Quark Expeditions vs Oceanwide Expeditions - Tour Companies Compared
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Tour Company |
|
|
| Rating Breakdown |
Overall — 4
Value — 4.0
Guide — 4.0
Activities — 4.0
Lodging — 4.0
Transportation — 4.0
Meals — 4.0
|
Overall — 5
Value — 4.8
Guide — 4.8
Activities — 4.8
Lodging — 4.8
Transportation — 4.8
Meals — 4.8
|
| Recent Reviews |
Most AMAZING experience ever0.0 March 2018J
Jodie-Anne Recommends
You guys rock! Thanks for the most AMAZING experience ever. Totally exceeded our expectations. Expedition Crew and Hospitality Crew were outstanding. We highly recommend QUARK. Special shout out to the Kayaking Crew, you're exceptional!
Read more
Tour Quark Expeditions Company ReviewsProfessional and satisfactory0.0 January 2018J
Jill Recommends
Any company can be good when things go well, it's how they perform when things go wrong that is important. I was on the 7th Jan Fly the Drake expedition that got cancelled after 3 days of bad weather meant we were unable to land on King George Island. They were honest with us whilst events were unfolding and took care of our food and accommodation needs. Since returning home, my dealings with them via my travel agent have been professional and satisfactory. So much so that I have booked to travel with them next year.
Read more
Tour Quark Expeditions Company ReviewsFantastic trip0.0 December 2017R
Rachel Recommends
I was on the Ocean Endeavor over Christmas and everything was amazing. The service, expedition leaders, and the itinerary. What I liked was that they were not set on landing at exact locations. One area was inaccessible by ice, so we went somewhere else. I liked the decisions the captain and expedition leader made to ensure we had a fantastic trip. The food was plentiful and overall service perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to book another trip with Quark!
Read more
Tour Quark Expeditions Company Reviews |
Great experience.0.0 July 2019A
Alessandra Recommends
Great experience. I loved every single moment of this trip, even when the Drake Shake tested us seriously. It was a privilege to be there. I wish to go back... Ross Sea? Weddel Sea?... Who knows... For the time being I enjoy the memories. Top staff. Thank you!!!
Read more
Tour Oceanwide Expeditions Company ReviewsOverall a wonderful experience!0.0 July 2019R
Ruth Recommends
Our 9-night expedition was a series of high points, from polar bears (single males, mothers with cubs) to blue whale, tundra and arctic fox. The expedition team and ship's crew did their utmost to provide an exceptional experience, going out of their way to spot and allow us to approach the wildlife, yet always keeping as a priority the wellbeing of the animals. The ship itself is purpose-built for wildlife expeditions and it shows in all details, from the wide and accessible bridge to the large deck spaces and huge windows in all common areas. Overall a wonderful experience! Thank you very much indeed :-)
Read more
Tour Oceanwide Expeditions Company ReviewsExcellent beyond expectation0.0 July 2019A
Andrea Recommends
fabulous stay on the plancius food was excellent beyond expectation kind staff and crew expedition guides were knowledgable, supportive, friendly and accessible comfortable stay on board amazing environment and trip
Read more
Tour Oceanwide Expeditions Company Reviews |
| Tours | 14 Trips | 23 Trips |
| Average Trip Price Per Day | $ 745 | $ 0 |
| Operator Type | Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line | Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line |
| Size | Local Specialist | Local Specialist |
| Trip Styles |
|
|
| Service Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Regions |
|
|
| Known For |
|
|
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, USA | Vlissingen, The Netherlands |
| Year Established | 1991 | 1996 |
| Solo Friendly | N/A | N/A |
| Tour Languages | N/A | N/A |
| Top Trips |
|
|
| Similar Companies | ||
| Countries |
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.
Based in the Netherlands, Oceanwide Expeditions specializes in polar expedition-style cruises to both the Arctic and Antarctic. Operating since 1996, they’re one of the pioneers in the field.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
They offer an excellent series of educational lectures onboard and a wide variety of potential activities on shore, which may include camping, snowshoeing, kayaking, and mountaineering for the truly adventurous.
Who Travels With Them?
Oceanwide Expeditions passengers are curious about the world, its cultures, and its wildlife, and are willing to pay for a top-notch experience.
Where Do They Operate?
Throughout the Arctic and Antarctic regions and a bit beyond. “Arctic” itineraries include remote Scottish islands – the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands – as well as the Faroes, Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen (Svalbard), and the Lofoten islands of Norway. Antarctic itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands and the Ross Sea. One spring cruise includes remote, seldom visited South Atlantic islands such as Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, and Ascension Island.
How Does It Work?
The company owns a fleet of four vessels capable of breaking through pack ice and small enough to navigate their way through narrow passages. Weather permitting, the ships make two landings per day, with passengers ferried ashore via zodiacs.
Why Travel With Them?
These are truly memorable expeditions to some of the most remote spots on the planet.
