Quark Expeditions
Polar exploration to its core, sailing the Arctic and Antarctica on ships built for ice.
The polar specialist, since 1991
Quark Expeditions does one thing and does it fully: polar exploration. Founded in 1991 when it took the first commercial travelers to the North Pole by icebreaker, the Seattle-based line has spent decades focused entirely on the Arctic and Antarctica.
Quark is part of Travelopia, the specialist travel group owned by the investment firm KKR. Its fleet is purpose-built for ice, led by Ultramarine, a 199-guest ship that is the only expedition vessel in the world with two twin-engine helicopters flying from dedicated helidecks.
Alongside Ultramarine, Quark sails World Explorer and the newer Ocean Explorer and World Voyager, which keep the ships small, modern and matched to remote polar itineraries. This is a line for travelers who want the ice to be the point.
- Style
- Polar expedition
- Flagship
- Ultramarine
- Guests
- Up to about 200
- Focus
- Arctic and Antarctic
- Founded
- 1991, Seattle
- Parent
- Travelopia (KKR)
“Quark has spent more than thirty years on nothing but the poles, and it shows in ships, guides and itineraries built entirely around ice.”
Ships built for ice, with helicopters aboard
The flagship Ultramarine carries 199 guests and is the only expedition ship in the world with two twin-engine helicopters, which open up heli-hiking, aerial flightseeing and access to terrain no Zodiac can reach. It also carries the largest fleet of adventure equipment in polar cruising.
World Explorer, Ocean Explorer and World Voyager round out a small, modern fleet, all sized for remote polar work rather than crowds. Whichever ship you sail, the emphasis is on getting off the ship and into the landscape.
Adventure options and expert guiding
Quark voyages are mostly all-inclusive, covering your cabin, meals, and the Zodiac cruises, landings and lectures led by the expedition team of polar experts, naturalists and historians. The onboard style is casual and focused outward.
What sets Quark apart is the menu of optional adventures, from sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to camping on the ice, mountaineering and, on Ultramarine, helicopter excursions. You can make a voyage as active as you like.
Two poles, from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage
The southern season, roughly November to March, is all Antarctica, crossing the Drake Passage from Ushuaia to the peninsula, with some voyages reaching the Falklands and South Georgia. The wildlife, from penguin colonies to whales, is the headline.
In the northern summer Quark turns to the Arctic, with Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian high Arctic and transits of the Northwest Passage. We help you match the right ship, hemisphere and season to the expedition you want.
Since Quark Expeditions reaches Antarctica from Argentina, consider adding an Argentina and Uruguay tour before you sail south.
Why book through us
Exclusive Quark value
Group amenities and onboard credit on qualifying Quark sailings that you will not find booking direct.
Combinable offers
Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Quark’s current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.
Polar specialists
Advisors who know the Quark fleet and its polar seasons, and match the right ship, cabin and departure to you.
Seamless land and sea
Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land stay where your Antarctic voyage begins or ends.
Cross the Drake from Ushuaia, then linger in Argentina
Quark’s Antarctic season sails from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. Add a Culture Discovery stay in Buenos Aires and the Argentine countryside and you frame the ice with the food, wine and culture of South America.
More expedition cruises we love
Poseidon Expeditions
A fellow polar specialist known for all-suite comfort on a small expedition ship.
Explore Poseidon ExpeditionsNational Geographic-Lindblad
Expedition sailing paired with National Geographic scientists, naturalists and photographers.
Explore National Geographic-LindbladHapag-Lloyd Expedition
German luxury expedition ships that pair Polar Class hulls with five-star comfort.
Explore Hapag-Lloyd ExpeditionHurtigruten Expeditions
Norwegian expedition heritage across the Arctic, Antarctica and beyond.
Explore Hurtigruten ExpeditionsFrequently asked questions
What is Quark Expeditions known for?
How many ships does Quark Expeditions have?
What is Quark Expeditions’ newest ship?
What optional activities does Quark offer?
Is Quark Expeditions all-inclusive?
Where does Quark Expeditions sail?
What is the dress code on Quark Expeditions?
How much does a Quark expedition cost?
Ready to sail with Quark Expeditions?
Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.