How to choose between the Arctic and Antarctic for your Polar Voyage

Even before the first humans set foot on the 7th Continent, Antarctica had the power to intrigue and captivate our interest. The Antarctic Circle is a wild and frozen place at the bottom of the world—and one of the most fascinating to explore if you’re accompanied by seasoned expedition guides who know the landscape very intimately.

Imagine waking up to a crisp Arctic morning, the vast white wilderness stretching endlessly before you. The air is fresh, the silence profound—broken only by the distant call of a seabird or the occasional crack of shifting ice. This is a day in the life of an Arctic explorer, where adventure meets the raw beauty of one of the world’s most extreme environments.  The Early Morning Routine  An Arctic expedition starts early. After a hearty breakfast designed to fuel the day ahead, explorers gear up in insulated layers and waterproof outerwear. Dressing appropriately is critical as temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, and staying warm is key to an enjoyable and safe experience.  Before setting out, expedition leaders conduct a detailed briefing. The day’s itinerary depends on weather conditions, wildlife activity, and ice movement. Safety is always the top priority, ensuring that every traveler can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the Arctic.  Exploring the Icy Wilderness  One of the most thrilling aspects of an Arctic expedition cruise is stepping onto the ice itself. Whether by Zodiac boat or on foot, the landscapes are ever-changing and filled with surprises. Massive glaciers tower overhead, their surfaces glowing blue under the Arctic sun. Polar bears, the undisputed rulers of the Arctic, may be spotted in the distance, prowling the ice in search of food.  Explorers also visit remote historic hubs and Inuit communities, gaining insight into life in the high latitudes. These moments provide a rare glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of those who call the Arctic […]

Guided hikes on rugged, challenging coastline. Skimming the surface of crystal clear waters by kayak. Daring to take the iconic Polar Plunge. This is Greenland, as experienced by one recent visitor.

Free Wi-Fi and alcohol on Quark Expeditions’ voyages includes beer, wine and cocktails, as well as basic Internet service while exploring the Arctic and Antarctic.

Business Development Manager Chris Hanna, Expedition Guide and Glaciologist Colin Souness, and Director of Helicopter Operations Felix Christians share highlights of Ultramarine’s industry-leading helicopter adventure program. Join the webinar to learn about Quark Expeditions’ heli-adventure program: • Unbeatable Polar Helicopter Experiences: Learn how our two twin-engine helicopters can take you further over the polar landscape than any other helicopter in its class, offering the largest portfolio of adventure options in the industry—including flightseeing, heli-hiking, alpine kayaking and exclusive heli-landing. • Most Experienced Crew: Learn what makes our helicopter crew the best in the Polar Regions. • Adventure Meets Luxury: Discover why these helicopters ensure guests will have a superbly comfortable flight—and are great for viewing the polar landscapes. • Industry-leading Polar Safety: Find out what makes our H145 helicopters the industry leaders in helicopter safety. • Advanced Sustainability: Learn about the sustainability features of the H145 helicopters.

Many countries support scientific research projects in Antarctica, ranging from biology and glaciology to oceanography and astronomy. These scientific studies explore such question as: How fast are the glaciers moving? How many seals are there? What lies under two miles of ice? Quark Expeditions ornithologist Jean Pennycook will highlight several new discoveries and current projects in this webinar that uncovers the secrets of the Antarctic.

Meet our state-of-the-art new ship, Ocean Explorer. Hear about the amazing features of this cutting-edge new ship, which elevates the polar experience in terms of guest comfort, sustainability, adventure and safety. Disclaimer: All promotions mentioned in our on-demand webinars were valid only during the original webinar timeframe. These promotions are not applicable indefinitely and may no longer be available. Please contact our Polar Travel Advisors for more details.

Do you want to learn more about one of the most recognizable penguin species, the macaroni penguin? Keep reading to learn more about this unique animal.