Poseidon Expeditions

The company was established in 1999. In 2001, the first North Pole cruise took place aboard the Yamal icebreaker. During 2003-2006, another Russian icebreaker, Kapitan Dranitsyn, another Russian icebreaker, was also used by Poseidon Expeditions to operate their Franz Josef Land Arctic expedition cruises.[2]

In 2004, Poseidon Expeditions operated the inaugural «Transpolar Bridge» expedition cruise through the Northeast Passage, including Franz Josef Land, North Pole, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, Taymyr Peninsula, Lena River Delta, New Siberian Islands and Wrangel Island aboard the Yamal icebreaker.

In 2007 Poseidon Expeditions introduced a new destination to the travel market – the Russian Far East (Kamchatka, Kuril Islands, Wrangel Island).[3]

In 2008, during its first season in tourism service, the world’s most powerful nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory began to operate voyages to the North Pole.

In 2013, a Poseidon Expedition’s cruise accomplished the 100th attainment of the North Pole in the history of icebreaker navigation - this historic event occurred on July 30, 2013 at 20:49 GMT.[4]

In 2013 Poseidon Expeditions has started operating Antarctic expedition cruises aboard a small luxury ship Sea Explorer.[5]

In 2015, Poseidon Expeditions began operating polar cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica aboard all-suite, luxury expedition’s ship, m/v Sea Spirit.[6] Arctic destinations are announced until 2020 and include Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land (Russian High Arctic), Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland. Antarctic itineraries until 2021 explore South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula area, offering special New Year, Christmas and Solar Eclipse programs.

Since 2008, Poseidon Expeditions operates North Pole cruises aboard the 124-passenger nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker 50 Years of Victory.[7]

50 Years of Victory, the most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world, is equipped with helicopters and rubber inflatable boats, enabling travelers to explore wild Arctic areas. The icebreaker ship, which is also the world’s largest, is the successor to the Yamal icebreaker, as of 2008.

Providing spacious suites for accommodation of 114 passengers, m/v Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. The vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.[8]

The Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" operated by Poseidon Expeditions in the Arctic is the largest and most modern icebreaker in the world.[9] The spoon-shaped bow of the vessel is designed for greater icebreaking ability and makes the ship capable to force its way through 3 meters thick ice fields.

Poseidon Expeditions was the first to open the most remote Russian Arctic regions to travelers. In 2005 the unique route was worked out for “Pearls of the Russian Arctic” icebreaker expedition. The program included visits to Novaya Zemlya, Oranskie Islands, Vize Island, Severnaya Zemlya, Maud Bay, Birulia Bay, port of Dickson, ruins of Khabarovo GULAG, Vaigach Island.[10]

Poseidon Expeditions is a member in good standing of IAATO and AECO, and promotes various sustainability initiatives.

Poseidon Expeditions is the only operator in the industry offering direct sailing from Longyearbyen to Franz Josef Land within 1.5 days.

The small ship concept allows cruise passengers to have maximum time ashore and enjoy the greatest variety and selection of landing sites. Helicopter tours, photography workshops, camping, kayaking and educational lectures and briefings are offered by an expert polar team.