Experience Unforgettable Polar Moments in the Arctic

WHY IT RATES: This adventure company is offering new once-in-a-lifetime expeditions in 2019.—Codie Richards, TravelPulse Associate Editor

The leader in polar adventures, Quark Expeditions, has launched its highly anticipated NEW Arctic program for summer of 2019. This season, travelers can choose from a variety of innovative expeditions spanning the Arctic’s five main regions: Spitsbergen, Greenland, Canada’s High Arctic, the Northwest Passage and the top of the world—the legendary North Pole.

With unlimited places to discover, wildlife to see and things to do, each destination delivers unforgettable polar moments that can be explored by land, by sea or by special fly/cruise expeditions.

Expedition travel is defined by immersive moments experienced both on and off the ship. Quark’s fleet of icebreakers and polar-class ships push technical and physical boundaries, taking travelers further into the most remote regions of the Earth.

Held to the highest safety standards through rigorous training at Quark Academy, the Expedition Team learns how to read the environment and nuances of nature so they can capitalize on the unforgettable polar moments that others may miss. They also know the polar regions better than anyone because polar expedition travel is all Quark does.

In addition to the Expedition Team, the off-ship experience is enhanced by Quark’s collection of Adventure Options, allowing travelers to truly choose their own adventure.

This season, two kayak experiences are offered: Sea Kayaking, a program for experienced kayakers, and Paddling Excursions, a brand-new option (now available on select Greenland, Northwest Passage and Spitsbergen voyages) that offers beginner paddlers or people with no prior kayaking experience the opportunity to go for an hour-long paddle. Paddling Excursions are guided from stable, sit-on-top kayaks, and groups are limited to 10 paddlers at a time.

With an outstanding fleet and Expedition Team, Quark is best positioned to deliver unforgettable polar moments across all Arctic destinations.

Spitsbergen: The Realm of the Polar Bear

Known as the gateway to the Arctic, Spitsbergen is home to the most iconic Arctic animal: the polar bear. This landscape between Norway and the North Pole is where travelers may catch sightings of polar bears on the hunt, roaming sea ice for unsuspecting seals.

North Pole: Stand at the Top of the World

For many world travelers, it’s the pinnacle of their world-wide explorations. Reaching 90 degrees North commemorates a bucket-list dream—the sum total of life achievements. Few have journeyed to the top of the world, and there are fewer than 300 spots available each year.

Aboard one of the world’s most powerful Russian nuclear icebreakers, 50 Years of Victory, travelers will feel the mighty ship crush through thick ice on the journey to the top of the world. Along the way, spot iconic wildlife, sightsee by helicopter and take a tethered hot air balloon ride at 90 degrees North. It’s the ultimate polar expedition.

Canada’s High Arctic – Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge: An Arctic Playground

From sea kayaking on the Northwest Passage with beluga whales, fishing for Arctic char to hiking the tundra where muskox and polar bears wander, Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge at Somerset Island is an Arctic playground packed with adventure.

Located in Cunningham Inlet, it’s the best place in the world to see beluga nurseries. Quark offers a land-based expedition to Arctic Watch, allowing travelers to skip ocean cruising and fly directly to the Lodge for an extraordinary experience 500 miles above the Arctic Circle.

Northwest Passage: Following in the Footsteps of Legendary Explorers

Journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration to trace the footsteps of legendary explorers, determined to find the Northwest Passage—the route of icy channels connecting Europe with Asia. Modern-day adventurers will discover towering fjords, ancient glaciers and abundant wildlife on expeditions exploring Baffin Island and northwest Greenland.

Greenland: Majestic Landscapes, Culture and Communities

From towering fjords, mammoth icebergs and ice-carved valleys, Greenland is the largest island in the world with spectacular Arctic landscapes and brightly colored homes dotting remote communities. Offering many options, travelers can choose to explore the east or west regions on shorter or more in-depth expeditions.

Quark’s extensive collection of innovative itineraries also includes four new Special Interest Voyages this season:

Photography Series

On an exclusive journey to the North Pole, travelers can learn from professional photographers who have worked for BBC and National Geographic Traveler. Renowned photographers Cindy Miller Hopkins and Sue Flood will run workshops on how to capture the perfect shot in Arctic conditions. Quark is continuing to build off its Photography Series launched in 2016 by adding another for this season:

Photography Series: North Pole – June 23 – July 6, 2019

Polar Bears International Series

For those with a special interest in polar bear conservation, select Spitsbergen, North Pole and Northwest Passage voyages will host experts and scientists from Polar Bears International, an organization dedicated to eradicating the threats faced by polar bears due to a variety of environmental factors.

Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard – Jun 9 – 17, 2019

North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure – Jun 12 – 25, 2019

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic – Sep 10 – 26, 2019

Right now, travelers can start their journey with an early booking bonus of up to 30-percent off select Arctic 2019 voyages. The full list includes the following:

—Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard

—Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

—Spitsbergen in Depth: Big Island, Big Adventure

—Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

—Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

—North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

—North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp

—Photography Series: North Pole

—Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

—Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

—Greenland Explorer: Valleys and Fjords

—Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights

Find your unforgettable polar moment now at quarkexpeditions.com/en/arctic.

SOURCE: Quark Expeditions press release.