Stay current with our cruise news coverage.
Quark Expeditions has announced plans to charter World Voyager from Atlas Ocean Voyages for three consecutive Antarctica seasons, starting in November 2026. The 168-guest, all-suite, all-balcony expedition vessel will serve Quark’s Antarctic itineraries before returning to Atlas at the end of each 4.5-month season to operate in Northern Europe and the Arctic.
As part of this partnership, Quark will retrofit World Voyager with a dedicated science and discovery hub for its guests. The company aims to enhance its exploration program by incorporating hands-on scientific research, including seabird surveys, whale sighting documentation, underwater whale sound monitoring, and interactive water sampling to assess environmental conditions.
The World Voyager will replace Quark’s current chartered vessel, World Explorer, which will complete its final Antarctica season in 2025-26 before entering drydock. World Explorer is set to be delivered to Windstar Cruises at the end of 2026. During its last season with Quark, select departures will feature an enhanced Antarctic camping experience, doubling the number of guests who can spend a night under the polar sky.
Additionally, Quark will introduce a new helicopter adventure aboard Ultramarine in February 2027. This experience will allow travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle, featuring at least two flightseeing excursions and one heli-landing below the Circle, included in the expedition price.
Quark is currently offering early booking incentives, with savings of up to 15% and an exclusive early booking bonus available until May 31, 2025. More details can be found on the Quark Expeditions website.
More travel news
Atlas Ocean Voyages Launches Faster Antarctica Trips
PUNTA ARENAS, Chile - Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils expanded fly-cruise expeditions to Antarctica, introducing six new departures that trade Drake Passage crossings for private charter flights and more time exploring the ice.
Quark Unveils 70-Plus Polar Expeditions for 2028
SEATTLE, Washington - Quark Expeditions has begun accepting reservations for polar voyages departing in 2028 and 2028-29, the earliest program launch in the expedition operator's history.
eFuels Power Antarctic Tourism in Renewed Alliance
Punta Arenas, Chile — Antarctica21 becomes the first Antarctic tourism operator to use locally produced e-fuel for a second consecutive season, setting new standard for polar expedition sustainability.
Antarctica Remains Off Limits for Commercial Airlines
ANTARCTICA — While a handful of carriers operate specialty overflights, no airline runs regular scheduled service to the continent, where extreme conditions and infrastructure realities outweigh commercial viability.