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Booking a Quark Expeditions trip is more than just reserving a spot on a ship — it’s an invitation to explore the most remote and breathtaking corners of the planet. Whether you dream of kayaking among icebergs in Antarctica, witnessing the Northern Lights from Greenland, or standing face to face with polar bears in the Arctic, Quark Expeditions offers immersive polar voyages designed for modern adventurers.
This detailed guide explains exactly how to book your Quark Expeditions trip — from choosing your expedition to finalizing payment, customizing your experience, and preparing for departure.
Founded in 1991, Quark Expeditions is widely recognized as a pioneer in polar exploration cruises. The company was the first to bring travelers to the North Pole aboard a nuclear icebreaker and has since built a strong reputation for sustainability, scientific collaboration, and unparalleled adventure in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Booking a trip with Quark Expeditions means access to:
Expert-led expeditions with experienced polar guides and scientists
Small ships designed for ice navigation and comfort
Adventure options like kayaking, mountaineering, and paddle excursions
Commitment to environmental responsibility and conservation
Before booking, it’s important to understand that Quark Expeditions doesn’t operate like typical cruise lines. Instead of focusing on luxury amenities, they emphasize exploration, learning, and meaningful encounters with nature.
The first step to booking a Quark Expeditions trip is choosing where and when you want to go. The company offers a variety of expedition options across both poles, each with its own seasonal highlights and unique wildlife sightings.
Antarctica is Quark’s signature destination. Trips generally run from October to March, the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. Options include:
Antarctic Explorer: A classic voyage from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Crossing the Circle: Extends beyond the Antarctic Circle for deeper exploration.
Fly the Drake: Ideal for those who prefer to skip the rough seas of the Drake Passage and fly directly to King George Island.
Arctic voyages typically operate from May to September and explore regions like:
Greenland: Spectacular fjords, Inuit villages, and ice-covered peaks.
Spitsbergen (Svalbard): Famous for polar bears, walruses, and glaciers.
Canadian Arctic: Historic Northwest Passage routes and cultural encounters.
Quark also offers themed journeys, such as:
Photography Expeditions: Led by professional photographers.
Citizen Science Programs: For travelers interested in contributing to research.
Adventure Options: Kayaking, paddle excursions, camping on ice, or mountaineering.
Once you decide on your preferred region and style of adventure, you’re ready to move to the next stage — selecting your ship and itinerary.
Quark Expeditions operates a fleet of purpose-built vessels designed specifically for polar exploration. Each ship offers different capacities, comfort levels, and onboard facilities.
Ultramarine – The company’s newest and most advanced expedition ship, featuring two helicopters for aerial adventures, spacious suites, and sustainability technology.
Ocean Adventurer – A smaller, more classic vessel offering cozy accommodations and a traditional expedition atmosphere.
World Explorer – A modern ship with luxurious touches and private balconies.
Ocean Diamond – Ideal for travelers looking for value and comfort.
When choosing your ship, consider:
Ship size and capacity (smaller ships = fewer passengers = more landings).
Cabin type (shared, twin, suite, or balcony).
Adventure options (helicopter excursions, kayaking, etc.).
Price range and comfort level.
Quark’s website allows you to filter expeditions by ship, destination, and date — making it easy to compare itineraries and find the perfect fit for your travel goals.
Once you’ve chosen your desired voyage and ship, the next step is to check availability and pricing.
Expedition pricing depends on several factors:
Cabin category (lower deck cabins are typically more affordable than suites).
Season and demand (holiday sailings often cost more).
Included excursions and perks.
Prices usually include:
Onboard accommodations and meals
Zodiac cruises and shore landings
Expert lectures and guided activities
Cold-weather gear (like parkas and boots)
Airport transfers at select locations
However, some optional activities like kayaking or mountaineering cost extra and must be reserved early due to limited slots.
You can check prices directly on the Quark Expeditions website or by calling their booking office. If your desired trip is full, you can request to join a waiting list or explore alternate sailing dates.
There are three main ways to book your Quark Expeditions trip:
Visit the official website at www.quarkexpeditions.com and select your desired voyage. From there, you can request a quote, hold a cabin, or complete a reservation with one of their polar travel advisors.
Benefits of booking direct:
Personalized service and expert guidance.
Access to exclusive promotions or discounts.
Easy coordination for adventure add-ons or upgrades.
Many travelers prefer to work with a specialized polar travel agency or luxury cruise consultant. These agents often have insider knowledge, early access to deals, and can assist with flights, insurance, and visa logistics.
Benefits of using an agent:
Assistance with pre/post-expedition planning.
Bundle offers with airfare and hotels.
Support in case of cancellations or rescheduling.
