After Three Decades of Travelling to the Top of the World, Quark Expeditions Continues Its Commitment to Exploring the North Pole
SEATTLE – Feb. 19, 2019 – Quark Expeditions has renewed its commitment to exploring the North Pole, the pinnacle of adventure travel. The popular expedition company, known as the leader in polar travel, just announced that its 2020 lineup now includes two 14-day Arctic expeditions featuring visits to the remote North Pole.
“The North Pole, the northernmost point on Earth, has appealed to global travelers since the dawn of time,” says Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “Yet only a relatively small handful of travelers have actually been able to set foot on the North Pole, which is a hard-to-reach, ice-covered domain in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.”
Quark Expeditions led the very first consumer traveler expedition to the North Pole on July 27, 1991, from Murmansk, Russia, on the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz. Coincidentally, its sister ship, 50 Years of Victory, is part of the Quark Expeditions fleet today.
That inaugural polar journey almost 30 years ago was a turning point in polar travel—and established Quark Expeditions as the leader of polar exploration. Still to this day, Quark Expeditions is one of the only companies to take passengers to this remote northern destination. In 2019 they will celebrate their 60th expedition cruise to the North Pole—followed in 2020 by two scheduled expeditions to the North Pole.
Passengers who join the North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure expedition (in June/July 2020) will travel with no more than 128 fellow passengers during the 14-day journey on board 50 Years of Victory, one of the world's largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreakers. Travelers will begin their trip with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland, and then fly to Murmansk, Russia, where they will embark on their purpose-built polar vessel. The route will take passengers through the remote Frans Josef Land archipelago and the Arctic Ocean. Expedition highlights include helicopter tours which will allow passengers to enjoy aerial views of the ice-covered landscape, as well as Zodiac cruises for wildlife viewing. Optional activities include hot-air balloon rides at 90º North.
Traveling on the world’s largest nuclear-powered ice-breaker, 50 Years of Victory, is a huge part of the appeal of Quark Expeditions’ North Pole trips, according to company president Andrew White. Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is an Arktika-class icebreaker capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick. When it’s not transporting polar travelers, the nuclear-powered icebreaker is employed in scientific exploration in remote areas of the Arctic. Because of its design and construction, 50 Years of Victory is able to navigate where other ships cannot.
Quark Expeditions’ North Pole journeys represent a rare opportunity to visit what many in the travel industry have described as a “mythical, seldom-visited destination”—one experienced by only a few. Such expeditions typically draw a well-travelled, global demographic, in part because the onboard crew and expedition team are the most experienced in the business.
A global team of regional sales representatives and Polar Travel Advisors are available to help you answer any of your client’s questions. The North Pole tool kits can be accessed on the Quark Expeditions Partner Resource Center.
Travelers can take advantage of the incredible early booking discounts, including the free transfer package valued at $1,995 USD, plus 10% savings by paying in full by June 15, 2019.
—
About Quark Expeditions®: Specializing in expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic, Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for three decades. With a diverse fleet of specially equipped small-expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, Quark Expeditions offers travellers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, Quark Expeditions’ onboard program focuses on guest interaction to educate and enrich the passenger experience.
About Travelopia: Travelopia is one of the world’s leading specialist travel groups. A pioneer in the experiential travel sector with a portfolio consisting of more than 50 independently operated brands, most of which are leaders in their sector. From sailing adventures, safaris and sports tours, to Arctic expeditions, each brand is diverse and focused on creating unforgettable experiences for customers across the world.
To learn more about Travelopia, visit travelopia.com