war erstklassig und Kompetent.

Es wurde Rücksicht auf Teilnehmern mit Körperlichen Einschränkungen (Behinderungen)
genommen und bei bedarf gab es vom Expeditionsteam Unterstützung.

Die Ausflüge erstklassig Organisiert und teilweise standen den deutschsprachigen
Teilnehmern ein Ortskundiger deutschsprachiger Fremdenführer zur Verfügung. Sodass
man mehr über Land und Leute erfahren hat. Stand dieser einmal nicht zur Verfügung
erfolgte die Übersetzung durch ein Mitglied des Expeditionsteams.

Der Streik auf den Färöer wurde durch das Expeditionsteam und den ortsansässigen
Agenturen hervorragend gemeistert.

Die Fotografen an Bord standen auf Wunsch mit Rat und Tat zur Seite.

Das Team der Sea Spirit war Erstklassig angefangen vom Einchecken bis zum Ein- und
Ausbooten in die Zodiac.
Die Kabinen wurden durch die/den Kabinensteward immer Tipp-Top gereinigt und Abends
das Bett aufgeschlagen.
Das Essen an Bord lies keine Wünsche offen und war immer sehr lecker. Das Personal immer
sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Bereits am zweiten Tag musste man nichts mehr sagen
und bekam seine gewünschten Getränke. Jeder Gast wurde beim Frühstück zweiten Tag
bereits mit Namen angesprochen (Mrs. /Mr. Name).

Die Offiziere auf der Brücke gaben bei der offenen Brücke bereitwillig Auskunft und erklären
einem wenn diese Zeit dazu hatten die neue Navigationstechnik.

Diese Reise war jeden Cent wert!

Mit der Reise zu den Britische Inseln und Färöer hat sich für mich eine neue Reiseregion
erschlossen.

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.