Quark Expeditions

[marieps]

We are researching a 2024 exped cruise to the Antarctic, and see little on CC about Quark.  Any experience out there?

[Mlmgallant]

I am currently on Quark’s Ultramarine.  Everything about this trip and the ship has exceeded my expectations!  Dining, Covid response, cabins, helicopters, and xpedition team, educational presentations—-everything is top notch.  That Quark only does polar regions sold me when searching for an expedition cruise to Antarctica.  

[2552phxcrzr]

We have done three expeditions with Quark … to the Antarctic (with South Georgia and the Falklands) in 2007; back to back to Greenland in 2013; and the North Pole in 2014.  We just booked the Ultramarine for this summer that will take us to the Canadian High Arctic.

 

Quark is definitely our go to expedition company.  Have always had a wonderful time with them with an expedition team that is well experienced.  Great lectures too.

[2552phxcrzr]

@Mlmgallant what category cabin are the pictures you posted?

[Mlmgallant]

Penthouse Suite.  

[LuvCruiseSB]

I cannot decide whether to cruise with Quark Expedition (sharing a balcony cabin with another female), Silver Sea Wind (own cabin) , or lindblad (own cabin) for my Antartica trip early January 2024.

With Quark Expedition , is there a naturalist/photographer who would accompany you on the land /zodiac excursions?

What is the daily schedule like for the excursions?  Are there usually 2 activities per day?  Are there enough zodiacs to transport everyone at the same time?  Are there many solo travelers?

I just want to cruise with a company with the best activities and cater to solos.

 

thanks in advance

[Quark Expeditions]

4 hours ago, LuvCruiseSB said:

I cannot decide whether to cruise with Quark Expedition (sharing a balcony cabin with another female), Silver Sea Wind (own cabin) , or lindblad (own cabin) for my Antartica trip early January 2024.

With Quark Expedition , is there a naturalist/photographer who would accompany you on the land /zodiac excursions?

What is the daily schedule like for the excursions?  Are there usually 2 activities per day?  Are there enough zodiacs to transport everyone at the same time?  Are there many solo travelers?

I just want to cruise with a company with the best activities and cater to solos.

 

thanks in advance

Hey there, 

I am Nicolas, the Community Manager at Quark Expeditions and I've asked one of my colleagues who also traveled solo to help me answer your post. Here's their response: 

Quark Expedition specializes in trips to the Polar Regions and are guided by a highly qualified and passionate Expedition Team. We have over 30 years of expertise earned and our invested interest is safety, off-ship experience and education.
 

Our Guides consists of lectures who specialize in Marine Biology, Ornithology, History, Geology, and more! In addition, we also have onboard Photography Guides who will be helping you capture your voyage and would be available to answer any of your questions. The Expedition team is very interactive and accompany your journey throughout your voyage; both onboard and off the ship (including on Zodiac excursions!).
 

The daily program aims to offer 2 excursions per day. This will include zodiac landings, zodiac cruising and in some cases, a combination of both. We also have plenty of zodiacs (typically 20-22) that are available to use and extra's in the event any get damaged.
 

We have many solo travelers come explore with us. This is why we have the option for shared cabins and designated solo cabins (select ships). You will find that if you choose to share a cabin, you are amidst people who are like minded travelers. This makes a significant difference in the overall experience of this type of expedition.
 

When deciding whether to share or take your own cabin is dependent on your preference. For example, if you are a light sleeper, then it is recommended to invest in a designated solo cabin.
 

As a solo traveler myself, I was pleased to say that I never felt I was traveling solo once and in fact, ended up meeting people who share a common love for the Polar Regions and became friends + future travel partners.

Please let me know if I can help you with anything else! I'd also be happy to connect you with Raakhe, the colleague that helped me answer this question, if you'd like to have a chat with her! 🙂

[Quark Expeditions]

@LuvCruiseSB, we replied to your entry on Friday but forgot to tag you! Have a great week ahead! 

[marieps]

We opted for Ponant LeLyrial in January 2024.  Here's hoping everyone finds the cruise of their dreams.

[Quark Expeditions]

That's great, @marieps! We're sure you'll have a great experience in Antarctica! 

[TakingFlight]

I am considering the Ultramarine for the Arctic in 2024. Any possibility of a Black Friday sale?

[Quark Expeditions]

On 11/18/2022 at 10:15 PM, TakingFlight said:

I am considering the Ultramarine for the Arctic in 2024. Any possibility of a Black Friday sale?

Hey there, we just launched our Black Friday 2022 offer yesterday! 🙌

Our 2-for-1 Black Friday Sale allows you to book a polar voyage and bring a guest for free on select Arctic 2023 and Antarctic 2022.23 departures.

Solo travelers only pay 50% of the regular rate for a shared cabin!

And if you are interested in traveling further in the future, you can get a free cabin upgrade on voyages for the Antarctic 2023.24 and Arctic 2024 seasons at in-market rates.

You can find out more details on our website home page or here: https://fal.cn/3tP6n

Thanks, 

The Team at Quark Expeditions