Early birds save up to 15% when you book your select 2025-2026 season departure of the below-linked Antarctica expeditions aboard the Sea Spirit.
Offer valid on new bookings only, based upon availability in select cabin types and cannot be combined with other offers. See all Antarctica cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Select from three itineraries to explore Svalbard—one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat, the pack ice. Enjoy a flexible itinerary based around sea and ice conditions that explores the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Svalbard. Polar bears, walruses, endangered bowhead whales and other Arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around this High Arctic archipelago. With 24-hour daylight the captain and crew are determined to make the best of every opportunity for wildlife viewing in this unique polar ecosystem.
Encounter a stark, enigmatic landscape steeped in the drama and heroism of historic polar explorations. Walk the footsteps of famous polar explorers at significant High Arctic places. Visit historical remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for historic attempts to discover the North Pole, an abandoned polar research station, and the Arctic research community of Ny Ålesund, complete with gift shop, post office, and museum—all testimonies to incredible human history.
In addition to the main 10-day West Svalbard polar expedition, there are 12-day Best of Svalbard and 14-day In-Depth Exploration in the Land of the Polar Bear departures that attempt a full circumnavigation of Svalbard. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience sailing in the Arctic and can recommend the best itineraries to suit your travel interests and timeline.
All itineraries are aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit, which boasts an impressive staff-to-passenger ratio of 1 crew member per 10 guests. Plus, expedition leaders each have the field experience of 50-plus voyages to the polar regions.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard Polar Bear Cruises and Arctic trips.
The 14-day Arctic Odyssey explores between Svalbard and Iceland, with select departures adding Eastern Greenland to pack three Arctic islands into one epic voyage aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit small expedition ship. Enjoy a flexible itinerary based around sea and ice conditions. The captain and crew are determined to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing, and the possibility exists to see the dazzling northern lights in these unique polar ecosystems.
Start by exploring Svalbard—one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat, the pack ice. Discover the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands in the northwestern part of Svalbard. Polar bears, walruses, endangered bowhead whales and other arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around this High Arctic archipelago. Visit historical trappers’ cabins and the arctic research community of Ny Ålesund, complete with gift shop, post office, and museum—all testimonies to incredible human history.
Move on to East Greenland, focusing on parts of Northeast Greenland National Park—the world’s largest national Park. Be awed as your small expedition ship slips through deep fjords and narrow channels flanked by ice-clad peaks and massive tidewater glaciers. Watch for iconic arctic animals such as the arctic hare, musk oxen, polar bears and reindeer. Before finishing the voyage in Reykjavík, have the chance to explore along the west coast of the scenic and diverse country of Iceland. On the Snæfellsnes peninsula, visit the famous Snæfellsjökull volcano and picturesque Kirkjufell mountain of Iceland, where a rich cultural and literary history and the success of fishermen and merchants are evident in local fishing villages. In the ruggedly beautiful Westfjords visit the historic fishing port of Ísafjörður, a small town that embodies Iceland’s trademark blend of contemporary charm and rich cultural heritage. In 2025 find a reverse departure that visits the same islands but going northbound, starting in Reykjavík, Iceland and ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
In 2024 the alternative 14-day “Icebergs, Fjords, Polar Bear & Arctic Wildlife” itinerary operates via round-trip charter flights between Oslo and Svalbard, with a focus on just northwest Svalbard and east Greenland’s Franz Joseph Fjord.
Sailing aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit is like floating aboard a fine hotel that is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating narrow bays and icy channels. Add the luxury of incredible amenities, a generous crew, expert leaders and onboard photography lessons and this Arctic voyage is complete.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Greenland cruises, Svalbard Cruises, Iceland cruises and Arctic land trips.
The Realm of Penguins & Icebergs expedition sails round-trip from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage and visiting the best of Antarctica, including the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Highlights include Neko Harbor, Deception Island, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay and many other sites. Explore some of the world’s most impressive landscapes via Zodiac and kayak. Experience incredible marine wildlife while paddling through tranquil waters filled with glittering icebergs and porpoising penguins surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountains.
Antarctic dreams come true on this authentic expedition cruise, aimed at exhibiting the best of Antarctica. The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary based on weather and ice conditions, adjusting to maximize opportunities to view pelagic seabirds, wildlife-rich waters, feeding whales, seals perched on ice floes and bustling penguin colonies. Onboard presentations and workshops by expert staff add background to the wild and beautiful scenery.
In addition to the main 12-day Relam of Penguins & Icebergs itinerary, there is a 15-day option that aims to cross the Antarctic Circle. Each itinerary is aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit, a ship boasting an excellent staff-to-passenger ratio of 1 staff per 10 guests, plus every cabin category is a suite, making her an ideal choice for luxury Antarctica cruises. With expedition leaders who have the field experience of 50-plus voyages to polar regions, included photography lessons and (additional cost) camping and kayaking excursions, this journey to Antarctica is one to remember.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure explores the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, providing some of the best opportunities to witness Antarctica’s wildlife.
The remote Falkland Islands are a birder’s paradise where encountering large colonies of penguins and albatross is a delight. Fur seals and elephant seals lounge on sandy beaches while various whale and dolphin species swim through iceberg-strewn waters. South Georgia Island is an unrivalled paradise where subantarctic wildlife abounds. Upwards of 100 million seabirds including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns; over 100,000 elephant seals; 3 million fur seals; and innumerable penguins, including king and macaroni penguins, jostle for space here.
The Antarctic Peninsula offers some of the region’s most impressive icy scenery. Protected bays and narrow channels round out this wildlife viewing extravaganza: icebergs of every size and description, waters rich with krill, whales, seals, penguins foraging at sea and more. Additional highlights may include Gerlache Strait and Elephant Island where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent a winter.
The main Antarctic Wildlife Adventure sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, over 21 days. A 23-day alternative itinerary ends the voyage in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And a 17-day option allows you to shorten the journey by flying to the Falkland Islands to embark the ship and spending less time in the Falklands and South Georgia.
All itineraries are aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit, which boasts an impressive staff-to-passenger ratio of 1 crew member per 10 guests. Plus, expedition leaders each have the field experience of 50-plus voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic. For these reasons and more, the Sea Spirit is the perfect home base for luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this Antarctica trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arctic culture and landscapes come alive on the Arctic Sights & Northern Lights aboard the luxury 114-guest expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. For 11 or 12 days search for whales and Arctic wildlife while cruising round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland, through breathtaking fjords flanked by steep mountains along eastern Greenland. Across the Denmark Strait, explore the stunning Scoresby Sund fjord complex to discover unbelievable scenery, historical sites, massive icebergs, a contemporary Inuit village and of course the mesmerizing northern lights. Visit the unique Westfjords of Iceland. Every night on this voyage brings another excellent chance to experience the northern lights in a beautiful setting.
Kayaking is available at an added cost for those who wish to experience this paddler’s paradise. The islands and fjords of the High Arctic closely guard some of the world’s most unique and magical sea kayaking opportunities. Experience cathedral-like icebergs in Greenland, labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean and rugged coastlines in remote waters that very few people have ever paddled. Photographic instructions, lectures and opportunities from expert photographers and guides are included in every departure.
Sailing aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit is like floating aboard a fine hotel that is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating narrow bays and icy channels. Add the luxury of incredible amenities, a generous crew, expert leaders and onboard photography lessons and this voyage is complete. If icebergs, Arctic culture and wildlife, and the aurora borealis are your polar interests, then this Arctic Sights & Northern Lights itinerary is the trip for you!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises and specialty northern lights cruises.