Expedition Ships - Quark's specialty
Consider ship type when choosing a polar expedition
Quark doesn’t operate traditional cruise ships – those large cruise liners holding thousands of guests. This is because the size of these ships makes it difficult (sometimes impossible) to easily and safely maneuver into calm bays and so we can provide daily exploration opportunities –shore landings and Zodiac cruising ̶ which are the heart of expedition travel. Instead, we operate expedition ships. These are much smaller nimble vessels, carrying fewer than 200 passengers, all equipped with Zodiacs (inflatable landing craft) for transfers from ship to shore, and back.
We call our expedition vessels “Polar Adventure Ships,” and adventure is exactly what they deliver. Quark’s ships will get you to some of the most isolated and breathtaking wilderness areas in the world. And we’ll also get you there safely and comfortably. Ice class matters in polar travel. All our ships feature ice-strengthened hulls for superior navigation in ice-packed polar waters. And our North Pole ship (50 Years of Victory) is the most powerful icebreaker with the highest ice rating in the world, and is equipped with a helicopter for aerial sightseeing. Their officers and crew too boast decades of experience navigating icy waters.
Compare Ships before You Book
50 Years of Victory Expedition ShipDepartures between: June 2013 to July 2014
Carrying the highest ice class rating possible, Victory can crush ice up to 3 meters (10 feet) thick, and is the world's largest and most sophisticated nuclear-powered icebreaker.
Sea ExplorerDepartures between: July 2014 to September 2014
This Polar Adventure Ship was built in 1991 and was refurbished in 2004 in Norway. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed, elegance. Sea Explorer is the perfect expedition ship for people who enjoy soft adventures and creature comforts.
Sea SpiritDepartures between: June 2013 to October 2014
Internet Access: The Sea Spirit does offer internet access on your Quark Voyage. Click here for Onboard Internet Guidelines.
- Spitsbergen Explorer
- Spitsbergen Circumnavigation
- Three Arctic Islands
- Greenland Explorer
- East Greenland: Northern Lights
- Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: Big Islands, Big Adventure 2014
- Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic 2014
- Three Arctic Islands 2014
- East Greenland: Northern Lights 2014
- Introduction to Spitsbergen: Polar Bear Safari
Antarctica Ships
Our fleet includes the only polar-class icebreaker outfitted for expedition travel in Antarctica.
Ocean DiamondDepartures between: November 2013 to March 2014
Sail aboard the Ocean Diamond, a modern, stable super-yacht and experience Quark's Antarctica. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, this outstanding vessel features numerous adventure options plus onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program and a well-stocked polar library.
Sea AdventurerDepartures between: November 2013 to February 2014
This Polar Adventure Ship was built in 1975. Sea Adventurer underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed, elegance. Sea Adventurer is the perfect expedition ship for people who enjoy soft adventures and creature comforts. All cabins have outside views and facilities en suite.
Sea SpiritDepartures between: October 2012 to March 2014
Internet Access: The Sea Spirit does offer internet access on your Quark Voyage. Click here for Onboard Internet Guidelines.
