Quark Expeditions is set to enhance its polar expedition offerings by adding the Ocean Explorer to its fleet for the 2024-25 Antarctic season. The Ocean Explorer, a Polar Class 6 icebreaker, is part of the SunStone Maritime Group's Infinity class ships and is capable of carrying 138 passengers. This vessel, delivered in 2021, previously sailed for Vantage Deluxe Travel before the company ceased operations last summer. Following that, Aurora Expeditions chartered the ship.
The Ocean Explorer, a sister ship of the Greg Mortimer which is currently operated by Aurora Expeditions, had an incident last September when it ran aground in Greenland while under Aurora Expeditions' operation. Despite this, Quark Expeditions is moving forward with plans to utilize the ship for its upcoming polar expeditions.
Quark's itinerary for the Ocean Explorer includes voyages to Antarctica during the 2024-25 season, followed by a journey north for the Arctic 2025 season. The ship is then scheduled to return to Antarctica for the 2025-26 season. Bookings for these expeditions are currently open, offering travelers the opportunity to explore some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world aboard this modern and capable vessel.
Quark Expeditions' decision to charter the Ocean Explorer underscores its commitment to providing exceptional polar expedition experiences, with a focus on safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
