Quark Expeditions® Launches Expanded Arctic and Antarctic Fly/Cruise Program
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Mariela Castro
Phone: 416.644.0666
Polar Cruise Leader Also Recognized by Travel Weekly for Excellence
[Seattle, WA] – 19 January 2017 – Polar expeditions company Quark Expeditions® is pleased to announce its new fly/cruise program for the 2017-2018 season, now flying guests directly to the Arctic and Antarctica faster and easier than ever before. This expedited path is perfect for those short on time but big on adventure – and for those looking to add some adventure to their holiday checklist.
Antarctica Fly/Cruise Expeditions
Rather than crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica, guests take a charter flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, a vibrant Patagonian city overlooking the Strait of Magellan, to the South Shetland Islands, before sailing to the iceberg-filled inlets of the islands and on to the Antarctic Peninsula. In seven or eight days, guests have ample time to cruise through ice-choked inlets around stunning blue icebergs, exploring the penguin colonies and frozen Antarctic wilderness.
Two itineraries let guests check a visit to the seventh continent off their bucket list, with two very different ship experiences, each with its own style. Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake has 14 departures from December through February aboard Ocean Adventurer and Island Sky, for seven or eight days, from $8,995USD per person. Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle has one 11-day December departure aboard Ocean Adventurer from $15,395USD per person.
Island Sky is an elegant polar sanctuary. This new addition to the Quark Expeditions® fleet is its only all-suites, all-inclusive vessel – the very lap of luxury. The ship has five suite options for 106 guests, all with private bathrooms and exterior views, and some with private balconies. Guests enjoy all-inclusive chef-prepared meals, all-inclusive drinks, elegant furnishings and plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Ample deck space makes for easy wildlife viewing. The all-inclusivity takes the guesswork out of polar travel, and even the return flights from Santiago, Chile, are part of the package.
Fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation, Ocean Adventurer is a modern and comfortable home base for 132 guests with a new look and feel throughout. Renovations include five new cabins, three new suites, new bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the main lounge, dining room and gym. Technical enhancements – including two new engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers – have made it more fuel efficient, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Arctic Fly/Cruise Expeditions
In just 10 days, travelers can take a deep-dive into Greenland’s stunning fjords and glacial bays, indigenous culture and wind-swept tundra, flying from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik over the Denmark Straight to Constable Point, one of the most remote airports in the world. Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights offers iconic far-north adventure in East Greenland, inside the Arctic Circle. This exciting itinerary has three September departures, each for 10 days, from $5,995USD per person.
Guests sail aboard Ocean Nova through the world’s largest fjord system of Scoresbysund and edge into Greenland National Park, witnessing breathtaking views, with possible sightings of arctic wildlife and the aurora borealis. With its informal atmosphere, Quark’s smallest and most nimble arctic expedition ship is the ideal home base for an adventurous getaway for up to 66 guests.
Also introduced is Quark Expeditions®’ partnership with Trip Mate Travel Protection, providing upgraded travel insurance options for Fly/Cruise passengers, including a “cancel for any reason” benefit.
Gold Magellan Award
With more fly/cruise itineraries and departures than any other operator in the field, it’s no wonder Quark Expeditions® was recently awarded a second Gold Magellan Award in Travel Weekly’s 2016 competition, this time for its revolutionary Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights Fly/Cruise expedition. In addition to winning the Gold Magellan Award, Quark Expeditions was recently named World’s Best Specialist Cruise Line by World Travel Awards and topped the Fodor’s Travel Guides list of World’s Best Cruises for 2016 for Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Ultimate Northwest Passage. In 2015, Quark Expeditions won the Gold Magellan Award for Best Small Cruise Line and the Silver Magellan Award for Best Cruise Blog.
About Quark Expeditions®:
Specializing in expeditions to Antarctic and the Arctic, Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for 25 years. With a diverse fleet of specially-equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, it offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the on-board program focuses on guest interaction to educate and enrich the passenger experience. The company is known for its unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, including its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (USA). It was also the first to offer passengers — free of charge — carbon offsetting aboard Ocean Diamond and Ocean Nova voyages.
About Travelopia:
Travelopia offers premium, experience-based adventure holidays and expeditions worldwide for active travelers. In addition to QuarkExpeditions.com, the division includes expedition specialists IEtravel.com and Zegrahm.com; leading European adventure and activity specialists ExodusTravels.com, Headwater.com, World-Challenge.co.uk, Sawadeee.nl, TrekAmerica.co.uk and GrandAmericanAdventures.com; as well as US-based destination management company AmericanAdventures.com. From reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and canoeing on the Zambezi, to catching tiger cub sightings and breaking ice en route to the North Pole, Travelopia offers inspirational experiences that create lifelong memories.
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