Imagine stepping onto the seemingly endless icy continent of Antarctica for the first time. The emotions that wash over you—awe, wonder, and a touch of disbelief—are indescribable. To set foot on this colossal expanse of ice is to enter a world of stark, breathtaking beauty, found nowhere else. Here silence is punctuated by the loud trumpet of penguins and the crunch of sparkling snow beneath your boots. It's a place that concurrently intimidates and inspires—a raw, untamed wilderness demanding respect and reverence.
Yet, the dream of experiencing this otherworldly landscape is no longer confined to the annals of exploration history. Thanks to pioneers like Quark Expeditions, the once unattainable has become accessible, and luxuriously so. With meticulous planning, expert guidance, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, these expeditions offer a portal to a world few have the privilege to witness.
To grasp the full spectrum of an Antarctic excursion, we interviewed the seasoned professionals at Quark Expeditions (QE). Their firsthand experiences illuminate both the rewards and rigours of this extraordinary journey.
PL: What emotions and sensations wash over first-time visitors when they set foot on the icy continent?
QE: “Most first-time visitors to the Antarctic experience an almost overwhelming sense of awe and wonder the moment they first set foot on the magical 7th Continent. The sheer remoteness. The almost surreal landscape before them—endless expanses of ice, towering icebergs in a multitude of shapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and of course the wildlife. Casting your eyes on a thousand-fold colony of penguins for the first time magnifies any sensation evoked by a nature documentary. To see your expectations surpassed takes your breath away. Whales breaching the surface of the water, penguins body-surfing down banks of ice and snow into the polar waters, rare birds soaring above the ship. Of course, these emotions are always magnified during off-ship adventures whether it’s in a kayak, in a helicopter or walking the Antarctic landscape with your expert guide. First-time visitors to the Antarctic can expect a range of emotions not experienced in any other environment.”
PL: What can travellers expect from a Quark Expeditions Antarctic voyage that they won't find elsewhere
QE: Quark Expeditions guests can expect a complete, authentic immersion in the Antarctic landscape. Our expedition team does everything possible to get guests off the ship and out into the polar environment as often as possible. Our expedition team will draw on their expertise to ensure you see thousand-fold colonies of penguins, go kayaking remote fjords, and experience the Antarctic landscape from a helicopter—or kayak past an iceberg. You’ll return home with a sense of wonder and respect for the Antarctic wilderness. You won’t just go on vacation, but the polar expedition of a lifetime.
PL: What are some of the most memorable wildlife encounters you've had in Antarctica? How do you ensure these interactions are respectful and safe for both animals and humans?
QE: Wildlife viewing is an essential part of the guest experience on polar expeditions to the Antarctic—but safety and wildlife protection always comes first. You’ll see colonies of penguins in vast numbers you never would have imagined. Guests have stood and gasped at the massive elephant seals in South Georgia. Others have returned from Zodiac cruises during which they have photographed whales frolicking in the ocean waters. For guests who have journeyed with us to Snow Hill, the moment they first witnessed the legendary colony of 8,000 Emperor penguins and their chicks surpasses any other wildlife adventure in the world. In the Antarctic, Quark Expeditions closely follows the guidelines set out by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), which outlines how, when, and where guests observe wildlife. Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife species, never putting any wildlife at risk, and avoiding sensitive areas—especially during breeding or nesting season—are just some of the behaviours we follow when viewing wildlife in the Antarctic.
PL: Can you describe a typical day on a Quark Expeditions Antarctic voyage for the expedition team? What are the highlights and challenges?
QE: As many of our team –and past guests will tell you—every day on an Antarctic expedition is unique. In general, where’s what a full day—from morning to midnight—looks like in Antarctica:
Wake up in your stylishly modern suite: Many rooms enable guests to wake up to a view of the polar landscape. Private bathrooms with heated floors add to your morning comfort. Other possible amenities, depending on your suite: are a picture window and/or balcony, a walk-in closet and a sitting area, among other extra touches.
Join the early birds: Guests can consider a quiet walk on the deck and then enjoy a morning cup of java with other early risers before breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast with a view: Most main dining rooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can admire the surrounding polar landscape.
Get ready to explore the polar environment: Get suited up for an off-ship excursion as you prepare for a Zodiac cruise through the polar waters.
Keep your ears open for morning announcements: Your Expedition Leader will announce any updates to the daily program and share weather announcements over the PA system to help you plan your day.
Enjoy wildlife views from the ship: All ships offer multiple on-deck observation spaces where you can watch for whales, birds, polar bears and other wildlife from the comfort of the ship.
Devouver scrumptious Lunches: Enjoy a delicious lunch while swapping stories of your morning adventures off-ship.
Relax in incredible libraries: Every ship has a library with plenty of reading options. Ocean Explorer's light-filled library at the bow of the ship is very popular.
Enjoy an unforgettable off-ship Adventure Option: Choose from our robust portfolios of off-ship adventure options, such as sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Ultramarine guests can sign up for helicopter-supported adventures such as heli flightseeing.
