Poseidon Expeditions Reviews 576

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Poseidon were outstanding throughout, a very helpful app which included all you needed to know about the trip. The ship was super comfortable and the team were super friendly. My wife and I had a grea... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Unfortunately this expedition didn't live up to expectations! With the new regulations its not easy to see polar bears like it says on there website, "Polar bears easy to see!" Its n... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Invited

Arctic Experts! Safe, educational, wonderful! (Only thing two things they should adjust: add a few specialty items to the menu - - jumbo shrimp, etc - - at this pricepoint, the food was a litt... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

For my wife and me, this was our number one bucket list trip in retirement. We could not have selected a better expedition cruise line. Every part of the trip was better than we imagined, from the f... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. #9 of 10 best companies in Cruise Agency
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Written by the company

Poseidon Expeditions is a global leader in polar exploration, offering once-in-a-lifetime voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic. Since 1999, we’ve specialized in immersive expedition cruises that blend comfort, adventure, and a deep respect for the remote environments we visit. Our vessel, the Sea Spirit, accommodates just 114 guests, creating an intimate and personalized experience. With this ship, we explore breathtaking destinations such as Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Franz Josef Land, and Iceland—regions celebrated for their raw beauty and extraordinary wildlife. What sets us apart is our commitment to meaningful exploration. Guests travel with a hand-picked team of expert expedition guides who bring every landing to life. Whether navigating ice-packed waters aboard our vessel or stepping ashore via Zodiac, each journey is designed to inspire awe and deeper understanding. With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Cyprus, and China, we welcome travelers from around the world to discover the polar regions with us. At Poseidon Expeditions, we believe that true adventure begins where the map ends—and we’re here to take you there in comfort, safety, and style!


Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

576 reviews

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Replied to 75% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week


Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not worth the money

Unfortunately this expedition didn't live up to expectations!

With the new regulations its not easy to see polar bears like it says on there website, "Polar bears easy to see!" Its not.

We had 2 opportunities to see polar bears yet twice we had to turn and didnt see then!

If you want to see polar bears i wouldn't recommend Svalbard or this company.

They are miss selling this trip!
They need to change there website!

The staff was lovely but lacking in enthusiasm apart from the whale expert, hardly seem on deck looking out for wildlife!

This trip is not worth its money, I feel robbed, and its not cheap!

I definitely be returning to Quark Expeditions, they are in a different league!

Date of experience: June 07, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations, especially regarding polar bear sightings and the overall sense of value. We understand how important this kind of trip is—both emotionally and financially—and we’re disappointed to hear that it left you feeling unsatisfied.

As you mentioned, current wildlife regulations in Svalbard, including mandatory 500-meter distancing from polar bears, are designed to ensure the safety of both guests and animals. While we always aim to provide incredible wildlife encounters, the Arctic is a true wilderness, and sightings can never be guaranteed. We strive to set realistic expectations in our materials and will certainly review any language that could be misinterpreted as a promise of guaranteed sightings.

We’re glad you found the staff lovely and will share your feedback about enthusiasm and visibility on deck with our expedition leadership team. Continuous improvement is core to our values, and we take guest input seriously.

As for your mention of Quark Expeditions—we respect the work of our colleagues in polar travel. Each company offers different styles of expeditions, and we’re sorry we didn’t deliver what you were hoping for. We appreciate you traveling with us and hope you’ll consider giving Poseidon another opportunity in the future.

Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Poseidon were outstanding throughout

Poseidon were outstanding throughout, a very helpful app which included all you needed to know about the trip. The ship was super comfortable and the team were super friendly. My wife and I had a great trip and I would recommend Poseidon to anyone looking to explore the Artic.

Date of experience: June 26, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your wife had such a memorable journey with us to the Arctic. It’s wonderful to know that you found the app helpful, the ship comfortable, and our team welcoming—these are exactly the experiences we strive to provide.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again for another adventure in the near future—perhaps Antarctica next time?

Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

WASTE OF MONEY

Room size good. Toilet continually clogging and out of action. Bad smell in Toilet even though ours not clogged.
Food..luke warm and not inviting..no toaster..overall not appetising. Can't see polar bears as ruled have changed..must be 500m from so no easy vision. Stops on zodiacs boring..basically a waste of money. Nothing great to see. Go to Antarctica instead.

