Quark Expeditions launches new ship for Antarctica

Quark Expeditions, the polar expedition leader announces the addition of a third small expedition ship to its Antarctic fleet. The 199-passenger Ocean Endeavour will replace the Sea Spirit during the 2015/16 Antarctic season. Quark offers a greater choice of vessels and number of voyages to Antarctica than any other operator.

Following a million-dollar makeover, Ocean Endeavour will be ready to set sail for 12 once-in-a lifetime voyages to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in November 2015. She is expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions, with an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel to the cabins and common spaces.

Endeavour will be the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica with a special focus on health and wellness. Passengers electing to participate can enjoy healthy meals, take part in yoga and stretching classes, indulge in a massage therapy session or take advantage of the sauna or gym all while also experiencing all the same exciting daily expedition activities available on every voyage.

“All our expeditions offer intimate, life-enriching voyages to rare and remote destinations, and now with Ocean Endeavour travelers can experience Antarctica in an overall envelope of wellness that will complement their adventure and feed their mind, body and soul,” said Hans Lagerweij, president of Quark Expeditions®. “Endeavour will feature a broad-based approach to health and wellness as part of the onboard experience, from the food to the activities in addition to providing the same incomparable expedition experience that makes Quark the leader in Polar adventures. It will be part of the overall experience of unplugging from the world and immersing yourself in this pristine wilderness.”

The ship will offer the same great all-inclusive features as Quark’s other ships, with pre-night hotel, all onboard meals, complimentary hot beverages, transfers to and from the ship, lectures and two shore excursions every day. In addition, Endeavour will feature unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, wine service with dinner as well as a wellness café and juice bar.

Cabin Types

With the growing demand of solo travelers, a number of cabins will be priced for single occupancy and will have no single supplement. Overall, Polar travelers will have a choice of 13 different categories of accommodation, from the spacious owner’s suite to a range of twin, triple and single cabins. Prices for an 11-day Antarctic Explorer voyage begin at £3,400 per person for triple accommodation.

New Adventure Activity

Quark will also be the first operator to introduce stand-up paddleboarding in Antarctica as an optional activity on all voyages aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Those looking to explore the more untouched and remote corners of the Antarctic Peninsula will also be able to experience camping, kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country skiing on select trips. This costs £100.

Early Booking Bonus

As an early booking incentive, travelers who make a reservation by November 15, 2014, will save up to 25% off premium cabins and up to 15% off non premium cabins on select voyages. Additionally, those who book any voyage on the Endeavour before September 30, 2014, will also receive a free air credit (value of $1200, approx. £800).

For more information, visit quarkexpeditions.com.