Relax and rejuvenate back on the ship: Guests on both vessels can enjoy a soothing massage upon returning to their ship. Ocean Explorer offers two outdoor Jacuzzis and a dry sauna, while Ultramarine guests can practice yoga, enjoy spa treatments at the beautifully designed Tundra Spa, or relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows. World Explorer guests can enjoy time in Phytomer Spa.
Attend an expert presentation: Join fellow guests in the respective ship's specially designed presentation spaces to learn from knowledgeable experts who present on various polar subjects. The schedule of these presentations will be determined by the day’s activities.
Pre-dinner cocktails: Enjoy a cocktail with fellow guests while your Expedition Leader enthusiastically shares the daily recap and outlines the plan for the following day.
Dinner is served: Sit down to a gourmet meal—inspired by cuisines from around the world.
Call it a day: Wrap up your day with a drink in one of the lounges or bars with your new friends, or head out onto the deck to take in the calm, low light at the end of the day. Then it's back to your comfortable cabin to rest up for another adventure day ahead.
PL: How does Quark Expeditions prioritise environmental stewardship and sustainability in its Antarctic operations?
QE: Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible travel. Protecting the places we visit is necessary to ensure we can continue to introduce travellers to the spectacular beauty of the polar wilderness for generations to come. 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. 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,” says Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions.
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
Planet: Reducing our footprint and building resilience
Partnerships: Conservation and impact in polar environments
Positive Impact: Building our guests’ polar legacy.
PL: Antarctica can be unpredictable. How do you ensure the safety of both guests and the environment in the face of challenging conditions?
QE: In addition to the ice-worthiness of our ships, and the seasoned captains, expedition teams and crew, Quark Expeditions’ safety standards, training and equipment protocols are of utmost importance and in many cases set the standard for the industry:
We have one of the highest staff-to-passenger ratios 1: 9.5
Every ship has two doctors onboard, one of whom is directly hired by Quark Expeditions for their international, wilderness and expedition medical experience
Our Expeditions staff members are certified in CPR and life-saving skills
All Expedition staff have passed the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) Field Staff Assessment and participate in Quark Expeditions' unique internal training and accreditation scheme
Quark Expeditions' comprehensive Incident Management Plan is tested regularly
All members of our expedition team go through rigorous safety training at Quark Academy
Our lifeboat and life-raft capacity exceeds International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements such that there is always at least 25% additional capacity than the number of people onboard
Quark Expeditions does not use vessels with open lifeboats
Also exceeding SOLAS requirements is Quark Expeditions' policy of providing immersion suits for all passengers.
PL: What kind of activities or excursions do guests participate in beyond the ship?
QE: Quark Expeditions offers its guests the biggest portfolio of off-ship adventures in the industry, including hiking, overnight camping, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and paddling—in addition to a full range of helicopter-supported excursions on Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters, including heli-hiking, heli flightseeing, heli landings, alpine trekking and more. These immersive experiences allow guests a perspective of the Antarctic that no one else offers.
PL: How do Quark Expeditions seamlessly blend luxurious amenities with the thrill of adventure in one of the world's most remote and unspoiled landscapes?
QE: The Quark Expeditions team goes to great lengths to combine comfort with adventure. In addition to all of the exciting—sometimes adrenaline-pumping—off-ship adventure options outlined above, guests also enjoy superb comfort and excellent amenities back on the ship. Guests on all ships enjoy well-appointed, beautifully designed cabins made for comfort, with heated floors in the washrooms. On Ultramarine, for example, guests can rejuvenate in the Tundra Spa, and perhaps book a soothing massage or facial treatment that uses organic ingredients. There’s also a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows on Ultramarine that enables guests to relax on the ship while staying connected to the Antarctic landscape beyond the windows. On state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer—the newest ship to join our fleet—guests can enjoy the sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis. World Explorer guests—all of whom have a suite with a balcony—can spend time in Phytomer Spa once they’re back on the ship after exploring the polar environment. Of course, guests get to enjoy international cuisines at mealtime and can relax and socialize with their fellow guests in various bars and lounges on all three ships.
PL: What advice would you give to someone considering an Antarctic adventure with Quark Expeditions? How should they prepare, and what should they expect?
QE: Travel with an open mind. Embrace the mindset of early polar explorers as weather, wind and wildlife influence the itinerary. While we outline our preferred routes at the start of the voyage, your Expedition Leader and captain of the ship will constantly monitor all factors to maximize your Antarctic experience. Plan to take every opportunity to get off the ship and explore with your expedition team. When you’re back on the ship, attend as many polar presentations as you can. You’ll be fascinated by what you learn. Our team of on-board polar experts are authorities in a wide range of topics, including climatology, glaciology, polar history, wildlife, birds, geology and more. In the lead-up to your trip, take advantage of our team of knowledgeable Polar Travel Advisors—all of whom have travelled to the Polar Regions multiple times. They’re eager to answer any questions you may have about what to expect, visa requirements, air travel, the wildlife, and what it’s like to travel on an expedition ship—even advise you on what and how to pack. Get ready to explore beyond the polar horizon for an adventure of a lifetime.
All Photos: Quark Expeditions
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