Antarctic Expeditions

This was our first cruise and it's going to be hard to beat this one! We certainly lucked out, from the fantastic weather, calm waters and all the penguins, whales and birds we saw. Not to mention the scenery. The guides and crew were very knowledgeable and friendly and it felt like we were a large family by the end of the trip! All the staff on the boat were so kind and helpful - and the food was excellent! I just can't say enough about this trip. It was a dream come true for us and Quark Expeditions certainly delivered. Having said this, Antarctica is an adventure frontier, one with many surprises. There were people on our trip who were making a 2nd and 3rd attempt. If the weather is really bad Quark may not be able to fly you out to King George Island. Buy cancellation insurance and be a little flexible so if this happens you are covered and can try again. Quark will do their best to get you out there, but weather is beyond their control. Carol & Rick, Ecuador

From the booking process to the disembarkation, this was the most well-planned, superbly-executed journey to the most amazing place on Earth. I was in a state of awe from morning til night, as each place was more breathtaking than the last. I felt like a kid on Christmas as I ran to the window on the morning we arrived at the Antarctic peninsula.

I felt taken care of at each step of the journey. Pre-trip communication was excellent in addressing my concerns (what to pack, if the boots would fit me, do you have to be athletic to do this - you don't). The hotel in Buenos Aires was world-class (the best shower ever). The welcome to the ship makes you feel like the most important passenger they've ever had. The chef greets you personally at dinner every night. The expedition team leader and captain pore over weather charts every day to make sure we have the best places to have our excursions. The team of experts and guides makes you feel so safe and comfortable, and their efficiency at easily getting 200 people on and off the ship is mind-blowing. They've thought through everything you could imagine. I felt like the team had my back at all times, and they were so informative and friendly. I had my doubts about riding in a Zodiac, but honestly it's the most thrilling way to see this pristine place. It's a place you just have to experience. Seals, whales, penguins, birds ... it's a photographer's dream. I did things I never thought I could, and saw things I never thought I would.

I can't say enough great things about this company, their team, this ship, and this itinerary. Just do it. It's worth every penny and more.

The exploration team on Ocean Endeavor did a superb job in making sure we were able to see and feel all the different aspects of our polar expedition despite any weather-related challenges. The Team leader kept us posted every day on what to expect and what challenges lie ahead. From our charted course, one can see they even tried to circumnavigate through difficult weather and if necessary crisscrossed various ways to allow us to see what we should see.
A great team and a great company….did not short changed us nor did any short cuts!

I was excited to book and go with Quark Expeditions, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would meet friends both travelers alike and those who were actually part of the staff of Quark. From the delicious and amazing food, to the Quark staff always smiling, eating with at meals, asking them questions and to the staff of the ships operations, nothing was missed. The memories I have from landing on South Georgia, the sights, smells, lectures, overall feelings of being the minority in a King Penguin colony, it was a feeling i’ve never felt before. Seeing and actually landing on Antarctica was something I’ve wanted to do for decades. Just beyond wild that words can not explain.
I really have to commend the staff of Quark specifically Solan Jensen for losing many hours of sleep to make sure we made the landings, on South Georgia and a technical landing on Antarctica. He pushed his crew and they responded without hesitation specifically 3 in one day on our last day in Antarctica. His staff to name a few, Colin, Wayne, Allie, Jaymie, Marla, Jim, Ross, Juani, Jen, Daven, Nicky, Bella, Dagny, and i’m missing a few more, were absolutely amazing making my trip of a lifetime unforgettable. Hats off to Quark from the very planning aspect and me dealing directly with Miriam Higgins, to the check in at the hotel in BA, to the transportation to Ushuaia and all the other logistics we never even saw. I will absolutely be back with Quark in the future to book the Arctic and hopefully, once more, to the Antarctic!! Thank you for everything!!