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Breaching bowhead whale
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions are the premier operator in
Arctic expedition cruising. Their ice-breaker ships
are impressive, their evening meals five course,
and they even have a helicopter for expeditions
beyond even zodiac reach. Quark were first to
cruise to the North Pole in 1991, the first to
transit Russia’s North-East Passage in 1993 and
the first to circumnavigate the Arctic in 1999.
Their impressive polar experts on board share a
passion for exploration and adventure, leading
expeditions on shore between lectures. Amongst
their staff you’ll find members of the Explorer’s
and Arctic clubs, Fellows of the Royal Geographic
Society and several explorers who have had
mountains named in their honour.
Arctic Quest
Quark’s 18-day cruise leaves Resolute on
Cornwallis Island in late August to cruise to the
Inuit capital of Iqaluit, taking in key elements of
the infamous Northwest Passage, the remotest
parts of northern Greenland, Ellesmere Island
and Baffin Island. You will visit prehistoric winter
houses of Thule peoples – the original native
Americans who crossed the ice bridge from
Siberia – smash through Arctic ice and see grand
fjords and wonderful wildlife. Your ultimate goal,
often impassable due to pack ice, is the Lincoln
Sea at the top of Greenland. If, after passing the
northernmost town of Qaanaaq through narwhal
territory, you cannot reach your destination then
you will certainly crunch some ice trying! A last
stop to see herds of caribou grazing on tundra is
at Pangnirtung, an Inuit community where you can
also meet local artists, before disembarking in
Iqaluit for your flight back to Ottawa.
triple cabins, all with private bathrooms, opening
external windows, desk and chair. The suites have
a separate sitting room with TV/DVD. Guests
assemble in the dining room for a buffet breakfast,
hearty lunch, afternoon tea and a five course
dinner with daily changing menu. There is a
lounge bar, a heated indoor swimming pool,
exercise room and sauna. You will also find a
theatre auditorium for expert presentations and
a library packed with books relating to the
surrounding area. Last, but not least, are the
zodiac inflatables and helicopter to take you
on daily expeditions ashore.
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Whale watching in the Arctic
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Quark’s Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar ice-breaker,
capable of taking you places most other vessels
cannot reach. Despite these impressive
credentials, you will be travelling in a level of
comfort not found anywhere else in Arctic
cruising. This is ensured by there being 70 crew
to look after 108 passengers. The choice of
accommodation includes simple suites, twin and
Polar bears amongst the sea-ice