Date of experience: June 06, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond.

We regret any issues you encountered with your cabin facilities and the onboard dining. Your comments have been shared with our operations and hospitality teams so we can address them directly and continue improving the quality of our service.

Regarding wildlife viewing, we understand how disappointing it can be not to see polar bears up close. However, our expedition team must strictly follow AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) regulations, which are designed to protect Arctic wildlife and their habitats. These rules include maintaining a safe distance from polar bears for the safety of both guests and the animals. While this can limit proximity, our guides always strive to provide the most rewarding and informative experience possible.

We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that the Arctic did not resonate with you as much as other destinations might. If you do decide to explore Antarctica, we’d love the opportunity to show you how spectacular and unique that region can be with Poseidon.

Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Thé voyage was very good organised

Thé voyage was very good organised. This include the reservation, information and the voyage .
The team : top !
The crew : very professional !
Kitchen, choice of food : xxxx !

Date of experience: June 13, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you found the entire experience—from reservation and information to the voyage itself—well organized. It’s wonderful to know our team, crew, and culinary staff left a positive impression.

We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you aboard again for another unforgettable adventure!

Warm regards,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bucket list trip a big win

For my wife and me, this was our number one bucket list trip in retirement. We could not have selected a better expedition cruise line. Every part of the trip was better than we imagined, from the flexibility of the crew to maximize our excursions to the dining room crew and their over-the-top service and help, this was special. Weather, the wild card on any expedition, was overall a huge win. We don’t hesitate to give Poseidon five stars and four thumbs up from the two of us!

Date of experience: January 25, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear David,

What a joy to read your message! We're so glad to hear that your trip turned out to be everything you hoped for and more. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our crew, service, and overall experience helped make this such a special adventure for both of you.

Thank you for your generous feedback and for choosing Poseidon. We hope to see you on another polar journey with us in the future!

Warmly,
Poseidon team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

Lots of people confuse the beauty of the destination with what the cruise offers. I was disappointed by many things, especially by some of the expedition team who didn't show sufficient care for the guests. There were times when I didn't feel safe. Another thing which seemed very odd was seeing members of the crew offering 'feedback' on the tablets. Only paying guests should have been doing that. That's why I'm aldo quite suspicious about the accuracy of the reviews. I would have normally given three stars, but because of the apparent/possible fake positive reviews (because I saw the crew members), I'm giving one star.

Date of experience: January 07, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that your experience fell short of expectations, particularly regarding your sense of safety and the conduct of some members of our expedition team. Guest safety, comfort, and care are our top priorities, and we take your concerns very seriously. We are actively looking into this to ensure that all team members uphold the highest standards of professionalism and attentiveness.

Regarding your comments about the review process, we understand how this may have raised questions. Crew members are occasionally asked to test or demonstrate the onboard tablet system for other guests—not to submit reviews on their own behalf. However, we appreciate how this could appear confusing, and your observation will help us improve transparency moving forward.

We value all feedback—positive and critical—and we remain committed to providing authentic, safe, and enriching expedition experiences. Should you wish to share more details privately, we would welcome the opportunity to follow up with you directly.

Sincerely,
The Poseidon Expeditions Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

We had a fantastic trip to Antarctica…

We had a fantastic trip to Antarctica with Poseidon. Very professional in all aspects. Great crew. Excellent off-ship activities like kayaking and camping on the ice. A small ship was a major advantage enabling a true expedition experience. Highly recommended.

Date of experience: February 14, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Jason, 

Thank you so much for your kind words and for recommending Poseidon to other travelers! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience in Antarctica. It’s great to know that our small ship and off-ship activities enhanced your journey. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Sea Spirit again! 

Sincerely, 
Poseidon team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Amazing Advanture!

Date of experience: February 14, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Shuo Wang,

Thank you very much for your feedback, it means a lot to us!

Come aboard our Sea Spirit again and explore the new polar regions with the group of like-minded people!

