I was invited to experience expedition cruising for the first time - here’s how it went…
- May 15
- 4 min read
By Alexandra Wright
If you’re not too familiar with expedition cruising then don’t worry - you’re in the same boat (haha) that I was six months ago.
Since learning about this unique way to see the world, I’ve been itching to get onboard an expedition ship, and last week I finally had the chance.
I met the Poseidon Expeditions team at Llandudno Pier, and with a group of fellow travellers I clambered into a Zodiac for the very first time and we skimmed across the waves towards the ship.
If you’ve been up close to a cruise ship before, put it from your mind; though not small, expedition ships are nothing like the towering, 20-deck beasts you see docked in sunny cruise ports. The nimble Sea Spirit is six decks, 300 ft. and has capacity for just 114 passengers, pretty much guaranteeing an intimate, personalised experience.
On board, dark lacquered wood and nautical details give the ship a classic feel that extends into the cosy but surprisingly spacious and well-equipped cabins. I dropped my bags and headed for the large lounge to indulge in fresh, warm scones and other treats. It quickly became apparent that the service on board would be second to none; the hospitality team were unbelievably efficient, bringing drinks, topping up glasses, and clearing away empty plates at a rate of knots befitting the setting.
The activity programme for my two-night stay was a mix of sales-focused insights and tasters of the true expedition experience. We toured the ship from the gym to the Jacuzzi, exploring the different cabin categories, then dressed up for cocktails with the captain and a showstopping dinner. One thing that surprised me was the amount of choice for being on a ship - three or four options for every course, with dietary requirements and preferences readily catered for.
The next morning started with an equally impressive buffet spread, complete with omelette station. Next on the agenda was an introduction to the many exciting destinations Poseidon Expeditions travels to, as well as a look at the add-on activities that guests can opt into when they book. Kayaking sounded a bit beyond my own skills, but camping on the ice for a night seemed like a terrific challenge for intrepid travellers. We also learned about the amazing photographs that are professionally captured throughout each trip to be shared with guests as a memento of their travels.
Another taster of Poseidon hospitality came at lunchtime with the classic on-deck barbecue that they aim to offer at least once each trip. A delicious spread was dampened with a bit of drizzle, but the views of the rugged Northern Irish coast more than made it worth it.
In true expedition fashion, the rest of the day’s itinerary changed with the weather as conditions became unsuitable for a Zodiac ride around the fabled Giant’s Causeway; instead we photographed it from the deck and enjoyed some downtime as the ship cruised back along the coast. A few hours later the announcement came over the speaker system to get our boots and coats back on and head down to the marina deck. The ship moored just off Rathlin Island, and with our waterproofs and wooly hats on we hopped into the Zodiacs to explore Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island.
What was promised: cliffs, a famous lighthouse, and perhaps a puffin or two.
What delivered: a whole family of curious grey seals, a pair of playful dolphins, and yes, cliffs full of nesting seabirds surrounding the much-photographed “upside-down lighthouse” of Rathlin West Light.
These unexpected sightings proved the ultimate truth of expedition cruising: that concrete expectations are the enemy and flexibility is the key to enjoying your trip. You can trust the experts on board to give you the best experience possible, even as they plan around changing weather, wildlife sightings, and sea conditions.
After an hour on the waves we returned to the ship, where yet more delicious snacks were ready in the bar and the ever-attentive crew were ready to pour our drinks. The sales team shared a presentation on Poseidon perks - including, of course, the fetching red parka that expedition guests can keep after their adventure - and then it was time for another standout dinner. It was nice to talk with a different table of guests each night; I really got the sense that it would be easy to make friends with fellow passengers on a voyage like this.
Disembarkation the next morning was typically early, so the sting of saying goodbye to the ship was somewhat dulled by still being half-asleep. The amazing expedition team were considerably more alert, helping guests down the gangway and waving goodbye. While the ship itself was a wonderful setting, it was truly the entire dedicated crew that made this mini-expedition special. I can only imagine the magic they work on a full-length trip.
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