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.

夸克探險

Quark Expeditions

品牌介紹

我們始終引領商業極地探險的潮流。創辦人Lars Wikander與Mike McDowell於1991年帶領首批商業旅客踏上北極之旅。以下時間軸帶您回顧更多我們的歷史性里程碑。 ## 探索我們歷史上的重要時刻 **1991年：** Quark Expeditions首度帶領商業旅客抵達北極，成就無其他探險公司曾達成的壯舉。 **1992年：** Quark Expeditions從開普敦啟航，展開首趟前往南極最偏遠海岸地帶——遠南極洲的旅程。 **1993年：** Quark Expeditions的賓客首次重走Ernest Shackleton爵士的船隻*Endurance*的探險航線。 **1996年：** Quark Expeditions開啟環繞南極洲的商業旅客航程，這是史上首度舉辦此類航行。 **2003 年：** Quark Expeditions 的旅客成為首批在南極目睹日全蝕的人類。 **2004 年：** Quark Expeditions 成為首家確認雪丘帝王企鵝群落存在及位置的探險營運商。 **2006 年：** Quark Expeditions 打破近百年前羅阿爾·阿蒙森（Roald Amundsen）創下的紀錄，達成任何船隻所能抵達的最南緯度。 **2012 年：** Quark Expeditions 成為首家成功在北極提供乘客熱氣球體驗的旅遊營運商。 **2013 年：** Quark Expeditions 在里斯本舉行的世界旅遊大獎中榮獲「世界領先極地探險營運商」稱號。 **2018 年：** Quark Expeditions 再度榮獲世界旅遊大獎「世界領先極地探險營運商」殊榮。 **2019 年：** Quark Expeditions 推出 Polar Promise，業界最全面的極地探險永續政策。 **2020：**Quark Expeditions榮獲世界旅遊大獎（World Travel Awards）「全球頂尖專業探險郵輪」殊榮。 **2021：**Quark Expeditions在克羅埃西亞完成成功海試後，正式接管Ultramarine號，這標誌著我們極地探險歷程中的重要里程碑之一。