S.A.F.E. COVID Policy

Quark Expeditions’ S.A.F.E. COVID Policy

Quark Expeditions spared no expense or effort in developing Quark Expeditions’ S.A.F.E. COVID Policy, which cements our position as the leader in safe polar travel. A key feature of this industry-leading COVID policy is the adoption of breakthrough rapid onsite PCR testing, which is recognized around the world as the gold standard of COVID testing.

This efficient and quick test, plus additional pre-trip screening and onboard precautions that are part of our S.A.F.E. COVID Policy, will enable adventurers to safely explore the wonders of the Arctic.

S.A.F.E. represents our four-component approach that ensures passengers’ health and financial investment are protected in every way before and during their polar expedition. Our S.A.F.E. COVID Policy stands for:

Science-led Safety Protocols: Onboard health and safety measures include the Gold Standard of rapid Covid-19 testing as well as mandatory vaccinations.
Anytime Cancellation & Rebooking: guests can rebook their trip for any reason up to 30 days prior to the voyage. No questions asked! (For Antarctica 2021/2022 - all existing and new bookings made by August 31, 2021. For Arctic 2022 - All new bookings made as of May 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021).
Free from crowds: Visitors to the Polar Regions will enjoy a naturally socially-distanced expedition in remote, wide-open spaces that are always crowd-free.
Experience will not be compromised! Quark Expeditions is known for offering guests extraordinary off-ship excursions. Our guests will continue to have every opportunity to experience the glaciers, fjords, and wildlife from our Zodiacs and during on-shore excursions.

Science-led Safety Protocols

This breakthrough PCR testing capability will allow the Quark Expeditions team to:

Onboard health and safety measures include the Gold Standard of rapid Covid-19 testing as well as mandatory vaccinations.
Ensure all guests test negative for COVID 19 before boarding our ships
Receive test results within 60 minutes
Identify infected individuals, even asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic carriers
Carry out onboard testing of passengers and crew to ensure continued peace of mind.

Staff are able to test all passengers within three hours. In addition, Quark Expeditions’ multi-functional taskforce of physicians and other polar experts conceived our Four Pillars of Health and Safety that will be rigorously followed. Read more about the Four Pillars.

Anytime cancellation & rebooking

This best-in-class cancellation and rebooking policy allows travelers to rebook right up to the day of departure with a money-back guarantee and flexible rebooking options. (For Antarctica 2021/2022 - all existing and new bookings made by August 31, 2021. For Arctic 2022 - All new bookings made as of May 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021).

Free from crowds in the Polar Regions

Natural social distancing is part of life in the remote, wide-open, sparsely populated Polar Regions—making the Arctic and Antarctic the best places to be at a time when location matters most. Guests can take comfort knowing that for the duration of their expedition, they are only interacting with their fellow pre-screened passengers and Quark Expeditions staff.

Experience will not be compromised

There’s no sacrificing of onboard amenities or immersive excursions. Compared to other cruise offerings in the industry, a Quark Expeditions voyage is one in which guests will still be able to experience everything they expect of a memorable polar voyage.

Guest Journey

Quark Expeditions will ensure guests remain healthy and COVID-free by conducting tests before and during the voyage.

Less than 72 hours before traveling from home, guests must test negative to a COVID-19 test and provide this negative test result to Quark Expeditions staff at the gateway hotel.
Guests will undergo another COVID-19 test at the hotel. Upon testing negative, they will then proceed to the charter flight. This extra step on behalf of Quark Expeditions means that everyone on your charter flight will have recently tested negative.
To ensure the safety of everyone, all guests, staff and crew will be asked for proof of vaccination prior to boarding.
Guests will enjoy a safe, mask-free, uncompromised polar voyage on their 100% vaccinated polar ship

Vaccine Policy FAQ

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We’re as ready as you are to start traveling once more, but we realize we’re still facing months of transition. That doesn’t mean you can’t plan your dream expedition to the polar regions now. Book a trip for our future seasons and take advantage of our generous early booking bonuses of up to 30% off Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.

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Quark Expeditions’ S.A.F.E. COVID Policy