Quark Expeditions
A member of IAATO since 1991, Quark Expeditions based in Seattle Washington USA was the first company to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers. Today Quark operates over 50 voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica led by seasoned expedition leaders who have the highest safety accreditations and offer travelers unique access to the regions. Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet, including: the luxurious all-suites Sea Spirit carrying 114 passengers; the 122 passenger Clipper Adventurer; the newly refurbished super-yacht, Ocean Diamond carrying 189 passenger; the 114 passenger vessel Sea Adventurer; and the most powerful icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, equipped with its own helicopter. All Quark Expeditions vessels have high polar ratings, carry Zodiac landing craft and are piloted by captains and crew of the highest order. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Travelers 50 Tours of a Lifetime for their Three Arctic Islands voyage.