Map
Destination
Arctic Destinations
The rugged, remote Arctic remains one of the most unexplored domains on the planet. This ice-laden region encompasses the Canadian High Arctic; Greenland; the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which includes Spitsbergen; Russia; and at the very top of the planet, of course, the North Pole. It’s inhabited by polar bears, muskoxen, arctic foxes, beluga whales, reindeer, seals, walruses and migratory birds, among other wildlife species.
Region Highlights Land of the Midnight Sun Experience 24-hour daylight that illuminates the fjords, glaciers, and landscapes of the Arctic, providing extended opportunities to appreciate its beauty—from wildlife spotting to photography—day or night. Diverse Arctic Wildlife The Arctic is one of the few places on earth where you can experience an abundance of wildlife in its natural habitat, including polar bears, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, beluga whales and numerous species of seabirds. Palatial Fjords & Glaciers Immerse yourself in the environment with a variety of activities from sea kayaking and paddling excursions to hiking and Zodiac cruising; each will provide unique perspectives of the fjords and glaciers of the Arctic. Indigenous Communities Visit indigenous communities in Nunavut and Greenland for a richer and more intimate glimpse of what life in the Arctic is really like. Hunting & Trapping Huts Visit preserved cabins used by explorers on hunting expeditions in the early 20th century when trappers traveled to the Arctic in search of the big catch—wildlife like polar bears and Arctic fox whose pelts they could sell. Last Charted Territory Explore Severnaya Zemlya, the last territorial discovery on the planet made in 1930, located in the remote Russian High Arctic Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which also includes the two smaller islands of Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. It’s often called “The land of the midnight sun.” It’s also known as “The Wildlife Capital of the Arctic.” Spitsbergen, about 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, is dark four months of the year, but when the sun returns in April, the days lengthen until sometime in June when the sun never sets—all the better for viewing the wildlife that has made Spitsbergen so popular with travelers on a quest to observe polar bears and other wildlife, such as walruses, reindeers, arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals and seabirds. Up until the 1920s, the Svalbard archipelago (the combined population is 2,667) was essentially a no man’s land until it was officially recognized as belonging to Norway by the Spitsbergen Treaty. Longyearbyen, the administrative center of the archipelago situated on Spitsbergen, began as a coal mining town. Today the focus is on wildlife, glaciers and fjords.
Destination
Destination Highlights
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost city, is located on Spitsbergen and is the capital of the Svalbard archipelago. It started as a mining operation in1906 but much of the original town was burned down during the Second World War and the coal mines are gone. Smeerenburg The name Smeerenburg means “Blubber Town” and that’s precisely why the town was originally established. It was a whaling station in the first half of the 17th century. The most obvious sign of its bygone era are the large cement-like remains of blubber from ovens where the whale carcasses were boiled. Much care has been taken to preserve what remains of the town’s whaling history. The surrounding area is scenic: fjords, tall glacier fronts and steep, rugged mountains. There’s a memorial in Smeerenburg that honours whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries. Monaco Glacier Monaco Glacier (or Monacobreen) is one of the largest glaciers in Spitsbergen, and is located in Liefdefjorden. It owes its name to Prince Albert I of Monaco who discovered the glacier on an expedition in 1906-7. The foot of the glacier is about 7km wide,and 60 metres high and often impresses people by its eye-catching bluish tint. Visitors on a Zodiac cruise along the fjord are apt to witness glacier calving. Polar bears frequent the area, mostly to prey on the seal population. 14th of July Glacier The 14th of July Glacier is a 16-kilometre long glacier (covering a total area of 127 square kilometres) in Haakon VII Land in the northwestern part of the island. The glacier attracts purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns. Top Things to See Alkefjellet Alkefjellet, which is loosely translated as "Bird Mountain," is one of the most spectacular bird cliffs in all of Svalbard. The towering basalt cliffs rise vertically from the waters of the Hinlopen Strait between Spitsbergen and Nordauslandet, and are home to approximately 60,000 Brünnich’s guillemots. The sheer rock faces, which reach 100 metres high, provide protective nesting habitat for birds who are preyed on by Arctic foxes and Glaucous gulls. Wildlife While Spitsbergen is known for its polar bear population, the island and its waters are also home to walruses, whales, seal, arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. Polar bears tend to roam the northern part of the island – but they can be spotted anywhere. They typically eat seal but reindeer, muskoxen, walruses, crustaceans, caribou, birds, bird eggs and whale carcasses are also fair game. The polar bear is the largest of the bear species. Females typically weigh between 150 and 350 kg while males generally weigh in between 300 and 700 kg. Birds of Spitsbergen Seabirds are particularly abundant in