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.

Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago deep within the Arctic Circle, presents a unique blend of untouched landscapes and hardy wildlife. Often called the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” Svalbard offers an unforgettable journey into a remote wilderness. This guide provides an in-depth look at exploring Svalbard, detailing what you can expect from expeditions, the iconic wildlife you’ll encounter, and how to responsibly experience this Arctic jewel.  Choosing the Right Expedition. Forget any preconceived notions you have about traditional cruises; Svalbard expeditions are voyages to what feels like the end of the world. Some expeditions aim to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago, although itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions and potential wildlife sightings.   As you plan your voyage, keep an eye out for arctic cruise Svalbard options, as they often provide specialized experiences. Here are a few factors to consider as you make your choice:  For instance, the “Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway” expedition offers a comprehensive 10-day introduction to the region, with opportunities to spot walruses, reindeer, and polar bears amidst continuous daylight.  Departure Points and Routes   Most Svalbard expeditions start and end in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. A typical circumnavigation heads north towards Krossfjorden’s 14th of July Glacier and Liefdefjorden’s Monaco Glacier. Conditions permitting, some voyages may reach the Seven Islands, marking the northernmost point of the journey.  Wildlife Encounters  Iconic Arctic Species. Svalbard is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and reindeer. The waters around Svalbard teem with marine life, such as seals and whales. Lucky visitors might spot Arctic birds like the Ivory […]

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.