What type of cruising does Quark Expeditions offer and what makes them stand out?

Quark Expeditions is the world's leading polar expedition cruise operator, focusing exclusively on Arctic and Antarctic voyages for over 34 years. They stand out with a purpose-built ship (Ultramarine) featuring two twin-engine helicopters for unique aerial excursions, and a fleet of small polar vessels that can reach places larger ships cannot. They were the first operator to take commercial guests to the North Pole and the first to confirm the Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony.

What destinations does Quark Expeditions sail to and what itinerary lengths are available?

Quark Expeditions sails to Antarctica (including the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Georgia, Falkland Islands, and Snow Hill), and the Arctic (Iceland, Svalbard, Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic, the Northwest Passage, and the Faroe Islands). Antarctic itineraries include fly/cruise express options and range from approximately 8 to 23 days. Arctic itineraries span 10 to 17+ days, including a 2026 Iceland Circumnavigation and Solar Eclipse voyages.

What is included in Quark Expeditions's cruise fare?

Quark Expeditions fares include shipboard accommodation, all meals and snacks onboard, guided Zodiac excursions and landings led by expert expedition teams, lectures and educational programming by polar specialists, a complimentary expedition parka, waterproof boots on loan, and airport-to-ship group transfers on embarkation and debarkation days. Fly/cruise itineraries also include charter flights over the Drake Passage. Select off-ship adventure options such as helicopter excursions, kayaking, and camping are available at additional cost.

What dining, entertainment, and wellness options are available on Quark Expeditions?

Quark Expeditions ships offer quality dining with all meals and snacks included, featuring international cuisine and themed culinary events such as the Tundra to Table Inuit Culinary Experience. Onboard enrichment includes daily lectures by polar experts on wildlife, glaciology, history, and photography. Ultramarine features a spa and fitness centre, sauna, and indoor pool. The ships also have observation lounges, a theatre for presentations, and a library stocked with polar literature.

What shore excursions does Quark Expeditions offer and are they included in the fare?

Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings led by expert expedition teams are included in the fare, allowing guests to explore penguin colonies, glaciers, icebergs, and remote beaches. Paid adventure options include helicopter flightseeing and landings (on Ultramarine), sea kayaking, camping on the Antarctic ice, paddleboarding, and photography workshops. Community visits to Inuit settlements in the Arctic are also offered as part of select itineraries.

Who is Quark Expeditions best suited for?

Quark Expeditions is best suited for adventurous travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers who dream of visiting the polar regions. It appeals to active explorers of all ages who want an immersive, expert-led expedition experience rather than a traditional cruise. Solo travellers are also well catered for. The voyages attract photographers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with remote polar wilderness and iconic wildlife like penguins, polar bears, and whales.

Does Quark Expeditions have a loyalty program or special promotions?

Quark Expeditions offers the Explorer Club loyalty program for past guests, providing benefits such as savings on future voyages, priority access to new itineraries, and exclusive offers. They also run seasonal promotions including early booking discounts, last-minute deals, and special group rates. Guests are encouraged to contact a Polar Travel Advisor or visit QuarkExpeditions.com for the latest offers and promotions.

Does Quark Expeditions include Wi-Fi, and what is their cancellation policy?

Wi-Fi is available onboard Quark Expeditions ships, though connectivity in polar regions is limited due to the extreme remoteness of the destinations. Their cancellation policy follows a tiered schedule with penalties increasing as the departure date nears, and specific terms vary by itinerary and cabin category. Full cancellation terms are outlined in their booking conditions at QuarkExpeditions.com, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all polar voyages.

Quark Expedições

Quark Expeditions

Sobre

Sempre liderámos o caminho nas expedições polares comerciais. Os nossos fundadores, Lars Wikander e Mike McDowell, levaram o primeiro grupo de viajantes comerciais ao Polo Norte em 1991. Descubra alguns dos nossos marcos históricos na linha do tempo abaixo. ## Descubra alguns dos nossos marcos históricos na linha do tempo abaixo **1991:** A Quark Expeditions leva os primeiros passageiros comerciais ao Polo Norte — algo que nenhuma outra empresa de expedições tinha alcançado. **1992:** A Quark Expeditions parte de Cidade do Cabo para a primeira viagem de passageiros ao Lado Distante da Antártida, a região costeira mais remota do continente. **1993:** Pela primeira vez, os convidados da Quark Expeditions reconstroem a viagem do navio de Sir Ernest Shackleton, *Endurance*. **1996:** A Quark Expeditions inicia uma circunavegação da Antártida para passageiros comerciais, a primeira viagem deste tipo. **2003:** Os passageiros da Quark Expeditions tornam-se os primeiros humanos a testemunhar um Eclipse Solar Total na Antártida. **2004:** A Quark Expeditions torna-se a primeira operadora a confirmar a existência e localização da colônia de pinguins-imperador de Snow Hill. **2006:** A Quark Expeditions quebra o recorde de Roald Amundsen estabelecido há quase 100 anos, alcançando a latitude mais ao sul já atingida por qualquer embarcação. **2012:** A Quark Expeditions torna-se a primeira operadora turística a oferecer com sucesso passeios de balão de ar quente no Polo Norte. **2013:** A Quark Expeditions é nomeada Operadora Líder Mundial em Expedições Polares no World Travel Awards em Lisboa. **2018:** A Quark Expeditions é novamente nomeada Operadora Líder Mundial em Expedições Polares no World Travel Awards. **2019:** A Quark Expeditions lança o Polar Promise, a política de sustentabilidade mais abrangente da indústria de expedições polares. **2020:** Quark Expeditions é eleita a Companhia de Cruzeiros Especializada Líder Mundial nos World Travel Awards. **2021:** Quark Expeditions assume oficialmente a posse do Ultramarine após bem-sucedidos testes em mar aberto na Croácia, marcando um dos maiores marcos polares da nossa história.