Quark Expeditions

The Leader in Polar Adventures

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is uncompromisingly polar, specializing in expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic and has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for over 30 years. With a diverse fleet of specially-equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, we offer travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. The spirit of exploration runs deep in our polar pedigree and we are passionate about creating transformational experiences for fellow adventurers visiting these regions.

Insider Tip

Quark Expeditions offers the highest expedition guide to passenger ratios (1:6), providing the highest level of education, photography and overall experience for passengers on board.

Virtuoso Preferred Supplier Since 01 May 2014

41
Reviews

Ships

This newly renovated vessel, formerly the Sea Adventurer, offers guests a new look and feel throughout, a forward lounge and observation deck to enjoy mesmerizing views, and technical enhancements – including two new engines – to improve fuel efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.


Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger ship has been designed with the latest expedition ship technology. One key feature is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience.


Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to pursue and discover amazing new places, and to immerse its guests in the very best of the spectacular polar regions.


Quark Expeditions' all-balcony, all-suites hybrid ship which maximizes both off-ship exploration and the onboard experience with exceptional service and comfortable, modern accommodations. A remarkable home base for Antarctic travelers of all kinds (176 passengers).


Reviews and Recommendations

Ship

100%

of 13
guests
recommend


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Recommended

Chile and Antarctica Experience

By: anonymous


Reviewed on: 27 Apr 2017

Ship was very tired. Needs updating. Everything else about the ship was great.
Travel Advisor:  Deborah Trevino
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Recommended

Fantastic Voyage

By: cab


Reviewed on: 10 Jun 2018

It was an unique experience because it was the smallest ship we have ever cruised on. I felt like a real sailor bucking the waves we encountered and being rocked to sleep every night. The cruise team were very friendly and accomadating and always very conscious of safety going ashore in the zodiacs. It was a new experience having armed guards escorting our every landing. Thankfully the guns were not a necessary tool. The food was very delicious and plentiful: the wait staff were very extremely friendly and helpful. The ship was clean and comfortable
Travel Advisor:  Kevin Lichty
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Recommended

great program, great trip

By: thousandmiles


Reviewed on: 20 Jun 2018

this is the best trip we ever had. very well organized, good eductioanal programs, good service, beyond our expectation. Especially the members of experdition team, everyone of them is knowledgebale in his/her specialized filed, has high professional ethics. Enjoyed this trip very much. Will recommend Quark Expeditions.
Travel Advisor:  Tom Gehrels
Recommended

Quark

By: .


Reviewed on: 17 Sep 2018

Food is excellent, cabins adequate. Wifi terrible. staff all very attentive. Tours about what we expected.
Travel Advisor:  Kim Paterson
Recommended

Quark’s In the Footsteps of Franklin Cruise

By: Ray


Reviewed on: 22 Sep 2018

Excellent Cruise! Quark ran a professional, safe and highly informative Cruise. The ship itself is newly upgraded and our cabin was very nice. The hotel operation was very well run and the expedition staff were outstanding.
Travel Advisor:  Kim Paterson
Recommended

Awesome experience!

By: Blake


Reviewed on: 11 Feb 2019

The Ocean Adventurer, while a little on the old side is a sturdy old girl that gets to the ends of the earth smooth and secure. Don’t ever let her go!
Travel Advisor:  Carol Brant
Recommended

Quark Expeditions Arctic 2019

By: karen


Reviewed on: 16 Jul 2019

Enjoyed the cruise, food excellent, room was fantastic, very good service. Captain did a great job. We saw lots of polar bears. Couldn't ask for a better trip.
Travel Advisor:  Karen Harkey
Recommended

An Arctic less visited

By: Dave


Reviewed on: 31 Aug 2019

We had an amazing trip first in Svalbard where I kayaked with glaciers and a polar bear on a nearby beach. Then in Scoresbysund in eastern Greenland where climate change was readily apparent. Day time highs were 12 to 14 Celsius! The ship, while older, has been refurbished and offered dining comparable to a much larger cruise ship.
Travel Advisor:  Anne Bird
Recommended

Great Expedition to Antartica

By: Frankie


Reviewed on: 15 Feb 2020

This was a wonderful adventure for us. The ship was really quite lovely and the crew was fantastic. The food was better than we ever anticipated and the wait staff was the best we have encountered. The guides were educated in their areas of expertise and we thoroughly enjoyed our expedition. I would recommend Quark to anyone who wants to see the most of Antartica and do it in the best way possible. Crossing the Drake by plane was hands down the only way to do it. Crossing the Antarctic Circle--unbelievable!!
Travel Advisor:  Michele Benigno
Recommended

Arctic Trip

By: LK


Reviewed on: 30 Jun 2022

Beyond expectations. While the physical ship shows her age, that would be my only comment! The team -- from leaders to guides to services to housekeeping -- was extraordinary. I couldn't have wanted/hoped for more.
Travel Advisor:  Rochelle DeBaun
Recommended

Comfortable expedition ship for polar cruising

By: M


Reviewed on: 21 Jan 2023

Our cabin was more spacious than we expected -- still small, but comfortable and well-appointed. The food was excellent -- we were never wanting for options. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and went out of their way to help us. I wouldn't hesitate to sail on it again.
Travel Advisor:  Colleen Lamont
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Recommended

Quark exceeds all expectations

By: World Explorer


Reviewed on: 20 Jan 2023

Quark exceeded my expectations, and I now have a reliable travel partner for expeditions to polar regions. Quark has captured the best of the best for those who feel the connection to explore. I can't say enough about their safety procedures and attention to detail, from the crew they hire to the food they serve.
Travel Advisor:  Tracey Teuber
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Recommended

First Class Adventure

By: T & L


Reviewed on: 28 Jan 2024

Our ship’s staff and crew were easily some of the finest we have encountered in our travels……ready to assist and help, high level of expertise, and extremely pleasant approach to their responsibilities. They exemplified the concept of “partnership” during our expedition.
Travel Advisor:  Kathy Rise
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    Our Commitment

    Sustainability

    Our Commitment

    Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism.

    As a long-serving, active member of both the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Quark Expeditions adheres to stringent guidelines designed to ensure the Polar Regions remain pristine for generations to come.

    Our Sustainability Initiatives
    • Our vessels burn Marine Gas Oil (MGO) a clean burning fuel with a low emission factor
    • Quark Expeditions conforms to all international regulations/policies governing the disposal of waste at sea
    • We serve only sustainable seafood
    • We use eco-friendly laundry chemicals & cabin amenities
    • We provide every passenger with a reusable water bottle
    • We use only recycled, acid-free paper onboard and limit paper use
    • We use recycled paper and acid-free inks in the manufacture of our brochures

    For more information: Please visit our Sustainability Page