Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is a pioneering leader in polar adventure travel, specializing exclusively in journeys to the Arctic and Antarctic. Since its founding in 1991, the company has built a reputation for delivering immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. Quark Expeditions is renowned for its team of onboard polar experts including scientists, naturalists, historians and expedition leaders, all of whom guide travellers through extraordinary landscapes of towering icebergs, diverse wildlife and rich polar history.

With a fleet of purpose-built small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and helicopters, Quark Expeditions combines safety, comfort and environmental responsibility with the thrill of exploration.

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Quark Expeditions

Whether it’s witnessing penguin colonies in Antarctica, navigating the Northwest Passage, or standing at the North Pole, Quark Expeditions offers travelers rare opportunities to connect deeply with the polar regions while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

Luxury and discovery come together in perfect harmony on board Quark Expeditions

  • Exclusive polar focus
  • Icebreaker capabilities
  • Helicopter excursions
  • Expert expedition team
  • Leading sustainable cruise travel
  • Unmatched wildlife encounters
  • Epic polar routes
  • Small group experiences

Incredible onboard spaces

Take a look at the fantastic spaces on board, from gourmet restaurants and relaxing lounges to cosy cabins and spacious outdoor areas.
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Balena Restauran
Penthouse Suite
Observation Lounge
Restaurant
Pool Deck

Quark Expeditions
cruise ships

Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer
  • Year Built: 2021
  • Year Refurbished: 2024
  • Passengers: 138
  • Crew: 105
  • Passenger/Crew Ratio: 1.3:1
  • Tonnage: 8,228
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Ultramarine
Ultramarine
  • Year Built: 2021
  • Year Refurbished: N/A
  • Passengers: 199
  • Crew: 140
  • Passenger/Crew Ratio: 1.4:1
  • Tonnage: 13,500
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World Explorer
World Explorer
  • Year Built: 2019
  • Year Refurbished: N/A
  • Passengers: 172
  • Crew: 130
  • Passenger/Crew Ratio: 1.3:1
  • Tonnage: 9,300
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World Voyager
World Voyager
  • Year Built: 2020
  • Year Refurbished: 2023
  • Passengers: 198
  • Crew: 127
  • Passenger/Crew Ratio: 1.56:1
  • Tonnage: 10,000
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Our favourite Quark Expeditions destinations

Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica stretches across the southernmost edge of our planet like a crown of ice, a realm of stark beauty and unparalleled wilderness.
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The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are best known in the U.K. for the territorial dispute and subsequent war that was fought between Britain and Argentina
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Helsinki
Helsinki
The average temperature in efficient, elegant Helsinki hovers around 43°F (6°C), but this does not mean visitors need expect a chilly welcome.
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Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is a unique and stunning destination located in the Svalbard archipelago, within the Kingdom of Norway.
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We've experienced Quark Expeditions first hand...

Cruise Connoisseur Helen Fensom took her very first expedition cruise to the Arctic with Quark Expeditions—and now she’s hooked. Quark Expeditions have some of the best expedition leaders and teams in the industry and made Helen's trip unforgettable. When you venture to the Arctic with Quark, be on the lookout for walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer and pods upon pods of whales. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a polar bear roaming the ice floes, just like Helen did.

Meet the team

Activities on board Quark Expeditions

Helicopter Ride
Helicopter Ride
That’s right, some cruise lines now offer once-in-a-lifetime ‘flightseeing’ excursions
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Kayaking
Kayaking
Navigate jagged coastlines, twisting icebergs and concealed coves
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Polar Plunge
Polar Plunge
Take the leap of faith and feel time slow down

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Featured Cruises