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Polar expeditions just got better: introducing M/V Ocean Explorer

We swear Christmas just happened, but with Quark Expeditions introducing the M/V Ocean Explorer, their new polar expedition ship, it might just have come around again already. We’ve got all the deets on this state-of-the-art vessel.

We swear Christmas just happened, but with Quark Expeditions introducing the M/V Ocean Explorer, their new polar expedition ship, it might just have come around again already. We’ve got all the deets on this state-of-the-art vessel.

Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, is always at the forefront of pioneering new initiatives. The launch of their new industry-leading M/V Ocean Explorer ship for the 2024/25 Antarctica season proves they’re not letting up anytime soon.  

Antarctica upgraded

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M/V Ocean Explorer on an expedition to Antarctica. ©Quark Expeditions

Ocean Explorer‘s state-of-the-art expedition technology is the polar upgrade you (and your clients) didn’t know they needed. With extensive adventure capabilities for those wow-worthy off-ship adventures, plus fancy-as interior space and comfort, and a lush two-story forward lounge, this is how you upgrade a polar expedition.

The Ocean Explorer has exceptional safety and sustainability features, too, including X-Bow design to plough through thick sea ice like it’s jelly. It’s perfect for adventures that go further into Antarctica untamed regions.

Purpose-built for customised adventures

Quark Expeditions President, Andrew White shared, “Ocean Explorer is the perfect addition to our fleet—for adventure, for luxury, and for leading-edge technology, this purpose-built polar expedition ship truly delivers for our discerning polar explorers.”

“The depth and breadth of our portfolio of innovative itineraries and polar experiences – from kayaking in Antarctica to flightseeing over the Greenland Ice Sheet – is made possible by the depth and breadth of our fleet,” says White. 

Why book with Quark 

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These penguins are hurrying to check out Quark’s new Ocean Explorer ship. ©David Merron

Do you have clients looking to experience the polar regions in style?

Here’s why you should book your clients with Quark:

  • Experienced With three decades of helping travellers create lifelong memories to destinations like Antarctica, Svalbard, and Greenland, Quark has a reputation for having the best expedition team in the polar industry. 
  • Extraordinary Quark does what others don’t. On every voyage, they venture far beyond the ordinary to wow your clients. Like offering included heli-hiking adventures or flightseeing trips! 
  • Intrepid Quark set foot where few ever will. By ship, Zodiac, kayak, and twin-engine helicopters, they ensure your clients explore regions frequently dreamt about but rarely touched. 
  • Diverse With the most diverse fleet of small polar vessels, Quark has expedition class ships accommodating between 138 and 199 guests – never more – ensuring customised journeys. 
  • Adventurous Quark’s off-ship touring options are especially impressive. The introduction of Ultramarine in 2021, with its two twin-engine helicopters and fleet of 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, and the new state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer, offers guests incredible off-ship adventures. Like heli-trekking, heli-flightseeing, overnight camping, alpine heli-trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, photography walks, and more! Sign us up, please.  

Epic polar explorations  

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Hurrah for an upgraded Antarctica season 2024/25 with the Quark’s new Ocean Explorer. ©Acacia Johnson

Keen for a teaser on where your clients can go with Quark Expeditions this year? Not just in Antarctica on the Ocean Explorer, but beyond? We’ve selected our fave tour per applicable destination. 

  • Antarctica: A destination like no other, the Antarctic peninsula needs no introduction. On the 11 or 12-day Antarctic Explorer, Quark shows your clients everything that makes the White Continent so mesmerising. Aboard their ice-strengthened vessels, they’ll witness glaciers, icebergs, whales, penguins, and more, as well as enjoy included hiking, kayaking, ice camping, and even an exclusive heli-landing! From $11,704 per person twin share
  • Greenland: A country best explored by ship (there are no roads!), Greenland promises jaw-dropping landscapes, wild-about-it wildlife, and intriguing culture. The 12-day Gems of West Greenland highlights include going deeper into Uummaannaaq and Eternity Fjords than any other provider, meeting the locals in Sisimiut, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Disko Bay. From $12,330 per person twin share. 
  • Svalbard: Known as the Realm of the Polar Bear, this High Arctic destination wows. On the 12-day Spitsbergen Explorer, guests explore the Wildlife Capital of the Arctic during the midnight sun season. It’s perfect for tundra hikes, sea kayaking, and Zodiac adventures. Quark’s experienced expedition team are pros at finding the local fauna, too, like polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes and more. From $10,060 per person twin share. 
  • Canadian Arctic: With more than 35,000 islands, the Canadian Arctic is a wild and wonderful place to explore with the experts. Craggy mountains, towering glaciers, rocky shorelines and incredible wildlife await. If your clients yearn for a truly remote voyage, Quark Expeditions’ 9-day Arctic Express Canada won’t disappoint. They’ll explore the Northwest Passage’s fabulous Lancaster Sound, go flightseeing thanks to the Ultramarine’s two helicopters, and seek polar bears and musk oxen. From $11,475 per person twin share. 

Discover more 

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Exclusive heli-landings are just one of the ways Quark goes the extra mile on their voyages. ©Michelle Sole

For a Quark Expeditions deep dive, join the Quark Expeditions Partner Portal. It’s the industry’s first real-time, AI-driven virtual polar resource, designed to help you position yourself as a polar expert.  

To learn more about the Ocean Explorer, contact your local BDM today. You’ll find their deets in the portal, too.  

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