Quark Expeditions

Quark was founded in 1991 and quickly made its name with ambitious polar voyages, including some of the earliest tourist trips through the Northwest Passage and to the North Pole aboard icebreakers. Today it is part of Travelopia, a group of specialist travel companies, and it focuses entirely on the polar regions.

The fleet centers on Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar ship for around 199 guests with two twin-engine helicopters, a large fleet of Zodiacs and quick-launch side gates, and Ocean Explorer, a smaller ship for around 138 guests. Quark has also chartered ships from other operators; it is chartering Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager for Antarctic seasons beginning in late 2026.

Antarctic voyages run from about November to March, either crossing the Drake Passage from Ushuaia or using the Antarctic Express fly-cruise, which flies guests over the Drake to board the ship. Arctic voyages from about June to September cover Svalbard, Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic and the Northwest Passage.

Quark is casual, adventurous and focused on the expedition. Guests range from their 30s to 70s and come from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, many ticking off a bucket-list trip to Antarctica. Dress is practical, with layers and the bright Quark parka you receive and keep. Days are planned around weather and ice: landings, Zodiac cruises, hikes and lectures from naturalists, glaciologists and historians, with flexible schedules. Ships are comfortable and functional rather than luxurious, and the communal lounges are sociable places to swap wildlife sightings. Weather can delay or cancel landings, and Drake Passage crossings can be rough.

Meals are served in a main dining room with open seating and buffet or plated service, with hearty international menus designed to fuel active days. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

Entertainment means expedition content: daily briefings and recaps, lectures on wildlife, ice and history, photography workshops and documentaries. Zodiac landings and cruising are included, while optional activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and camping on the ice cost extra on select voyages.

Children can join many voyages subject to minimum age rules, and some Arctic itineraries suit families, but there are no kids clubs and the experience is designed for adults and older teens.

Cabins range from compact twins to suites with balconies on Ultramarine. All are functional with private bathrooms, and higher categories add more space and windows. Ocean Explorer’s cabins are simpler and smaller.

Fares on most voyages now include beer, standard wines, spirits and cocktails during bar service and dinner, plus soft drinks, coffee and tea. Premium wines and spirits cost extra. Inclusions can vary by voyage, so check yours.

Gratuities for staff and crew are voluntary and given at the end of the voyage, at your discretion. Quark provides suggested guidelines onboard.