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Booking a polar voyage with Quark Expeditions is an exciting adventure — the thrill of exploring Antarctica or the Arctic is unmatched. However, before embarking on such an extraordinary journey, it’s essential to understand the cancellation policy that governs your booking. Life can be unpredictable, and knowing what to expect if plans change helps you safeguard your investment.
Quark Expeditions’ cancellation policy is designed to balance flexibility for guests with the operational complexities of expedition cruising. Their voyages often involve charter flights, small expedition ships, and limited passenger capacity — all of which make last-minute changes more complicated than with traditional cruises.
Generally, Quark Expeditions applies tiered cancellation fees based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your scheduled departure date. The closer you are to departure, the smaller your refund — and eventually, the entire fare becomes non-refundable.
While policies can vary slightly by itinerary and booking channel, Quark Expeditions typically follows this schedule:
More than 180 days before departure: Deposit is non-refundable, but any additional payments are refunded.
Between 179–120 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
Between 119–90 days before departure: 75% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
Less than 90 days before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited — no refunds.
This policy emphasizes the importance of trip cancellation insurance, which Quark strongly recommends (and, in some cases, requires) for all passengers.
When you first book a Quark Expeditions voyage, you’ll pay a deposit, typically ranging between $1,500 and $2,500 per person or 20% of the total fare, depending on the voyage. This deposit secures your place but is non-refundable from the moment you book.
If you decide to cancel after paying the deposit, that amount is forfeited even if you cancel many months before your sailing date. However, if you have travel insurance that covers “cancel for any reason” (CFAR), you might recover part or all of your deposit depending on your plan.
The deposit helps Quark manage the logistics of small-ship expeditions, which often require early commitments for charter flights, ship provisioning, and crew scheduling. With a limited number of guests (usually fewer than 200 per voyage), cancellations can significantly affect operations.
If you need to cancel your booking, you must submit your request in writing to Quark Expeditions or through your travel advisor. The date the cancellation is received (not the date you sent it) determines the applicable cancellation fee.
Review your booking confirmation for your specific terms.
Contact your travel advisor or Quark’s guest services via email or phone.
Submit a written cancellation request, including your booking reference number and personal details.
Receive a cancellation confirmation from Quark, which will include refund details (if applicable).
File any necessary insurance claims promptly.
Cancellations over the phone are not considered official until they are confirmed in writing.
Sometimes travelers don’t want to cancel entirely — they simply wish to change dates or voyages. Quark Expeditions provides some flexibility through rebooking policies.
If you rebook before your final payment is due (usually 120–150 days prior to departure), Quark may allow you to transfer your deposit to another voyage within the same season or the following year. This is subject to availability and any fare differences.
Once your final payment has been made, changes become more restrictive. In most cases, transferring to a new voyage is treated as a cancellation and rebooking, meaning cancellation penalties apply.
However, in special situations (like medical emergencies), Quark may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis if documentation is provided.
Occasionally, Quark Expeditions may need to cancel a voyage due to operational reasons, safety concerns, or force majeure events (such as severe weather or political instability). In such cases, the company offers several remedies.
Ice or weather conditions preventing safe passage.
Charter flight disruptions.
Low passenger numbers (rare but possible).
Geopolitical situations in polar regions.
Global health emergencies or travel restrictions.
If Quark Expeditions cancels your voyage, you typically have the following options:
Full Refund: Receive all money paid, including deposits.
Future Travel Credit: Accept a credit for the same or greater value toward another voyage.
Rebooking Assistance: Quark can help you select a comparable expedition.
Quark does not usually cover incidental costs, such as non-refundable airfare or hotel stays, unless the cancellation was directly caused by Quark-managed arrangements. Therefore, booking flexible or refundable flights is highly recommended.
Like most expedition operators, Quark includes a force majeure clause in its terms and conditions. This clause covers events beyond their control, including natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest, or other unforeseen disruptions.
In these cases, refunds may not be guaranteed, but future cruise credits are often issued to affected passengers. This practice was especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many expeditions were rescheduled rather than refunded outright.
