Quark Expeditions is notable for innovation, with some magnificent firsts over its long history including the first-ever tourist transit of the Northeast Passage, the first non-scientific visits to emperor penguin rookeries, the first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, the first circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean, the maiden voyage on nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory to the North Pole, and the first-ever CarbonNeutral voyages to Antarctica aboard Ocean Diamond.

They are well connected and respected, and as a result are able to put together some of the most competent teams of lecturers and guides in the business. Past guests have included Jonathan Shackleton (Ernest Shackleton's cousin) and Falcon Scott (Robert Falcon Scott's grandson), and their expedition teams are experienced and passionate in a range of fields including marine biology, history, geology and more, so you will enjoy an unforgettable and enriching experience on board a Quark expedition.

Quark Expeditions operate a mixture of their own ships and also those that they charter, with an extensive portfolio of expeditions to Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and Arctic Canada. The innovative 199-guest Ultramarine was Quark's first ever new-build expedition ship, joining the fleet in 2021 and featuring two twin-engine helicopters for an exhilarating polar experience. In 2024, they welcome Ocean Explorer which boasts an X-Bow design and the latest innovations in expedition cruising.