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Trip of a Lifetime

We had an incredible experience with Poseidon Expeditions from start to finish. We loved our cabin with a balcony, the staff were attentive, food was varied, plentiful and great, and the expedition guides were fabulous. Our expedition was to cross the Antarctic Circle. We achieved that and sailed even further south, the furthest south that Sea Spirit had ever ventured thanks to our captain and the bridge team. The scenery and wildlife was breathtaking. A true expedition. We highly recommend Poseidon Expeditions to anyone wanting to experience the polar regions.

Date of experience: January 25, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your kind review! We are delighted that during your cruise you had the opportunity not only to cross the Antarctic Circle but also to travel further south, where Sea Spirit has never been before. We look forward to welcoming you on board again and hope you will continue to explore uncharted waters with us!

​Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Fantastic Antarctic Adventure.

I was immensely impressed with my recent Antarctica trip with Poseidon. The Sea Spirit is a lovely ship. The crew and expedition team were fantastic. The landings and zodiac cruises were really well managed. We saw so much wildlife and incredible land & seascapes. All the lectures were fabulous and the on-board activities good. The food was really excellent.

Date of experience: January 05, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Naheed,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time in Antarctica with us. A special thanks for your kind words about our expedition team—they’re dedicated to making every trip special and memorable for our passengers!

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Best crew ever!

Andrei, hotel manager, was amazing! Besides always asking if everything was ok, he took the time to get to know everyone he ran into. Not only was he very friendly, his caring level was beyond measurement... he sent special tea to my room when I skipped dinner for being sick. Plus the idea of having dinner outside because we missed the bbq, was such a blessing!
Milos was super friendly and professional as well. His attention to detail and professionalism was great as well.
Our Cabin Staff were are the best in the business! Our rooms were always tidy and clean after each time we left our room. They were always smiling and saying hello in the hallway when passing.
Colin the chef, was friendly as well. Taking the time to get to know us while on deck 5.
The excursion team members Maggie and Noee were especially nice. Always taking the time to stop and say hello during shore days, even when they were busy. They both seemed genuine when asking how my day was.
For those I didn't mention, it wasn't because they weren't as great, its because my memory isn't as good as I wish. Everyone on board was top notch and couldn't have hoped for a better crew onboard.

Date of experience: January 24, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Luke,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind words! We're thrilled to hear that staff members and the expeditions team made such a positive impact on your experience. Your feedback truly means a lot to us and it's wonderful to know that our team made you feel cared for and well taken care of. We’re grateful for your recognition, and look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

Sincerely,
Poseidon team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Old and uncomfortable ship

Old and uncomfortable ship. It was too expensive for how much I paid. Avoid it! There are better options put there.

Date of experience: January 18, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Wong,

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
Sea Spirit is designed as an intimate, expedition-style vessel, prioritizing exploration and comfort in remote regions. While it may not be a luxury cruise ship, many of our guests appreciate its cozy atmosphere, spacious cabins, and the immersive adventure it offers.

We value all feedback as it helps us continually improve, and we appreciate your sharing your perspective. We hope you find a future expedition that better suits your expectations.

Best regards,
Poseidon Expeditions

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

A lifetime experience

A lifetime experience, no doubt. The crew on the ship was very helpful and super friendly! They provided a service like in a first class hotel. The expediotion leader could have been a bit more motivating and attached to the guests. Expedition Assistant: Marta Duch and the Cruise Assistant: Maggie Jiajing Yang did an excellent job. All in all: Outstanding, unforgettable journey.

Date of experience: January 30, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Andrea,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback! We're glad to hear that you had a lifetime experience aboard Sea Spirit! We appreciate your suggestion about the expedition leader and will keep that in mind as we continue to improve our services. We hope to welcome you on another amazing adventure soon!

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

This is the Best of the Best

The expedition staff found the best landings despite weather and bird flu challenges. The hotel/restaurant staff provided 5 star level service. It was an amazing expedition in a spectacular land.

Date of experience: January 07, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Mike,

Thank you sincerely for your generous feedback! We’re glad that your experience in this extraordinary destination was so memorable, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!