Spitsbergen. About 30 bird species are known to breed here. The most prevalent are Little and the Brunich’s Guillemot. Gulls, such as the Kittywake, thrive on the island, as do three types of Skuas (Arctic skua, the rare Pomarine skua and Long-tailed skua). Other frequently sighted birds include Northern fulmar, Common eider, Barnacle and Pink-footed geese, and shorebirds such as the Grey phalarope and Purple sandpiper. Red throated divers tend to inhabit areas near small tundra lakes. Arctic Terns – which can be aggressive – are easily spotted but it’s best to give them wide berth. Points of Interest South Spitsbergen National Park South Spitsbergen National Park encompasses the southern end of Spitsbergen island and includes Wedel Jarlsberg Land, Torell Land and Sørkapp Land. The park contains four bird sanctuaries, one of which is the Isøyane Bird Sanctuary, a wetland area that's home to breeding populations of barnacle geese, common eiders, black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed guillemots. Northwest Spitsbergen National Park This national park, rather surprisingly for some visitors, is home to two hot springs, the Troll and Jotun hot springs which are located along the edge of the Bockfjorden fjord. At almost 80 degrees north latitude, they are the most northernmost documented hot springs on earth. Arctic bird species such as puffins, arctic terns and purple sandpipers are found in the park.
When to go
Best Time to See Polar Bears is May to August. The ice melts sufficiently during this period for ships to navigate the still icy waters. Polar bear sightings are common as the majestic creatures follow the pack ice on the hunt for food. The round-the-clock natural lighting is ideal for photography.
Date & departure point
Departure from Oslo, Norway
Departure on May 16 – 27, 2021. 12 days
The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this unforgettable 12-day voyage, you will discover why.
In addition to giving you opportunities to observe this unique parade of wildlife, the longer itinerary also allows you more time to explore the vast tundra, appreciate the natural beauty of the surprisingly colorful Arctic wilderness, and benefit from our range of on-board lectures and educational programs. Come aboard with the most knowledgeable, experienced and passionate team in the industry for an extraordinary High Arctic adventure.
Date & departure point
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel. Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters. Days 3 to 11 - Exploring Spitsbergen Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since Svalbard’s legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it’s one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion Adventure Options. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned historical site from centuries ago. Day 12 - Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
Rates above include the following:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Rates above do not include the following:
- Mandatory Transfer Package*
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Mandatory transfer package includes:
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
Package price: $995 USD
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Due to local regulations in Svalbard, flightseeing and other helicopter-supported adventure options are not available on these voyages.Activities
Included Activities
Hiking
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings:
- Trekking poles are available upon request
- Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep)
- Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)
- Base and mid-layer clothing
- Waterproof breathable pants
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover)
- Warm gloves
- Camera and accessories
Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
Zodiac Cruising
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.
Ship
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.
Four Embarkation Points
Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean we can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.
MAGS
Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it's generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.
Twin Engine Helicopters
Two twin-engine helicopters operated from two helidecks allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions than on any other ship.
Water-level Zodiac Hangar
An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels.
Wraparound Deck
The wraparound deck located on Deck 5 of Ultramarine offers generous outdoor viewing opportunities to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur.
Cabins
Explorer Triple
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.
Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Suite
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Solo Panorama
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.
Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Terrace Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Owner's Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Ultra Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Penthouse Suite
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Dining
Featuring table tops that accommodate 2 to 10, guests can enjoy a quiet dinner with a loved one or join a larger table of new friends. Guests will also enjoy views from every seat in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck.
Bistro
Guests can enjoy a meal in the Bistro which offers an indoor/outdoor dining experience. Perfect for enjoying the polar landscapes.