Quark occasionally offers limited-time discounts during travel fairs or virtual events. Signing up for the Quark Expeditions newsletter ensures you’re among the first to hear about flash sales or early booking bonuses.
After you’ve confirmed your expedition, you’ll need to make a deposit payment to secure your spot.
Deposit: 20–30% of the total trip cost at the time of booking.
Final Payment: Due approximately 120–150 days before departure.
You can pay via credit card, bank transfer, or through your travel agent. Quark Expeditions also provides flexible payment plans upon request, allowing travelers to spread payments over time.
Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation, invoice, and detailed pre-departure information outlining your itinerary, packing list, and travel tips.
Because Quark Expeditions sails from remote embarkation points, travelers are responsible for arranging international flights to the departure city (e.g., Ushuaia, Reykjavik, or Longyearbyen).
Quark offers optional flight coordination services and sometimes includes charter flights — particularly for fly-in itineraries like “Fly the Drake.”
You can also add pre- and post-expedition hotel stays, which are highly recommended for flight delays or cancellations common in polar regions.
Quark Expeditions lets you personalize your polar adventure with unique optional add-ons:
Kayaking: Paddle through serene ice fields alongside seals and penguins.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: A calm and intimate way to explore icy bays.
Helicopter Flights (on Ultramarine): Witness glaciers and icebergs from above.
Camping on Ice: Spend a night under the Antarctic sky (weather permitting).
If you wish to elevate comfort, you can upgrade to a suite or balcony cabin. Upgrades can be requested during booking or later, depending on availability.
Quark partners with select operators to provide land extensions, such as exploring Patagonia after an Antarctic voyage or visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle post-expedition.
Because Quark Expeditions operates in some of the world’s most remote destinations, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Policies must include:
Medical coverage
Emergency evacuation (minimum coverage of $500,000 USD)
Trip cancellation/interruption protection
You’ll also need a valid passport (often with six months’ validity beyond your return date) and any required visas or permits depending on your itinerary.
Quark provides detailed guidance on visa requirements and will assist travelers with documentation for special destinations like Greenland or the Canadian Arctic.
A few months before your voyage, Quark Expeditions will send you access to an online traveler portal. Here, you’ll complete important forms, including:
Passenger information and emergency contact details
Medical questionnaire
Activity waivers for adventure options
Completing these forms early ensures smooth check-in and compliance with international safety protocols.
Now comes the fun part — preparing for your once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure. Quark Expeditions provides a detailed packing list covering essentials such as:
Waterproof outerwear
Thermal layers and gloves
Binoculars and camera equipment
Reusable water bottles and dry bags
The company provides a complimentary expedition parka, and boots are available for loan onboard.
Before departure, attend the virtual pre-trip briefing or consult with your travel advisor to review flight logistics, luggage allowances, and health protocols.
Once you arrive at your embarkation point, you’ll join a mandatory safety and orientation session before boarding your expedition vessel. From there, your adventure begins — sailing through icy waters, attending lectures by experts, and stepping onto pristine polar landscapes guided by seasoned professionals.
During your voyage, Quark’s expedition team handles all logistics, including daily landings, Zodiac operations, and meal services. You can relax, explore, and fully immerse yourself in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
After your journey, Quark Expeditions encourages guests to share photos, feedback, and scientific data collected during citizen science programs. Returning guests automatically join the Quark Expeditions Polar Society, receiving:
Loyalty discounts on future voyages
Invitations to exclusive events and webinars
Early access to new itineraries
This ensures that your polar experience doesn’t end when you return — it becomes part of a lifelong connection to exploration and conservation.
Book Early: Popular itineraries and cabins sell out 12–18 months in advance.
Watch for Promotions: Look out for “Early Bird” savings or solo traveler offers.
Consider Shoulder Seasons: Late spring or early fall departures can be less crowded and offer distinct wildlife opportunities.
Consult an Expert: Polar travel advisors can match you with the best itinerary and ship for your interests.
Be Flexible: Weather can influence routes — adaptability ensures a positive experience.
It’s recommended to book at least 12 months ahead, especially for premium cabins or popular travel windows like December (Antarctica’s peak wildlife season).
Yes, you can modify your booking — such as changing your cabin category or date — subject to Quark’s terms and availability.
Most expeditions exclude international flights, but some include charter flights or optional air packages.
Absolutely. Quark welcomes solo travelers and offers single-occupancy cabins or shared cabin options to reduce costs.
Booking a Quark Expeditions trip is the start of an extraordinary journey — one that blends adventure, education, and personal transformation. Whether you sail to the icy edges of Antarctica or explore the rugged Arctic, every detail — from your cabin selection to your adventure options — is designed to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the booking process, secure the best voyage for your interests, and prepare for an unforgettable exploration at the ends of the Earth.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
