Expeditions with Quark Expeditions
Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, co-founders of Quark Expeditions, led the first group of commercial travelers to the North Pole in 1991. This inaugural and groundbreaking expedition, the first tourist transit of the Northeast Passage, laid the foundation for Quark Expeditions to become a leader in polar exploration.
Since then, the company has been in the business of taking travelers on polar expeditions to remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic where no one else has set foot. Since that 1991 Quark Expeditions voyage onboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz, the company’s itinerary offerings have evolved significantly.
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
New ships are now joined by the professionalism and knowledge of an experienced team that can offer something truly unique to cruising. A cruise that becomes a voyage of discovery, a real adventure, albeit onboard modern and comfortable ships.
From kayaks to Zodiacs, but also helicopters and even hot air balloons, these are the extensions of these ships to reach unique and magical places to be discovered once in a lifetime. Extreme environments where adaptability is key, and which the Quark Expeditions philosophy fully embraces, reminding us that the unexpected is not only to be expected, but also welcomed, as it can provide new stimuli to an already unforgettable adventure.
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
While the company enjoys modern ships, Quark Expeditions‘ goal is to get guests off the ship and into polar landscapes as often as possible. As such, itineraries are designed to showcase as many landscapes as possible, combining experiences such as studying flora and fauna both onboard and ashore.
To better understand the Quark Expeditions service and philosophy, we recently sailed onboard the Ultramarine, the newest and most modern vessel in the fleet. Polar class PC6, 199 guests, served by a crew of up to 140. Everything you need for a small island of comfort and relaxation between busy expeditions.
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
The Ultramarine has interiors that create an elegant and modern atmosphere of great relaxation, while offering a totally informal environment where we could feel comfortable at any time of the day. What impressed us most about a ship of this type is the spaciousness of the staterooms and suites, all of which are extremely bright and inviting. It is a space to enjoy, to recharge your batteries for the next excursion, with breathtaking views and all the comforts of a modern suite. The spa is also very beautiful and spacious, equipped with a sauna that you will never want to leave, where you can rest while observing the outside environment from a beautiful window. The Ultramarine also has two helicopters and a fleet of 20 Zodiacs that allow for quick disembarkation at any port of call, providing guests with comfort even in the most remote corners of the planet.
Quark Expeditions
Together with the other two ships in the fleet, the historic Ocean Adventurer and the newer World Explorer, Quark Expeditions offered us an experience where excellent cuisine, welcoming spaces and helpful staff really seem to make a difference. Combined with extraordinary itineraries and a family atmosphere onboard, this expedition cruise line is one of the most exciting in the industry.
Don’t miss more information, news and reviews of Quark Expeditions on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruise offers.