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Best of British Isles
Explore the British Isles aboard the Sea Spirit
Best Price Guarantee
Best Price Guarantee
Length
13 Days
Ship category
Premium
Ship type
Small Ships
Capacity
114 Passengers
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Sea Spirit is one of the ships we recommend when the polar experience matters more than having the newest design at sea. With 114 guests, generous outdoor access and unusually spacious suites, it feels intimate without asking you to compromise on cabin comfort. Our travellers repeatedly praise the warm crew, excellent food and genuinely sociable atmosphere—exactly the things that make long polar days feel easy and welcoming.
What we especially like is how clearly Sea Spirit knows what it is. Polished wood, classic interiors and one inviting lounge after another give the ship character rather … Read more about Sea Spirit
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Bar
Mudroom
Gym on board
Lecture Theater
Observation Lounge
Library
Open Bridge Policy
Restaurant
Dining on Sea Spirit is relaxed and social. The restaurant uses open seating, which makes it easy to share the day's sightings with different fellow travellers. Dinner normally offers two or three main courses plus a vegetarian choice, with starters and desserts; breakfast and lunch are broader, more informal services. In suitable weather the Outdoor Bistro serves lighter meals by the jacuzzi, while tea and coffee are available around the clock in the Club Lounge. Our guests regularly single out both the food and the attentive restaurant team.
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
9
May
2027
• 13 days
• German language assistance
From
USD 7,476
USD 8,795
9
May
2027
21
May
2027
•
German language assistance
USD 7,476
USD 8,795
Preferred date unavailable?
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
1 pre-voyage hotel night;
Seamless group transfer to Portsmouth on the day of embarkation
Group transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation
Cozy accommodation aboard the elegant Sea Spirit, your home away from home
Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage
All AECO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience
24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost
Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes
Expert leadership from our experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team
A stylish branded Poseidon Expeditions parka to take home as a cherished memento
Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise
Welcome and Farewell cocktails to celebrate your journey with fellow travelers
All port fees
Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure
A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer
Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.
Visa fees (if applicable)
Airfare
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges
Staff gratuities
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
4.8
(24)
Price
From
USD 7,476
No dates selected
From
24 Reviews
Walk among 40,000 interlocking basalt columns at Northern Ireland’s legendary Giant’s Causeway
Spectacular Seabird Colonies
Explore some of Europe’s most remarkable historic sites
From the subtropical gardens of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly to the dramatic cliffs of Fair Isle
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
Polar Expedition Specialists: We focus exclusively on polar voyages, with advice rooted in real, firsthand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly funds our mission to protect and restore global rainforests.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition through the heart of the British Isles, where dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, remote islands, and extraordinary wildlife await at every turn. From England’s storied naval heritage to Scotland’s wild northern archipelagos, this voyage blends culture, history, and nature in perfect balance.
Your journey begins in London with a relaxing pre-cruise hotel stay before boarding the expedition ship Sea Spirit in historic Portsmouth. From there, we trace a spectacular route through the Isles of Scilly, Ireland’s rugged southern shores, the wild landscapes of Wales, Northern Ireland’s iconic Giant’s Causeway, and onward to the Hebrides, Orkney, Fair Isle, and Scotland’s seabird-rich eastern isles.
Along the way, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Neolithic villages older than the pyramids, medieval fortresses, and charming coastal towns. Discover puffin colonies, gannet super-colonies, migrating seabirds, and sweeping Atlantic cliffs that define this remarkable region.
This is more than a cruise — it’s a deep exploration of the landscapes, legends, and living heritage that make the British Isles so captivating.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Welcome to England and the start of your British Isles cruise! Our included pre-cruise hotel night is designed to allow for a relaxing motorcoach transfer to Portsmouth the next morning. You’ll receive information about the time and place to meet the motorcoach at the hotel.
The Isles of Scilly is a group of small islands off the coast of Cornwall boasting mild weather, secluded beaches, enchanting wildlife and a relaxed lifestyle. On the lovely, sand-fringed island of Tresco, Bronze Age burial sites and romantic 17th-century castle ruins reveal a long and dramatic history. On the hallowed grounds of a Benedictine abbey we discover the exquisite Tresco Abbey Garden with its spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world. Delightful cafés and local shops enrich your experience even further.