Sincerely,
Poseidon team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Marie & Paul Killeen

Marie & Paul Killeen
3/02/25
We recently travelled with Poseidon on a 21 day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Expedition Cruise and it did not disapoint in any way. From the moment we were welcomed on the ship to the very last second we left we could not fault anything. We felt as if we went on holiday with our family, the Expedition staff so professional and proficient, the front of house staff so welcoming, warm and helpful. The staff who looked after our room always smiling and adding those personal touches. Even the Captain kept a look out for those whales. For us the highlight was the kayaking. Martin and Yamil were so infectious with their energy and enthusiasm. Paddling through the tranquillity of the ice and icebergs one minute to hearing the blow of a whale right next to you the next minute.
This trip was a once in a lifetime experience which will be held in our memory banks forever. Thank you Sea Spirit and Poseidon.

Date of experience: February 03, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Marie & Paul,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad to hear that your Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Expedition cruise exceeded your expectations. We’re especially glad you enjoyed kayaking and the close encounter with the whales—it sounds incredible! We’d love to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable adventure.

Sincerely,
Poseidon team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service, house staff attention to detail, knowledge of presenters, safety awareness, activity choices, food choices, attention to bio-securiy cleanliness.

Date of experience: January 05, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Paul,

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We are pleased to hear that our focus on safety, activity options, food choices, and bio-security cleanliness made a positive impact. Your kind words are truly appreciated, and we are glad we could make your experience so enjoyable!

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Incredible!

I have always wanted to visit Antarctica … but do it properly.

Being part of a large cruise and just “seeing” Antarctica didn’t appeal to me.

Poseidon offer a real experience - a true expedition - with just 110 passengers onboard you can be sure of having the opportunity (every day if weather permits) to truly experience Antarctica- with Zodiac Cruises, Daily Landings and expedition team who are individually experts in their field and collectively offer so much. The Sea Spirit crew are simply amazing.

Sure, the cost is higher than sightseeing cruises, but you really get so much more - a lifetime of memories of the unspoiled continent.

Cannot recommend strongly enough.

Date of experience: January 06, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Mark,

We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that it met your expectations! We fully agree that being on board a small boat gives not just a taste of ​​Antarctica, but a deep immersion into the nature of this unique continent.

We look forward to welcoming you back aboard Sea Spirit!

Sincerely,
Poseidon team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Amazing experience on the Antarctic…

Amazing experience on the Antarctic Peninsula for New Years 2025! The Poseidon staff were excellent all around and the ship size was perfect. The service aboard the ship was 5 stars and the expedition staff made the most of every landing and excursion. Even on the sea days and downtime between excursions was kept busy with great briefings and lectures. Highly recommend to anyone considering a cruise to Antarctica!

Date of experience: January 13, 2025

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Kyle,

Thank you for such a great review! We will strive to maintain the high standards of our service at all times and keep our passengers happy.

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Best trip of my life

Best trip of my life. The staff was amazing. The housekeeping, the dining room and the fabulous chef. Every need was thought of. I am a vegetarian and everyone in the dining room looked after me, offering all sorts of suggestions for dinner and lunch. The manager, Miss Paz, was so attentive, she made sure that everything was perfect and it was. The expedition team was professional and personable. They went out of their way to make sure we had amazing landings. The scenery and wildlife were breathtaking but the staff made the trip so unforgettable. The team shared their knowledge of the birds and mammals and their personal experiences working, researching, and observing. The daily lectures were informative and moving due to the team's experiences, which they shared candidly. Thank you, Poseidon for putting together the best team!!

Date of experience: November 17, 2024

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Lee Ann,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are glad to hear that our cruise brought you many positive emotions and that you were happy with our service. We will strive to make your next cruise on board the Sea Spirit just as bright and memorable!

Sincerely,
Poseidon Expeditions

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Awesome Antarctic Trip

Fantastic small ship with enthusiastic and inspiring expedition team, excellent crew and awesome food and cabin service.
Knowledge and custodianship of this beautiful environment was superbly demonstrated throughout.
Kayaking through Antarctic waters was an amazing experience.
Can’t fault any aspect of this Poseidon Antarctic trip

Date of experience: December 27, 2024

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Reply from Poseidon Expeditions

Dear Tyron,

Thank you for your high rating! Your feedback means a lot to our expedition team, who work very hard to make every trip special and memorable for our passengers. We will be glad to see you again!

Sincerely,
Poseidon team

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