Because Quark Expeditions operates in remote regions, they require all guests to carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
Emergency medical evacuation (minimum $50,000 recommended)
Trip delay or missed connection coverage
Reimbursement for Non-Refundable Costs: If you cancel for covered reasons (like illness or injury), insurance can reimburse you for deposits or final payments.
Coverage for Delays or Interruptions: Bad weather or travel delays are common in polar regions — insurance can protect you financially.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Some insurers offer CFAR add-ons, letting you cancel for personal reasons and recover a portion (usually 50–75%) of your prepaid trip cost.
Without insurance, passengers risk losing thousands of dollars if they must cancel unexpectedly.
Many Quark Expeditions itineraries include mandatory charter flights — for example, between Punta Arenas and King George Island for Antarctic sailings. These flights are bundled into your fare but have their own cancellation implications.
If you cancel your cruise, the charter flight portion is non-refundable after final payment.
If a charter flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, Quark provides hotel accommodations or alternate arrangements but does not compensate for missed experiences due to uncontrollable delays.
If Quark cancels the voyage before departure, the charter portion is fully refundable.
After a cancellation is confirmed, Quark Expeditions typically processes refunds within 60–90 days. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment and only to the person who made the booking. Travel agents or agencies may have slightly different refund procedures depending on their agreements.
Keep in mind that currency fluctuations and bank fees may slightly alter the refund amount received if payments were made in different currencies.
For group bookings (typically 10 or more passengers) or private charters, the cancellation terms can differ. These voyages often have customized contracts, with stricter cancellation schedules and higher deposits.
For example:
Group deposits may be 25–30% of total fare and non-refundable.
Cancellation penalties might begin earlier than 180 days before departure.
Rebooking flexibility is more limited due to the large logistical commitments.
Travel planners should always review the specific group terms before signing contracts.
During the pandemic years, Quark Expeditions introduced “Book with Confidence” programs that allowed more flexible rebooking and credits. While these have largely ended, they set a precedent for how the company handles global disruptions — prioritizing customer satisfaction and safety over rigid policies.
Post-pandemic, Quark has maintained a balance between flexibility and business stability. Guests can still expect reasonable accommodations if new travel restrictions or emergencies arise.
Book Travel Insurance Immediately: Purchase it the same day you pay your deposit to cover pre-existing conditions.
Understand Your Deadlines: Mark your final payment date — changes before that date are far easier to manage.
Opt for Flexible Flights and Hotels: Use refundable bookings for pre- and post-expedition stays.
Communicate Early: If something arises, contact Quark or your agent as soon as possible — sometimes they can transfer funds to another sailing.
Keep Documentation: Medical notes, visa denials, or emergency statements can help with insurance claims.
No. You must submit a written request by email or through your travel agent. Verbal or online chat cancellations are not valid until confirmed in writing.
Only if you cancel before your deposit is processed — otherwise, your deposit remains non-refundable, even if you cancel over 180 days in advance.
You’ll be offered a full refund or a credit toward a future voyage, depending on your preference and the situation’s cause.
No, Quark itself does not. However, you can purchase CFAR coverage through independent insurers for extra flexibility.
In most cases, yes — but only before final payment. A small administrative fee may apply. After final payment, transfers are usually not allowed.
Deposits are non-refundable, regardless of when you cancel.
Cancellation fees increase the closer you are to your departure date.
Travel insurance is essential and mandatory for all passengers.
Refunds are processed within 60–90 days after written confirmation.
Force majeure situations may lead to future travel credits instead of cash refunds.
By understanding Quark Expeditions’ cancellation policy in detail, you can protect your travel investment and navigate any unexpected changes with confidence.
A voyage with Quark Expeditions is not just a cruise — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Earth’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. But adventure travel comes with inherent risks, and the company’s cancellation policy reflects the logistical challenges of operating in polar regions.
The best way to ensure peace of mind is to plan ahead, purchase comprehensive insurance, and communicate early if your plans change. By doing so, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and security to focus on what truly matters: the thrill of polar exploration.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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