Dunmore East is a popular tourist and fishing village in County Waterford on Ireland’s southeastern coast. From here it is a short journey through scenic countryside to the House of Waterford Crystal. Here you can take a guided tour of the factory to see the master craftsmen at work as well as the world’s largest collection of their wares. Also nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens containing thousands of plant species on 70 acres of intensively planted woodland and a four-acre walled garden.
Our plan is to visit the the Saltee Islands. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants
Dunmore East is a popular tourist and fishing village in County Waterford on Ireland’s southeastern coast. From here it is a short journey through scenic countryside to the House of Waterford Crystal. Here you can take a guided tour of the factory to see the master craftsmen at work as well as the world’s largest collection of their wares. Also nearby is Mount Congreve, a magnificent 18th-century Georgian estate and botanical gardens containing thousands of plant species on 70 acres of intensively planted woodland and a four-acre walled garden.
Our plan is to visit the the Saltee Islands. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants
Our port for today is the vibrant seaside town of Llandudno in the north of Wales. From here we embark on a scenic overland tour of Snowdonia National Park. We drive through some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in Britain as we discover craggy mountains, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, dense woodlands and flowering meadows. Snowdonia is also renowned for wildlife including otters, water voles, wild ponies and rare birds such as dotterel and peregrine falcon. We enjoy a delightful stop at the charming and distinctively Welsh town of Betws-y-Coed in the Gwydyr Forest.
Visit to the Conwy Castle is also on our list. UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea.
Today we disembark at the small seaside resort town of Portrush in Northern Ireland. We travel overland to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Here we discover a geological masterpiece—40,000 closely packed hexagonal basalt columns of varying heights descending like a staircase into the sea. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. In this area we are also able to spot various seabirds such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank, guillemot and razorbill.
These days, we'll explore Scotland, uncovering its beauty and the secrets of its history. From the picturesque coasts to the hidden tales etched into its landscapes, our journey promises a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.
These days, we'll explore Scotland, uncovering its beauty and the secrets of its history. From the picturesque coasts to the hidden tales etched into its landscapes, our journey promises a glimpse into the heart of this captivating region.
Today, we’ll disembark for an overland tour of Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Attractions such as the well-preserved 5000-year-old village site at Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar within the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” showcase the world-class cultural heritage of the island. We finish our island tour in the charming village of Kirkwall, where find the landmark Saint Magnus Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. You will also have free time to roam the old streets of Kirkwall and enjoy its unique atmosphere before we head to our next destination.
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On Fair Isle — an isolated island of rolling moorlands and rugged coastlines — one is easily enchanted by historic crofts, picturesque lighthouses, and friendly locals. The island is famous among birders for its abundance of British birds and for its numerous records of eastern rarities and migrants.
Fair Isle is also one of Europe’s best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins, at close range.
Additionally, the island is notable for the abundance and diversity of its wildflowers. Seals are also commonly seen in its bays. Finally, during our visit it will be possible to see and purchase articles hand-knitted in the intricate and distinctive style for which Fair Isle has been celebrated for hundreds of years.
Isle of May and Bass Rock… Both of these uninhabited islands are in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve and includes significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, cormorants and terns. Harbor seals and grey seals can be spotted along the shores. There are also some historic architectural sites, including St. Ardin’s Chapel, the lighthouse and the Low and Light Cottages.
The island known as “the Bass” plays host to over 150,000 northern gannets in the breeding season, making it the world’s largest colony of these magnificent birds. The island’s steep walls are white with guano and the sky all around is darkened by the vast multitude of seabirds in flight. Our voyage is perfectly timed to coincide with this amazing spectacle—truly one of the wildlife wonders of the world.
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After breakfast on board Sea Spirit we say farewell in Leith, Edinburgh’s vibrant port district. We provide transfers to the airport or to Edinburgh city center if you wish to spend more time in the wonderful capital of Scotland.
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