Panorama Lounge and Bar
Enclosed in glass and featuring unobstructed views, the Panorama Lounge and Bar allows guests to relax indoors while staying connected to the awe-inspiring landscapes drifting by. It servese as a cozy gathering point where guests can sip a glass of wine, engage in great conversation, indulge in a board game, or socialize at the bar—and, later in the evening, bust a move on the dance floor.
SPA
Offering a variety of treatments exclusively crafted for our guests, the spa and adjacent steam room allow passengers & nbsp; to fully relax and unwind before their next off-ship adventure.
Sauna
Perfectly juxtaposed luxury: guests can rest and relax in the comfort and warmth of the sauna while enjoying the spectacular views outside.
Fitness Center
In the fully-equipped fitness center, featuring a separate yoga space with views to the outside.
Cruise company & history
Cruise company & history of Quark Expeditions
Our History. Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, the cofounders of Quark Expeditions, took the first group of commercial travelers to the North Pole In 1991. That inaugural, game-changing expedition—the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage—set Quark Expeditions on a course that would put us at the forefront of polar exploration.
We're Proud of our Firsts in the Polar Regions
- 1991: Quark Expeditions took the first group of travelers to the North Pole.
- 1992: Quark Expeditions undertook the first non-scientific visit to Emperor penguin rookeries.
- 1997: We completed the first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers
- 1999: We completed our first circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean
- 2004: Quark Expeditions was the first to confirm the most northerly Emperor penguin rookery near Snow Hill in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
- 2008: Quark Expeditions hosted the maiden voyage of the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory to the North Pole
- 2011: Our “Three Arctic Islands” trip was voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime.
- 2013: Quark Expeditions hosted Jonathan Shackleton (cousin of famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton) and Falcon Scott (grandson of polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott) on an expedition to the 7th Continent where they camped out together.
- 2013: Quark Expeditions hosted the first-ever floating polar film festival onboard the Sea Spirit
- 2017: Quark Expeditions started Quark Academy, making us the only expedition company in the polar regions with its own proprietary polar training institution.
- 2019: Quark Expeditions commenced the building of our very first purpose-built polar vessel, Ultramarine
- 2019: Quark Expeditions advances its sustainability framework with the launch of Polar Promise.
- 2019: Quark Expeditions offers expeditions into the remote, seldom-visited Russian archipelagoes of Novaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land and Severnaya Zemlya.
Advantage of Small Ships
The vessels in Quark Expeditions’ fleet accommodate anywhere from 128 to 199 passengers. We never exceed more than 200 passengers. We know we can give guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship.
Why We Operate Smaller Vessels
- Smaller ships can take you to remote areas that large ships simply can’t reach. On some larger ships, you simply miss out.
- Not all landings in the polar regions can’t accommodate large groups of travelers; smaller ships mean smaller groups, which translates into a smaller environmental footprint.
- When itineraries must change due to weather, wind and ice conditions, smaller vessels have one up over larger ships. When expedition ships are required to alter their course, smaller ships have an advantage because there are more options for shore landings and excursions that aren’t possible for larger ships. In other words, on a larger vessel, you just miss out. Who wants that?
- Small expedition ships can take you to remote, tiny villages and settlements, often through narrow fjords and channels. This ability to get off-the-beaten-path and avoid overcrowded shore landings means you have a much more authentic polar experience. Most indigenous settlements, for example, simply cannot accommodate huge numbers of visitors from those larger expedition vessels.
- Smaller groups of passengers—as opposed to huge contingents of guests on larger ships—often have a lot more time at each landing site.
- Smaller ships mean disembarkation takes much less time and cuts out the necessity of longer waiting periods for guests to go ashore and, likewise, re-board the ship after a shore excursion or landing.
- Smaller vessels can satisfy your inner explorer—that part of you that wants to navigate fjords, hike across the tundra, kayak through ice-laden waterways.
- Intimate and friendly: most guests who travel on a smaller vessel discover that they quickly get to know expedition crew, onboard staff and fellow passengers by name.
- Guests have more opportunities for engagement on a smaller vessel: Having dinner with an expedition leader, a kayak guide or a wildlife expert can make the voyage even more memorable. Such opportunities for one-on-one engagement aren’t always possible on larger vessels.
