Poseidon Expeditions
Polar specialist — Antarctica, Arctic, North Pole expeditions
Founded 2000 with Russian-Soviet polar-research heritage, Poseidon Expeditions operates the 114-guest Sea Spirit on Antarctica and Arctic itineraries — plus North Pole voyages aboard the chartered nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. The most reliable way to actually reach the geographic North Pole as a paying passenger.
Where Poseidon Expeditions sails from
Click a port to pre-filter the live availability below to sailings departing from there.
Find a Poseidon Expeditions voyage
Real itineraries, real prices — sourced live. Use the filter inside the widget for dates and length.
Why a Poseidon Expeditions voyage?
Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.
North Pole on a nuclear icebreaker
Poseidon Expeditions charters 50 Years of Victory — a nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker — for summer North Pole voyages from Murmansk. This is genuinely how you stand on the geographic North Pole as a tourist. ~14-night voyages, summer only.
Sea Spirit — small, intimate Antarctic
114-guest Sea Spirit operates Antarctic Peninsula and Arctic itineraries with the small-ship advantage — more zodiac landings, longer time onshore, better wildlife access. All-suite cabin layout.
Soviet-era polar research heritage
Poseidon's expedition leaders and many crew have polar-research backgrounds from Soviet-era Russian polar institutes. The depth of polar-specific operational knowledge runs deep — these aren't cruisers running an itinerary, they're polar specialists.
Strong educational programme
Most voyages carry 6-10 expedition staff — naturalists, glaciologists, historians, marine biologists, ornithologists. Daily lectures and briefings, with material that matches the depth of academic polar work.
Might not be for you if…
No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Poseidon Expeditions might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.
You want a luxury polar product
Poseidon is premium-expedition, not luxury. The North Pole voyages on the icebreaker are Russian military-utilitarian style. For luxury polar, Silversea, Hapag-Lloyd Hanseatic, Atlas Ocean.
You can't handle small-ship motion
The Drake Passage is rough; the Sea Spirit is small. Motion is more pronounced than larger ships. The icebreaker 50 Years of Victory is more stable but the route to Murmansk and back across Arctic seas can also be rough.
You're sensitive to Russian-affiliated operators
Following 2022 geopolitical events, Poseidon's parent operations have evolved. North Pole voyages continue using the Russian icebreaker. Some travellers prefer non-Russian-affiliated polar operators on principle — Quark, HX or Hapag-Lloyd Hanseatic are alternatives.
Meet the Poseidon Expeditions ships
Showing by default — use the search inside the panel to switch to other ships in the fleet.
What you actually do all day
What's included in your fare
Every Poseidon Expeditions fare bakes these in.
All meals + drinks with meals
Wine, beer, soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Expedition gear
Parkas, rubber boots, biosecurity loaned
Zodiac landings
Daily on Antarctic and Arctic voyages
Expert lectures
6-10 expedition staff per voyage
Helicopter sightseeing (North Pole)
Optional on icebreaker voyages, weather permitting
Good to know
Quick answers about Poseidon Expeditions
Is the North Pole really doable as a tourist?
Are there alternatives to Russian operators for the polar regions?
Is Poseidon's programme stable post-2022?
Ready to sail with Poseidon Expeditions?
A Travel Designer who knows Poseidon Expeditions will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.