Quark Expeditions Adds Ship to Antarctica Fleet

Another ship is on its way to Antarctica.

Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer will head south for the 2018/2019 season. The hybrid ice-class 1B expedition ship will embark on 10 sailings in the polar region with only up to 176 guests onboard.

“As the world leader in remarkable polar adventures, we constantly explore new ways to enhance the traveler experience,” said Quark Expeditions President Andrew White, in a press release.

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“With two powerful Rolls Royce engines and six tiers of deluxe accommodations featuring balconies across all suites, World Explorer is Quark’s fastest and finest ship to date. From an outdoor running track and heated pool to an exclusive spa and sauna, passengers will enjoy touches of luxury throughout their authentic polar expedition.”

The line promises to deliver guests plush accommodations by way of hybrid Rolls Royce diesel/electric engine and motor technology, reducing noise and lowering CO2 emissions.

Upstairs, suites—all with balconies—are sized between 20 and 33 square meters and thanks to a mudroom to store and change into and out of expedition gear, there’s no fear of dirtying the fineries. This is actually a clever and unique way to keep the adventure side of things apart from the pampering.

Publicly, a glass-domed observation lounge, lecture theatre, library, auxiliary lounge and outdoor deck round out the ship’s venues from which you can take in the passing scenery.

The World Explorer will offer its passengers exciting shoreside experiences in Antarctica as well, including sea kayaking among glaciers and icebergs, camping overnight and stand-up paddle boarding. Its fleet of 18 zodiacs will easily accommodate landings too. An expert expedition team will enrich guest experiences onboard and on land.

Available itineraries include Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent featuring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, as well as penguins and icebergs.

After a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle showcases calving glaciers, whales and more penguins.

READ MORE: Exciting New Ways to Experience Antarctica with Quark Expeditions

Those looking to avoid the so-called Drake Shake—the Drake Passage’s notoriously rough sea conditions—can opt for Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake to see The South Shetland islands and the Antarctic Peninsula minus the crossing. Following a flight, passengers are transferred to the ship.

Also extensive is the Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary to witness remote destinations like the Antarctic Peninsula and, of course, incredible wildlife from elephant seals to orcas and historic locations.

Collectively, the Quark fleet consists of small expedition ships, icebreakers and an exploration vessel—none of which accommodate more than 200 guests. It is the only expedition cruise company that has been bestowed British Standard BS 8848 as external recognition for its high standards of health and safety management.

For more information on the World Explorer, visit quarkexpeditions.com/en/antarctic.

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