Quark Expeditions has opened bookings for its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, marking the earliest season launch in the company’s history. The announcement, made on 24 June 2026, includes 75 departures and introduces two new program categories: the Guided Photography Programme and Expedition Extensions. These additions aim to deepen guest engagement with polar environments while providing travel professionals with fresh product angles to market.
New Programs and Itinerary Highlights
The Guided Photography Programme is designed for both amateur and experienced photographers, offering dedicated onboard workshops and shore excursions led by professional polar photographers. This initiative responds to growing demand for niche, skill-based travel experiences. Meanwhile, Expedition Extensions — a first for Quark — allow guests to add pre- or post-voyage land packages, such as cultural tours in Greenland or wildlife-focused stays in Patagonia, expanding the itinerary beyond the ship.
A new Canadian Arctic voyage has been added to the roster, exploring remote communities and fjords in Nunavut. The popular Tundra to Table experience, which highlights local Inuit cuisine and food traditions, returns for the 2028 season. These offerings complement Quark’s existing portfolio of polar itineraries aboard its fleet, which includes the Ultramarine, World Explorer, and Ocean Adventurer.
Pricing and Booking Incentives
To encourage early commitments, Quark is offering tiered discounts. Travelers booking by 31 October can save up to 10% on select voyages, with an additional 5% off for those who pay in full. There is also a per-cabin saving of up to $1,900 (AUD 2,950) on all voyages. For the current promotional seasons, discounts reach 20% on Antarctic 2026/2027, and up to 15% on Arctic 2027 and Antarctic 2027/2028, with the same full-payment bonus.
The company has confirmed that list prices remain unchanged, and detailed pricing resources have been distributed to trade partners to facilitate client planning. This stability is intended to reassure agents and tour operators in a volatile pricing environment.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Quark’s early launch follows a trend among polar expedition operators to extend booking windows. Competitors such as Ponant have also opened Arctic 2028 bookings, offering over 35 departures across four ships. Meanwhile, Aurora Expeditions has added notable guest speakers to its Antarctic voyages, including Thai cave rescue hero Dr. Richard Harris. These moves indicate a broader industry push to differentiate through programming and early-bird incentives.
For travel agents and tour operators, the expanded season and new product lines provide additional selling points. The Guided Photography Programme, in particular, targets a high-yield demographic willing to pay premium rates for expert-led experiences. Expedition Extensions also open cross-selling opportunities with land operators and hotels in gateway cities such as Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, and Reykjavík.
Quark Expeditions continues to support its trade partners with dedicated booking tools and marketing collateral. The company’s emphasis on early pricing and no list-price changes aims to simplify the sales process for agents advising clients on polar travel.
