Quark Expeditions, a leader in polar adventure travel, has announced its plans to charter Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager for three consecutive Antarctica seasons, beginning in November 2026. The move strengthens Quark’s commitment to providing unparalleled expedition experiences while integrating scientific research and environmental monitoring into its itineraries.
A Seasonal Transition Between Hemispheres
Under this agreement, the World Voyager, an all-suite, all-balcony expedition ship, will operate for Quark Expeditions in Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere summer. At the end of each 4.5-month season, the ship will return to Atlas Ocean Voyages to serve in Northern Europe and the Arctic before heading back to Antarctica for Quark’s next season.
This arrangement allows Quark to maintain a high standard of luxury expedition cruising while ensuring the vessel remains operational throughout the year in different global destinations.
Scientific and Discovery Initiatives
A key highlight of Quark Expeditions’ plans for the World Voyager is the introduction of a science and discovery program. This initiative will involve:
- Collecting and recording environmental data to support climate research.
- Seabird surveys to monitor migratory patterns and population trends.
- Documenting whale sightings and listening to underwater whale sounds to understand their behaviors.
- Conducting interactive water sampling to measure key oceanic and climate conditions.
To facilitate these research efforts, Quark will retrofit the World Voyager with a science and discovery hub, exclusively available to its guests. This new addition will allow travelers to actively engage in scientific observations, adding an educational and interactive element to their Antarctic expedition.
Replacing the World Explorer
Quark Expeditions has been chartering the World Explorer, another Atlas Ocean Voyages ship, for its Antarctic journeys. However, after the 2025-26 season, the World Explorer will enter drydock for modifications before being delivered to Windstar Cruises at the end of 2026.
The World Voyager will seamlessly replace the World Explorer, continuing to offer the signature expedition experiences that Quark is known for.
Unique Experiences and Excursions
As part of its final season with Quark, select World Explorer departures will feature an enhanced camping experience, allowing twice as many guests the opportunity to spend a night under the breathtaking Antarctic sky. This immersive adventure offers a rare chance to experience the frozen wilderness up close in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
In addition, Quark Expeditions has announced an exciting new helicopter adventure on the Ultramarine, another vessel in its fleet. Scheduled for February 2027, this experience will enable guests to cross the Antarctic Circle, with at least two flightseeing trips and one heli-landing below the Antarctic Circle included in the expedition price.
Early Booking Incentives
Quark Expeditions is offering an early booking promotion for travelers interested in securing their spot on these extraordinary voyages. Guests can enjoy up to 15% off for early reservations, along with an exclusive early booking bonus, available until May 31, 2025.
With these innovative expedition enhancements, Quark Expeditions continues to set the standard for adventure travel in Antarctica, blending luxury, discovery, and environmental stewardship in the world’s most pristine wilderness.
