For travellers looking for a next-level adventure to the world’s most inspiring and far-flung corners, Quark Expeditions delivers. Not only with their 30-year+ history touring the polar regions but for their constant drive and passion to innovate. With the upcoming Ocean Explorer maiden voyage and Arctic 2025/26 news – including an epic solar eclipse departure – this is THE polar news you need to read right now.
In today’s world of dupes, a brand fuelled by innovation and imagination stands out. There’s no room for cookie-cutter copycats when innovation is part of your company’s DNA.
Ingeniousness and a go-for-it attitude have been part of Quark Expeditions’ DNA since 1991. They launched the first polar operation to bring consumer travellers to the North Pole. Put yourself in the shoes of those inaugural passengers, following in the footsteps (boat wake?) of the actual polar explorers we learnt about in school!
Aboard the innovation express
Innovation comes in many forms. It’s how you recruit expedition leaders who become globally recognised as the best in the industry. It’s in the desire to improve safety and comfort at every opportunity.
And it’s also in the state-of-the-art ships that sail to the wild, pristine regions of the world that top traveller’s wish lists.
With their brand-new Ocean Explorer polar vessel, Quark Expeditions proves there’s no slowing down on the innovation express they boarded in 1991. Being pioneering gives Quark the same buzz its clients get when they rebook for their next adventure (sometimes in the airport before the flight home!).
To get a feel for how those 1991 Quark passengers would have felt on the first consumer passenger sailing to the North Pole (no doubt decked out in their trendiest neon ski jackets!), consider hopping aboard the Ocean Explorer’s maiden Arctic sailing.
Departing in May 2025, the 10- or 12-day Svalbard Explorer tours high Arctic Norway. With its fab 2-story lounge, two dining rooms, Latitude bar, outdoor Jacuzzis, and a chance to experience the new vessel’s cutting-edge expedition technology elevates your polar experience in every possible way.
With its extensive capabilities for thrilling off-ship adventures, exceptional safety and sustainability features, and outstanding interior space and comfort, this is how you see the Arctic Circle in style!
Of course, that’s not the only option. Across the season, there are a range of thrilling tours and ample departure dates to choose from.
New in 2026
Guess what happens when everyone in your workplace follows their inspiration and is encouraged to discover and create? Innovation at all levels!
This is reflected in Quark Expeditions’ Arctic 2025/26 seasons, featuring new destinations, including a 15-day journey from Iceland to Greenland, and sailing to Newfoundland, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon from the Northwest Passage.
Have you even heard of the latter; a French-speaking archipelago close to Newfoundland? Thought not. But Quark is always looking ahead and can tell where you’ll want to go before even you know!
If there was one expedition voyage we’ve got our eye on, it’s the brand-new 2026 Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse expedition.
You may think it’s obvious why we’d rate this special departure – because solar eclipse, duh – but travelling with Quark Expeditions means it will be an above-and-beyond adventure and not just because the sun’s hiding for a bit.
Aboard this 13-day trip, you’ll enjoy the wisdom and passion of two world-renowned eclipse experts – Dave Baron and Michael Zeiler – who’ll be on board for the entire journey.
There’s also heli-flightseeing over remote Greenland, exploration of Iceland’s seldom-visited Westfjords, and the incredible wildlife sightings that make Northeast Greenland National Park such an enticing stop. The Iceland Circumnavigation itinerary gives us chills, it’s so perfect!
Ultramarine Returns
Arctic-bound travellers can also look forward to exploring Quark’s advanced technology aboard the Ultramarine. It’s the big sis to the Ocean Explorer, paving the way for her debut sailing.
The Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters are major drawcards, as is their fleet of 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, ready to take guests into the thick of the action quick-smart. With the biggest off-ship excursion portfolio in the expedition industry, you can imagine why this innovation was a priority for Quark Expeditions.
Aboard the Ultramarine, there are also beautifully designed cabins, multiple lounges, restaurants, and bars to hang with the expedition crew and your fellow polar explorers. For pampering, the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows in the sauna and rejuvenating menu at the Tundra Spa hold maximum appeal.
The deets
To learn more about Quark Expeditions’ 2025/26 Arctic season, click here or contact your preferred travel agent.
Agents, head to the Quark Expeditions AI-driven Partner Portal (there’s that innovation again) to access a wealth of supporting materials designed to make you the polar expert.
Psst: have you signed up for the Quark Expeditions Season Launch?
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