Quark Expeditions vs Lindblad Expeditions - Tour Companies Compared

Founded in 1991, Quark specializes in polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

What Makes Quark Expeditions Stand Out?

• Adventurous and off the beaten path destinations
• Knowledgeable and expert guides
• Small groups
• Strong commitment to sustainable travel

If you'd like to follow in the wake of some of the great Arctic and Antarctic explorers, this company will provide you the opportunity. Passengers often board Zodiacs to get out on the water or make landings in remote locations.

Quark was in fact the first company to lead cruises for tourism through the Northwest Passage; adventure and pushing boundaries is in their blood and their destinations and itineraries reflect this.

Quark has been a leader in expedition-style cruising for nearly a quarter century, specializing in the polar regions. You can travel in an icebreaker -- including one that's nuclear-powered and goes to the North Pole -- or in smaller, more mobile ships, all of which hold fewer than 200 passengers.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Quark?

• Adventurous travelers
• History buffs
• Ages 45-65
• Wildlife lovers
• Photographers

Travelers who choose Quark will be adventurous minded, seeking a cruise not for the luxury aspect but for the types of destinations only accessible by this mode of travel. Be ready for lots of winter weather and challenging but rewarding shore excursions.

Quark cruises are all about functionality first - designed to be able to travel to remote corners of the globe. 

This is not to say that the accommodations are bare bones - but travelers who love the mechanics of expedition cruises and are interested in the style of these ships will most enjoy traveling with Quark among other expedition cruising enthusiasts. 

Because these ships are quite small, the stateroom space allotted for their limited passenger numbers is spacious and comfortable. 

Top Destinations

Quark is known for traversing the polar regions - the rugged Arctic and expansive Antarctic. Their ships are designed specifically to cut through icy waters and navigate remote byways. 

Quark Expeditions Travel Style

The Quark cruise style is comfortable but not excessive. Think packing hiking boots and thermal layers instead of a cocktail dress or dinner jacket. Accommodations are comfortable but basic and the style aboard ship is informal. 

For Quark the travel experience is about what’s on shore rather than on board - though the on board amenities are certainly not non-existent. Travelers used to luxury cruises may find the Quark on board experience a bit jarring.

Why Choose a Cruise with Quark?

If you are seeking a true adventure on board state of the art vessels designed to visit remote polar destinations than Quark is for you.

Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition cruise specialist with almost 50 years experience. The company was founded by Antarctic explorer, Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1969, who pioneered leisure travel expedition cruises to places like Antarctica and the Galapagos.

What Makes Them Stand Out?

Lindblad is one of the most well-known adventure travel brands in the world, with a rich history of exploring the far corners of the earth. All of their trips have an element of education, such as lectures from naturalists and photographers. In fact, Lindblad has long partnered with National Geographic to provide this enriching, educational aspect to their tours. Although you are on board with a large group, sometimes 100+ people, this is not your typical group tour. Travelers have flexibility and can choose their daily activities based on personal interest. In places like Antarctica, smaller groups form to make landings via a zodiac boat.

Who Travels With Them?

Lindblad attracts a curious, well-educated traveler - someone who wants to truly immerse themselves in nature and their surroundings, versus a more passive traveler. Lindblad travelers have diverse backgrounds such as professional photographers, artists, teachers, and scientists. You can expect your expedition group to be of all ages, although many passengers are 40+.

Where Do They Operate?

Lindblad offers a wide range of tours to classic expedition cruise destinations like the Galapagos, Alaska, and Antarctica as well as non-traditional places like Costa Rica, Panama, and the British Isles. Their fleet of ships numbers 10 in total.

Why Travel With Them?

If you’ve always wanted to explore distant places like Antarctica or tough-to-reach lands like the Galapagos, then Lindblad could be your best bet. They have many years experience fine tuning their hands-on, but comfortable, expeditions to provide a fun, educational experience. This certainly isn’t your classic cruise experience.