SEATTLE – June 23, 2026: Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 seasons, introducing more than 70 polar departures alongside new photography, land-extension and Canadian Arctic programmes.
According to the official press release, the launch is the earliest in the company’s 35-year history. The programme introduces a Guided Photography Program across both regions, Quark’s first Expedition Extensions, a new Northwest Passage voyage and the return of its Tundra to Table culinary experience.
The programme spans destinations across the Arctic, Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, with more than 70 departures across the two seasons.
“What makes the polar regions so powerful is that no two experiences are ever the same,” said Sam Seward, President of Quark Expeditions. “This season gives travelers even more opportunities to engage with these destinations through exploration, learning, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, while staying true to the spirit of adventure that has defined Quark Expeditions for more than 35 years.”
Guided photography programme introduced
The Guided Photography Program will operate during both the Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 seasons, building on Quark’s existing photography and field-learning activities.
Each photography excursion will be limited to 16 participants and led by a dedicated Lead Photo Guide. The programme will include priority Zodiac positioning intended to provide suitable field angles and slower-paced time ashore or on the water based on photography conditions.
Participants will also attend daily workshops and image-review sessions with the Lead Photo Guide. The programme will follow a learn, shoot and share format throughout each expedition.
The photography activities have been developed with support from Quark’s expedition team and are designed around the conditions encountered while photographing landscapes and wildlife in the polar regions.
First Expedition Extensions added
Quark is also introducing its first pre- and post-voyage Expedition Extensions on selected departures. The curated land programmes will focus on the landscapes, communities and cultures found in destinations that serve as gateways to Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
Available experiences will include guided exploration in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia and visits to Iguazu Falls. Other extensions will feature wellness activities in Finland and journeys through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
The extensions will allow guests to add land-based experiences before or after selected voyages rather than limiting their travel programme to the ship-based expedition.
Antarctic season covers five regions
Quark’s Antarctic 2028-29 programme will explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and Snow Hill Island.
The Snow Hill Island programme will offer the possibility of visiting an Emperor penguin colony by helicopter from Ultramarine. Access will remain subject to local ice conditions.
Research and conservation activities will also form part of the Antarctic season. Ari Friedlaender of the Friedlaender Lab at the University of California, San Diego, will return for the Antarctic Marine Mammals voyage aboard World Voyager.
Guests on that sailing will be able to learn about marine-mammal research, contribute to citizen-science work involving whale identification and listen to whale vocalisations through portable hydrophones.
Across the Arctic and Antarctic seasons, Quark will allocate 470 cruise nights to scientists and research partners conducting polar fieldwork.
Confirmed partner organisations include Seabird Watch, SmartICE, Penguin Watch and Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds. Their work covers wildlife, conservation and climate-related research.
New Northwest Passage voyage planned
The Arctic 2028 programme will span Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic and Atlantic Canada.
A new Canadian Arctic itinerary will travel through the Northwest Passage, including visits to Arctic Bay and Lancaster Sound. The voyage expands Quark’s programme in one of the Arctic’s remote expedition regions.
The Tundra to Table dining programme will also return aboard Ultramarine on four Arctic voyages during the season.
Developed with the Greenlandic chef collective Igapall, the experience will explore Indigenous food traditions through regional ingredients, culinary storytelling and local perspectives.
The programme is intended to introduce guests to the cultural traditions associated with food and daily life in northern communities.
Source: Official Press Release from Quark Expeditions, 29 June 2026, Seattle.