- The ship as your home: Because our expedition vessels are smaller, it’s relatively easy to get to know the layout of the vessel rather quickly. Such familiarity makes it easy for guests to truly treat the vessel as their polar base—their home away from home—throughout their expedition. Who wants to get lost on the way to dinner?
Sustainability
Our Polar Promise: Polar Exploration and Sustainability
- Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism. Protecting the places we visit is necessary to ensure we can continue to introduce travelers to the spectacular beauty of the polar wilderness. Through Polar Promise, our comprehensive sustainability strategy framework, we’ve incorporated existing sustainability initiatives into a cohesive plan so we can identify where we can do better or do more.
- “Quark Expeditions recognizes its responsibility to do more to protect these magnificent places,” says Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “We want to go beyond reducing our footprint. We want to work with other leaders in the industry and with our guests to address the complex and challenging issues facing the polar regions.”
- Our Polar Promise framework is made up of four pillars. Each addresses a different aspect of our business, our operations—and ultimately your journey.
- Principles
- Embedding Responsible Business Practices
- Quark Expeditions aims to be the leader in responsible polar tourism, the ‘go-to’ operator for conscious travelers and the preferred partner of the world’s most responsible brands. As a polar-focused tourism operator, our sustainability principles are integral to every decision we make, whether it’s in the polar wilderness or in the places we work every day. We employ the best people in the industry and will lead the industry in the diversification of our workforce. We work to reduce our impact, catalyze change in the industry and help improve our suppliers’ operations.
- We’re proud, long-time members in key industry organizations, such as the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). We adhere to these organizations’ stringent guidelines, which are designed to ensure the Polar Regions are protected for future generations.
Planet
- Reducing Our Footprint and Building Resilience
- When it comes to our footprint, the most substantial impact we can have is how we get you, our guest, to the remote Polar environments and how we preserve those majestic environments once we get there.
- Quark Expeditions aims to reduce our carbon emissions per passenger by 10% through fleet improvements and changes in order to reduce our impact. We’re working with our supply chain to measure, report and reduce their emissions, and our office and field operations aim to reuse or recycle 100% of waste on Quark Expeditions-owned vessels.
- In 2019, an analysis of our historical ship fuel consumption showed that we decreased emissions by 13% from the 5-year average emissions per passenger per day. The purpose of this analysis was to establish a baseline and to further reduce our Scope 1 carbon emissions.
- In terms of waste, Quark Expeditions has taken steps to reduce the amount of waste we are sending to landfills, including avoiding single-use plastics and partnering in the SeaGreen recycling initiative in Ushuaia. We’re working towards a zero-waste plan on Quark Expeditions-owned vessels.
Partnerships
- Conservation and Impact in Polar Environments
- Quark Expeditions aims to be the leading expedition investor in outreach projects within the polar regions, working with a wide circumpolar network of scientists, community leaders, and sustainable innovators. Our goal is to contribute a minimum of $500,000 USD each year through in-kind donations, Quark Expeditions funding, and funds from passenger auctions in support of key polar environmental research, community engagement and sustainable development projects.
- Nalunaiqsijiit, the Inuit Cruise Training Initiative, is a program dedicated to providing Nunavummiut with the qualifications and certifications required to work onboard expedition cruise ships, through in situ training and experience onboard ships. Quark Expeditions is excited to have hosted two Nalunaiqsijiit interns onboard Ocean Adventurer during the 2019 Arctic season, and have invited an additional four during the 2019/20 Antarctic Season.
- Thanks to our guests’ support, proceeds from Quark Expeditions’ onboard auctions have contributed an average of $200,000 each year to organizations dedicated to polar environmental research, community engagement, and sustainable development projects.
- Some of the organizations we’re supporting this year include the South Georgia Heritage Trust, Penguin Watch, Seabird Watch, and Polar Bears International.
Positive Impact
- Building our guests’ Polar Legacy
- Quark Expeditions aspires to facilitate a meaningful connection between people and places, between wilderness and humankind, and we firmly believe in the long-lasting exponential impact that travelers can have. We aim to inspire and empower our guests and partners to make positive change, the collective impact of which can be greater than our operational impact. We are facilitating and capturing the positive impact of our guests as part of the Polar Ambassador Program.