My M/V Sea Spirit Experience Antarctica Cruises Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

The M/V Sea Spirit was in Portsmouth for a couple of days, so our cruise expert Hugh Clayson took the opportunity to explore the ship. Below are his impressions to help you decide if this ship is right for you for your Antarctic adventure.

The perfect size ship for Antarctic exploration 

The Sea Spirit carries a maximum of 112 passengers (normally about 100). In Antarctica, no more than 100 people can go ashore at any time, so for guests on the Sea Spirit they can all go ashore together, maximising their time on shore (up to 2 and a half hours). On average, Sea Spirit guests get to go ashore twice per day when in Antarctica. 

Guests on larger ships have to take their turn, which means on average about once a day for only about 1 hour exploring ashore.

A homely first class experience - it is easy to make new friends

The first thing I noticed, due to the small size of the ship, was that as soon as you embark you feel at home. The ship’s crew (72 in total) encourage you to feel at home. There is no smart dress code, it does not take long to get to know the crew and your fellow guests and the ship is so easy to get around. The bar and lounge are laid out in such a way it is impossible not to meet and get to know your fellow travellers. Many repeat guests on Sea Spirit come with people who they met on the previous cruise! The lounge is (see picture below) is where the presentations are held and people can relax and meet up for a chat and the coffee.

There is also large lift and perimeter decking around the ship, offering a place to exercise and of course view the landscapes, wildlife and birds once you are in Antarctica.

A smooth ride in rough seas

She might be small, but the ship has extremely powerful engines and propellers, a re-enforced hull and newly fitted stabilisers (like flippers) that are put to use when the ship runs into rougher seas, such as in the Drake Passage. Built in a shipyard in Italy, the stabilisers ensure guests have one of the smoothest journeys to and from Antarctica.

When you get to Antarctica, you are sailing in peninsulas surrounded by glaciers and icebergs, so there is little movement of the ship.

Open bridge policy

On my visit the bridge was closed. However, on cruises to Antarctica, there is an open bridge policy so you can join the captain and officers to see and understand navigation systems, engineering and fabulous views from the bow of the ship.

An experienced, friendly and extremely knowledgable expedition team

Wow - what a team. The 14 expert guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. Once on board they are key to your understanding and enjoyment of Antarctica, from running daily lectures and briefings on all aspects (history, birds, wildlife, geography etc). Several of the guides are well known in their field as published authors, professors and lecturers. The subjects are delivered in friendly and relaxed talks in the lounge with easy to see screens that illustrate the particular talk. 

Going ashore in Antarctica

The guides also operate the zodiac boats used to take you from the ship to the shore for each landing. Getting on and off the ship is so easy, just down a flight of stairs at the stern (back) of the ship. Once ashore in Antarctica, there are a choice of walks depending on your fitness levels and interests.  

A professional photographer accompanies each cruise

Each cruise to Antarctica has a professional photographer on board recording your cruise with photos, videos and some drone pictures too. The photographer will also have talks and personal meetings with guests on board to help you take the best pictures you can on your journey. At the end of the cruise, there is a photo competition for the best guest picture. If you are interested in photography, the Sea Spirit is an ideal choice.

At the end of the cruise, you will receive by email (at no extra cost), a professionally made album of the pictures taken during the cruise by the photographer - this is really special in my view.

Included Wi-Fi

Sea Spirit has a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system, meaning you can stay in touch with home, send pictures etc, even in Antarctica. 

Superb cuisine and service on board

You will be treated to top class cuisine. I had delicate tuna to start, followed by delicious beef and a yummy lemon tart for dinner. The breakfasts and lunch are buffet style and the dinners always served with a choice of starter, main and desert. The ship can cater for all dietary requirements. The restaurant is lovely, with tables of 2, 4 and 6 making it easy to enjoy your meals with your new friends.

The sun deck and outside dining

The ship has a large sun deck at the rear where when the weather is good they will have barbecues. It is also a great place to relax and admire the passing scenery. There is also a jacuzzi to enjoy. 

Spacious, comfortable suites

I managed to see all the 8 suite types that cater for all types of guests and budgets. Nearly all suites are at least a good 23 square metres in size, have comfortable double or twin beds, private bathroom with shower, TV, large wardrobe, mini-bar, dressing area, sofa, safe, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries and hair dryer.

The main deck suites have large portholes (the light is good and being lower down means less sway of the ship so if you worry about sea movement this would be a good choice) and there are also cabins that can sleep up to 3 people. If you are a solo traveller, you can book a place in this cabin sharing with other people of the same sex and safe the single supplement (their are 2 exclusively single cabins on board too).

For couples (or friends), the main deck suite is a good choice, but if you prefer to be higher up the ship, you can upgrade to a classic or superior cabin which have a picture window (does not open).

The cabins on the Sports deck and sun deck all have a private balcony, which depending on your budget I would recommend. The balcony provides a private outdoor space to contemplate the incredible scenery and natural wonders as you navigate the snowy landscapes.

At the top of the ship at the front is the owners suite, complete with a large bathroom with bath, lounge, private forward deck, kitchenette and dining area. It really is quite special.  

The included parka jacket and use of boots ashore

Each guest gets a free parka jacket to use on the cruise. I tried one on and can report it was so comfortable and snug - as you can see below. You will love these.

You will also receive large wellington style boots to use on all shore excursions.

The bar and library - all drinks are included in the price

On a M/V Sea Spirit cruise to Antarctica, all drinks are included throughout the cruise: soft drinks, house wine, beer and house spirits. On the club deck there is a lounge with a bar. The waiters here get to know your name and favourite drink. There is also a 24 hours tea/coffee station in the bar area, offering luxury brands which I much enjoyed. 

The library is located at the end of the lounge. It was one of my favourite areas of the ship, as the it offers a quiet space and vast selection of books on Antarctica -  the famous explorers, birdwatching and wildlife. I could see myself spending a lot of time here. 

Other facilities 

The ships also has a gym, friendly reception area with notice boards to keep you up to date, a small shop and an area where the expedition team are stationed, so you can meet them at any time to ask questions. There is also an on board doctor.

Kayaking

If you enjoy kayaking, you can opt to experience Antarctica in a kayak led by the expert guide. The kayaks carry two people and can obviously explore more quietly that in a zodiac. The kayaking trips operate daily weather permitting.

Camping under the stars

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can also opt to spend the night under the stars in Antarctica. The expedition team prepare your open air space cut out in the snow, and you snuggle up in your warm sleeping bag (you will not be cold) from 1030 pm until about 6am. The guests below are getting ready for the night's adventure.

In conclusion 

I really enjoyed my short stay on the M/V Sea Spirit and having seen her first hand can see why this ship is so popular with Veloso Tours guests. She really does have the right balance between comfort, conviviality, guide expertise and safe adventure.