Exploring the High Arctic with Quark Expeditions
Recently, Travel Market Report contributor Judi Cohen embarked on a thrilling 10-day journey onboard Quark Expedition’s Ultramarine in the breathtaking Canadian High Arctic. Sailing from Iqaluit to Resolute, Nunavut, she traced the storied paths of explorers in the Northwest Passage, enveloped in the stunning vistas of Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound. This expedition marked her sixth foray into the polar realms, covering both the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
A Glimpse into Quark Expeditions
For travel advisors unfamiliar with Quark Expeditions, it’s essential to highlight several key aspects before recommending their offerings to clients. Quark, with over 30 years of dedicated polar experience, focuses solely on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Operating exclusively in the Arctic from May to October and the Antarctic from November to March, they provide unrivaled expertise in polar travel. The fleet includes three small, ice-strengthened expedition ships—Ultramarine, Ocean Adventurer, and World Explorer—capable of accommodating fewer than 200 guests. This limitation allows all passengers the unique opportunity to disembark simultaneously, a feature larger vessels often lack.
Ultramarine: Adventure and Comfort Unite
At the heart of Quark’s fleet is the Ultramarine, a 199-passenger marvel designed for adventure with a touch of elegance. Highlighted by dual twin-engine helicopters and a wide array of adventure activities, Ultramarine offers spacious cabins and suites, many featuring balconies. Its sophisticated public areas provide panoramic views ideal for enjoying the enthralling landscapes. What’s more, adventure gear, including Zodiacs and kayaks, is conveniently stored at water level, setting Ultramarine apart from other expedition ships that typically use top-deck cranes.
When asked, “Why Quark?” loyal cruisers onboard shared glowing praise for the exceptional dining experiences complemented by sweeping views, informative lectures, and a seasoned expedition team that orchestrates incredible adventures via helicopter, Zodiac, and kayak. With an array of healthy food options available at every meal, as well as customizable menus catering to various dietary needs, Quark ensures every guest’s culinary preferences are met.
It’s important to note that while Quark Expeditions emphasizes adventure, clients seeking luxury amenities such as casinos, extravagant entertainment, and multiple dining choices may find these offerings lacking. However, for those yearning for an immersive experience and ready to embrace adventure, Quark Expeditions is a remarkable choice, likely leading to a yearning for future explorations into distant polar territories.
Anticipating Unpredictability
Traveling to two of the world’s most remote areas means flexibility is essential. Wind, water, and ice can significantly impact planned itineraries, often necessitating adjustments even after departure. During Cohen’s recent journey, for instance, charter flights were rerouted, prompting a complete overhaul of scheduled events. The captain and expedition leader engaged in continual communication, keeping guests informed about prevailing ice conditions and potential alterations. Rarely does an Arctic or Antarctic expedition strictly adhere to the brochure itinerary; changes to Zodiac excursions and landing sites occur frequently based on local circumstances—like an abrupt cancellation of planned excursions upon spotting polar bears nearby. Safety, of course, remains the foremost concern.
Experience with these dynamic shifts is often welcomed by seasoned travelers, who view them as intrinsic to the adventure, although they can pose challenges for first-time explorers.
Catering to Adventurers of All Ages
Guests’ ages aboard Ultramarine can vary widely, with a typical demographic around 63 years and some travelers well into their 80s. A notable anecdote shared by Cara Matthew, Quark’s regional sales manager for Canada, described a spirited 92-year-old on a previous Antarctic expedition who happily embraced every activity. Adventurous options abound, from kayak journeys and Zodiac tours to landings featuring hikes of varying difficulty, helicopter sightseeing, yoga, and even a full gym with workout facilities.
Nonetheless, participants should match their physical capabilities with the nature of the excursions, especially given potential challenges like transferring to and from the ship during rough waters. Quark Expeditions places a strong emphasis on immersing guests in outdoor environments, complementing sea days with instructional sessions to enhance their expedition experience.
Helicopter excursions are particularly popular—for good reason—offering unparalleled aerial views of the rugged landscapes. The sheer enthusiasm of guests, many equipped with high-end cameras and binoculars, makes it evident that wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will find the expedition especially rewarding.
All-Inclusive Comfort
Quark Expeditions features numerous all-inclusive offerings, including helicopter flight-seeing and Zodiac expeditions, with the notable exception of sea kayaking, which incurs an additional fee. To ensure availability, securing spots for desired excursions early is crucial. All meals aboard the Balena Restaurant come included, featuring diverse international cuisines, along with complementary wine and beer at dinner. Basic Wi-Fi is also available at no charge, with the option to purchase faster service if desired. Charter flights, alongside pre- and post-hotel stays for select itineraries, add to the package of inclusivity.
While onboard dining covers a range of options, Quark occasionally features special culinary experiences at an added cost. During Cohen’s trip, guests relished the “Tundra to Table,” an Inuit fusion dining experience crafted by skilled Greenlandic chefs. This additional investment proved well worth it, fostering engaging conversations long after the meal ended.
Seamless Planning and Dedication
Interactions with onboard Canadian travel advisor and Arctic travel specialist Carole Gobeil revealed that Quark’s sales team is consistently praised for their exceptional service and ease of collaboration. She highlighted the expedition team’s passion and commitment, underscoring that their enthusiasm for polar travel enhances the overall onboard experience for guests.