Quark ExpeditionsReviews of quarkexpeditions.com

The ship was well appointed as well as the rooms. The food was excellent and varied for multiple nationalities and dietary restrictions. The maitre de Israel was amazing knowing each guest by name and needs. The expeditions staff was talented, knowledgeable and fun. They really enjoyed working for Quark as many had experienced other companies. The Lead was always working to ensure the best experience no matter the weather. We were able to have at least 2 adventures each day when we were near land and scheduling lectures and activities when we were not. We did sea kayaking and were able to paddle 5 different site which were unforgettable. The Ocean Explorer is the smaller of their polar ships so there was plenty of time on land and water for each excursion. No long lines for excursions. Would recommend them to anyone for their experience in the polar regions. That experience cannot be overlooked.

Amazing trip that exceeded our expectations in every sense from the expertise of the expedition team and the rest of the wonderful staff on the ship. Nothing was too much trouble, the food quality and variety was excellent. The ship itself was smooth, clean and modern with well designed spaces. Our cabin attendant MaryLou was fabulous - caring and paid attention to detail. Similarly, Israel and his colleagues in the catering team were great too! Can’t speak highly enough of Quark and would definitely recommend them highly and would book with them again.

I was extraordinarily lucky getting onto Quark Expeditions’ UltraMarine ship just 3 days prior to embarking to Antarctica! I shared a cabin with someone who started out as a stranger, but throughout the journey became one of my best friends! There is a lot of unpredictability when cruising to Antarctica, and I learned quickly that it’s important to go into the journey with an open mind and the ability to adapt to constant schedule change. Daily activities and excursions are all weather dependent and I had to always be on my toes and ready for whatever adventure came my way. The UltraMarine was the ultimate ship, with extraordinary amenities, excellent food, and a great diversity of crew and guests on board! There were frequent meetings and constant learning about Antarctica. It was such a fascinating educational experience that can only be experienced on the ship and into Antarctica! From the expedition team to the hospitality staff, everyone was top tier and always accommodating. I highly recommend taking the plunge and hopping on board! The last day we were able to go up in helicopters and experience a very unique vantage point of Antarctica that can very rarely be experienced!

Excellent experience. The three teams - sailors, hotel staff, and expedition staff - worked seamlessly and with great consideration to the clients. The large ratio of expedition staff to clients was a major plus as was the high number of zodiac excursions. It was greatly appreciated on my part to have experts onboard, including bird and whale specialists, the photography guru, and the history and geology buffs. Amalia led the entire team in a way that gave the impression that all her staff were both respectful of and very comfortable with her. This sort of thing really matters to me. The route we took and the places we visited were well-chosen and guidance was excellent throughout.

QUARK - ‘OCEAN EXPLORER’ EXPEDITION SHIP For us this was the trip of a lifetime time and therefore we had very high expectations of Quark’s Expedition Team and the Ocean Explorer expedition ship. Our itinerary followed Shackleton’s journey – taking us to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, we also we able to get very close to Elephant Island and lastly to the Antarctic peninsula before crossing the Drake Passage and heading back to our starting port of Ushuaia. What we experienced during our Quark expedition, far exceeded our best expectations and we are very grateful for the skills and knowledge of Woody our Quark Expedition Leader, Quark’s entire Expedition Team as well as the captain and crew of the Ocean Explorer. The teams combined to make our expedition an amazing and life-changing journey. What made the Quark Expedition so special? – here are our reasons why this ship, expedition team and travel itinerary is outstanding: 1. We travelled on Quark’s Ocean Explorer which was very stable throughout the journey - a very comfortable 138 passenger Expedition Ship as opposed to a cruise ship. With less than 200 passengers this allowed the ship to land and cruise anywhere on the Antarctic peninsula / islands where landing was permissible. Having such wide access to landing sites was highly advantageous in adverse weather and sea conditions, which can and did change rapidly requiring last minute changes of plans. The Captain of the Ocean Explorer and our Quark Expedition Leader, Woody, used their considerable knowledge and expertise to position the ship in the best locations for landings or zodiac cruising. All expedition landings/cruises were managed with an emphasis on safety, speed and efficiency and we all got the same wonderful experiences. The Quark Expedition Team made sure that every person wanting to land or zodiac cruise, did so. No one missed out on anything. 2. Quark’s entire Expedition Team are an outstanding group of people with a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Throughout our journey they readily shared their skills and expertise - from insights on the wildlife sighted, the geology of locations visited, the history of Antarctic exploration and daring rescues or the ecological impact of global warming. Quark Expedition Team members delivered engaging lectures every day which were well attended and much appreciated. The Quark Team safely managed all zodiac cruising and landings and shared their knowledge of the area and wildlife during each trip. They focused on ensuring we all had a fabulous time and saw as much as possible no matter what the weather. 3. The ship’s Crew members were wonderful; always smiling, friendly and helpful 4. The captain and his team went the extra mile, such as - circling Shag Island for the photographers and getting us in very close to Elephant Island so we could see the beach where Shackleton and his crew spent time and other locations of historical significance, abundant wildlife and spectacular beauty. 5. The places we visited were exceptional and well chosen – even when plans changed due to weather or sea conditions, we were taken to equally stunning locations with abundant wildlife and astonishing scenery. Tips: Take the expedition journey that includes the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula as you will see a lot of wildlife on South Georgia which you would otherwise miss. At Stanley on the Falklands, you can either walk or take a taxi to see the Magellanic Penguin colony – going by taxi is the best use of your time. At Grytviken, South Georgia - at Shackleton’s grave - raise a toast to The Boss, visit the museum - see the James Caird III replica. Passport Stamps - received stamps for the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. Walking Poles - provided by the ship and given out at each landing point. Onboard laundry service is great & inexpensive. You can hand wash your own items and dry them on the bathroom floor as it is heated. Stick to the recommended packing list – don’t be tempted to take more clothes than those listed as you won’t need them. The shop onboard has warm clothing, gloves, vests, socks and jackets, souvenirs etc. a great selection. Gloves v Mittens – YES to mittens that can fold back and leave your fingers exposed for photos or touch screens. Mittens work better than gloves with inners. Suitcases - they do not fit under the bed as emergency grab bags are there -however cabins have plenty of space for suitcases. Team Lectures - were AMAZING Party Nights - so much fun. POLAR PLUNGE - is easier than you think - ask someone to video your jump - from 7th Fl. by jacuzzi. Have a jacuzzi after plunge. Upload photos daily - ask NIx Use the Gym - its great Try the sauna - amazing views

sabrine our cabin stewardess very good and excellent

I was awesom

Professional, excellent communication, informative, passionate team