About Quark Expeditions
“Quark Expeditions operate traditional cruise ships – those large cruise liners holding thousands of guests. This is because the size of these ships makes it difficult (sometimes impossible) to easily and safely maneuver into calm bays and so we can provide daily exploration opportunities –shore landings and Zodiac cruising ? which are the heart of expedition travel. Instead, we operate expedition ships. These are much smaller nimble vessels, carrying fewer than 200 passengers, all equipped with Zodiacs (inflatable landing craft) for transfers from ship to shore, and back. We call our expedition vessels “Polar Adventure Ships,” and adventure is exactly what they deliver. Quark’s ships will get you to some of the most isolated and breathtaking wilderness areas in the world. And we’ll also get you there safely and comfortably. Ice class matters in polar travel. All our ships feature ice-strengthened hulls for superior navigation in ice-packed polar waters. And our North Pole ship (50 Years of Victory) is the most powerful icebreaker with the highest ice rating in the world, and is equipped with a helicopter for aerial sightseeing. Their officers and crew too boast decades of experience navigating icy waters.” — Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions does one thing, and does it with single-minded devotion: the polar regions. Polar-obsessed since 1991, the company sails only to the Arctic and Antarctic, a focus no other expedition line shares, and that specialization shows in everything from ship design to staffing. Guests travel with what Quark calls the largest expedition team in polar travel, a roster of expedition leaders, marine biologists, geologists, and ornithologists, some with more than 200 expeditions across 20-plus-year careers.
The fleet is small by design, with no vessel carrying more than 200 passengers, allowing access to remote landing sites and a lighter environmental footprint. Ultramarine leads the way with two helicopters, spacious suites, and expansive wildlife-viewing spaces; Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar waters; and the new 168-guest World Voyager was built for science and discovery. Zodiac cruising and shore landings follow the rhythm of ice, wildlife, and weather rather than a fixed port schedule.
Fares cover the essentials of polar travel: all meals with beer, standard wines, and spirits during bar hours, daily Zodiac excursions and landings, expedition-team presentations, a Quark parka to keep, and loaner boots. Antarctic seasons run November to March, spanning the Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands; Arctic summers visit Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic. For travelers who measure a voyage in penguin colonies and pack ice, this is the specialist's choice.
Save on Quark Expeditions with Pavlus Travel
Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book Quark Expeditions through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows Quark Expeditions inside and out, from first quote to final port.
- Exclusive Pavlus savings on every Quark Expeditions sailing
- Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
- Never any service or planning fees
- A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
- 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
Get Your Quark Expeditions Quote
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Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a QuoteThe Quark Expeditions Experience
Polar-only since 1991
Quark sails exclusively to the Arctic and Antarctic, and every ship, guide, and itinerary is shaped by that single-minded polar focus.
The largest polar expedition team
Expedition leaders, marine biologists, geologists, and ornithologists guide every voyage, some with more than 200 expeditions over 20-plus-year careers.
Helicopters aboard Ultramarine
Ultramarine carries two twin-engine helicopters, opening flightseeing perspectives and off-ship adventures far beyond the reach of ship and Zodiac alone.
Small ships, remote landings
No vessel carries more than 200 passengers, enabling access to remote polar sites with a smaller environmental footprint.
Expedition gear included
Every guest keeps a complimentary Quark 2-in-1 waterproof parka and borrows insulated muck boots for the length of the voyage.
What's Included with Quark Expeditions
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices on board
- Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours
- Complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising, and shore landings per the daily program
- A complimentary Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- Loan of waterproof, insulated muck boots for the voyage
- Formal and informal presentations by the expedition team
The Quark Expeditions Fleet (3 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to the fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
See Ocean Explorer sailings →
Ultramarine
Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
See Ultramarine sailings →
World Voyager
World Voyager—the newest addition to the fleet is a modern expedition ship built for science and discovery. Every design element, from the deluxe, all-balcony suites—with direct views into the surrounding polar wilderness—to the presentation theater and Science Hub, embody the spirit of discovery: the never-ending urge to explore and learn more about our rugged polar landscapes.
See World Voyager sailings →Where Quark Expeditions Sails
Good to Know Before You Book
Gratuities & tipping
Cancellation policy
Cancellation By Guest
| Cancellation period | Per person cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| Within 15 days after the date the booking confirmation is issued (where the booking is confirmed more than 180 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition) | Free cancellation |
| From 16 days after booking confirmation is issued up to (and including) 120 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition | 25% of the total booking amount |
| 119 to 90 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition | 75% of total booking amount |
| 89 or less prior to day 1 of the Expedition (including any cancellation after the Expedition has started) | 100% of total booking amount |
Smoking on board
Traveling with minors
Adventure Options on vessels are only available for all persons over the age of 16. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in Adventure Options. Parents must be with children under the age of 16 at all times, so the parent’s participation in Adventure Options may be limited.
Pregnancy policy
Policies are provided by Quark Expeditions and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.