Quark Expeditions
Fodor’s Expert Review
Quark Expeditions is known for one thing—going further, and harder, than any other line in the polar regions. They’ve specialized in exploring destinations just barely on the map in the extreme north and the ultimate south for more than three decades. They offer voyages on the largest polar class fleet in the industry. Read More
Quark has long navigated with rough-and-ready (and truly beloved) vessels like the Kapitan Khlebnikov, a true icebreaker. None of their half-dozen ships exceeds 200 guests on board. And their brand-new ship, Ultramarine, is a game-changer. With two big helicopters for ridge line trekking, as well as a specially designed deck to quick-launch zodiacs, this ship was custom-designed for these types of adventures.
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What to Expect on Board
Meals are generally upscale, hearty, and delicious, usually eaten in a single dining room.
On a recent voyage, the breakfast buffet was consistent and hot, with steaming bins of bacon and scrambled eggs, plus an omelette/egg station, and plenty of rare fruit (a true indulgence in the polar regions, where little grows). Lunches are generally buffet as well, but with items swapped out each day, and special stations for featured items—crepes, say, or stir fry.
Dinners are a multi-course, seated affair. You can choose to join others and swap stories at a larger table, or have an intimate meal at a table for two. Old favorites are offered everyday, items like steaks and Caesar salads. But you’ll also have a choice of soups, salads, apps, mains, and desserts that change every single day. Portions are hearty and healthy, and perfect to refuel for another day on the day out on the ice, once morning comes.
There are no traditional shows on board Quark ships, and theaters are reserved for lectures and daily briefings.
The former are usually quite entertaining, with top experts in a wide range of fields—birds, cetaceans, glaciers, polar history—holding forth on topics relevant to your particular voyage. (On a trip to the Weddel Sea, for example, the ornithologist might speak on emperor penguins, or the historian may talk Shackleton a voyage that includes South Georgia.) Evening briefings include quick chats from various crew members about what you experienced today, and what to expect tomorrow.
Other than that, Quark advises old-school fun—board games and lectures and spotting wildlife from the open-air decks. And at the end of the day, you can enjoy their on-board entertainment system on in-room televisions.
This varies by ship, and tends to reflect the age and, in some cases, former use of the vessel.
For example, on hardy ice-breaker Kapitan Khlebnikov, a former Russian research ship built for Siberia, the gym is rather small and austere, although guests can take a dip in the dark, tiny indoor pool and heat up in the sauna.
On new, purpose-built ship Ultramarine, the gym includes state-of-the-art machines, weights, and other equipment. It is set on a top deck, with massive windows to take in the views of mountains, icebergs, penguins, or whatever else happens to be outside. There’s a big sauna next door with the same views as well as a full-service spa.
Key cruising tips
Your shipmates
Passengers here tend to be adventurous and curious in general, looking to explore non-traditional destinations and sail off the map. Many are dedicated expedition cruisers, and the average age falls somewhere between 45 and 65. Think: an educated crowd, ready to tell stories from their past adventures. Empty-nest couples are common, as are multi-generational families, with grandma and grandpa going for their bucket-list trip with their kids and grandkids.
Dress code
Quark keeps things casual. There are no formal nights, and they suggest bringing a jacket or something dressy, maybe, for the captain’s toast on the first night and the captain’s dinner on the final evening. But, hey, no pressure. Sweatpants and hoodies are common around the ships during the day, and people are far more likely to wear Goretex pants to dinner than a bow tie.
Service
Crew perform their duties impeccably, but without much fuss. You won’t find any tuxedoed butlers, but your cabin attendant—and, probably, the kitchen staff and others—will remember your name and preferences right from the first day. Expedition crew are generally leaders in their fields, and are eager to provide their expertise and guiding knowledge to everyone on board, whether out on the ice, or over a drink in the bar.
Junior cruisers
Quark ships are all small, with none carrying more than 200 guests. So while they don’t have dedicated kids programs, expedition crew are happy to adjust programming to be age appropriate, for the youngest explorers on board.
Tipping
This isn’t baked into the overall cruise cost, or added automatically to your on-board bill. But they will provide guidelines (and an envelope), and crew definitely appreciate it when guests tip.
Past passengers
Guests who’ve previously traveled with Quark Expeditions (formally referred to as members of our Shackleton Club) are entitled to a 5% reduction on subsequent voyages.