Full exterior of starboard side and bow of Sea Spirit polar expedition ship
Elegant table settings in dining room aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Couches and chairs set up in lounge with window-lined walls aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Large bed and large windows in Owner's Suite aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Sitting room with couch, armchair and coffee table in Owner's Suite aboard Sea Spirit small ship
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Sea Spirit

capacity
114 guests
remodeled
2017
crew members
72 crew members
length
297 feet
beam
50 feet
draft
14 feet
cruising speed
15 knots
flag
Bahamas
ice class
Lloyds 1D

Carrying a maximum of 114 passengers, the M/V Sea Spirit is an outstanding polar-approved vessel and the perfect home away from home. With luxurious amenities paralleling that of a fine hotel, this all-suite vessel is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow bays and channels of polar waters. 

Sea Spirit Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Sea Spirit review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our polar experts have been aboard the Sea Spirit firsthand. Please read our Sea Spirit review below then contact our experts to compare the Sea Spirit with other, Antarctica ships and polar expedition ships that offer Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises, and cruises to Greenland.

Choose the Sea Spirit ship for luxury without compromising the natural and untamed experience of the polar regions in which she cruises. Stabilizers provide the smoothest sailing possible throughout the journey; common areas are comfortable and cabins are spacious and have turn-down service. The Sea Spirit is a luxury vessel and certainly one of the most accommodating ships to cruise polar waters. On board, the crew and guides create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all guests, united by one goal: supporting passengers in having a memorable wilderness experience and becoming real polar adventurers. For these, and many other reasons, the Sea Spirit is among our top choices for passengers seeking a luxury Antarctica cruise.

Sea Spirit History

Sea Spirit was built at the Nuovi Cantieri Apunia shipyard in Carrara, Italy, in 1991 as the Renaissance V, and subsequently sailed as the Spirit of Oceanus for Cruise West before being modified in 2010 to make her more suitable for polar cruising. The vessel has been operating on expedition voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica since late 2010.

Common Areas Aboard Sea Spirit

Spacious common areas aboard the Sea Spirit are decorated with classic and modern photographs and art. Renovations in 2016/17 with updated cabins and public areas, totaled 2.5 million dollars in upgrades for an improved guest experience.

The Sea Spirit includes an enclosed quiet library offering a large collection of polar books and DVDs on the Club Deck. The presentation lounge offers state-of-the-art equipment for briefings, lectures and recaps. Entertainment, unforgettable views, a well-stocked bar and opportunities for socializing are available in the comfortable Club Lounge. The numerous outdoor deck areas are open to enjoy passing scenery and barbecues (weather permitting), as well as relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.

The gym includes aerobic and weight-lifting equipment and space for yoga and stretching. Any last-minute items and handmade gifts are available for purchase at the polar boutique. The Bridge is an excellent place to observe wildlife as there is an outdoor platform and the captain and officers have a keen eye for spotting wildlife. Reception is open for questions and concerns and an infirmary with a licensed medical doctor is also available if needed. There is elevator access to all passenger decks.

Dining Aboard Sea Spirit

Contemporary, international cuisine is offered in an open-seating arrangement. Nightly three-course meals are prepared by top chefs and an expert kitchen staff and are plated. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and offer healthy options. An alternative option for lunch is the Outdoor Bistro offering light meals when the weather is amiable. Daily tea time is a welcomed addition in between exploration activities. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. 

The Sea Spirit has a full-service bar with professional bartender, serving a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the voyage, all at an additional cost. Coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water are available around the clock, in the Lounge.

Crew & Guides Aboard Sea Spirit

The expedition team includes 12 guides and 1 cruise director and this team takes a lot of pride in their program and aims to deliver the best of Antarctica and the Arctic. Onboard lectures center on a range of topics such as penguins of the Southern Ocean, whale conservation, geology and birds of the Drake Passage. Photography lectures support the natural desire to take the best pictures possible in these unique environments. Optional excursions including hiking, kayaking, birding, Zodiac cruising and camping are available on most departures.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Sea Spirit

All cabins on the Sea Spirit were renovated in 2017 and feature an exterior view and spaciousness not commonly found on other expedition ships of this size. Cabins offer daily turn-down service and have a flat-screen TV, DVD player, in-room safe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, shampoo and body wash, drying line and hair dryers en suite. Satellite phone and internet access is available in every cabin. Private facilities in each cabin include a sink, toilet and shower.

Two small beds, one large bed and large window of Triple Suite aboard Sea Spirit small ship
Triple Classic

#343-348 on Ocean Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired, comfortable sofa bed, picture window and two wardrobes. Approximately 226 square feet. 

Two beds, couch and table in Main Deck Suite aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Main Deck Suite

#258-262 on Main Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired and a minimum of two portholes for exterior views.  Approximately 248 square feet.

Two beds, small table, desk, chair and large window in Classic Suite aboard Sea Spirit small ship
Classic Suite

#331-336 & 338-342 on Ocean Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired, picture window and two wardrobes. Approximately 226 square feet.

Two beds, desk, chair and large window in Superior Suite aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Superior Suite

#414-428 on Club Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired and picture window overlooking outside walkway.  Approximately 215 square feet.

Wine bottle and glasses on small table beside bed, desk and chair in Deluxe Suite aboard Sea Spirit small ship
Deluxe Suite

#505-512 on Sports Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired, sliding glass door to private balcony and walk-in closet or wardrobe. Approximately 258 square feet.

Large bed, two nightstands, desk and chair in Premium Suite aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Premium Suite

#601-606 on Sun Deck: two twin beds that convert into a king bed if desired, en suite lounge area and sliding glass door to private balcony. Approximately 323 square feet.

King-size bed in Single Suite on Sea Spirit polar ship with mirrored headboard, picture window & wood accents.
Single Suite

#329-330 on Ocean Deck: a king bed, en suite lounge area and a picture window. Approximately 226 square feet.

Large bed and large windows in Owner's Suite aboard Sea Spirit expedition ship
Owner's Suite

#600 on Sun Deck: one king bed, jetted bathtub en suite, sliding glass doors to private deck, separate living room with game and meeting area, BOSE stereo system and sofa bed that can accommodate a third person. Approximately 678 square feet.

Deck plan detailing Main Deck, Ocean Deck, Club Deck, Sports Deck and Sun Deck of M/V Sea Spirit expedition ship.
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