Quark Expeditions vs Poseidon Expeditions - Tour Companies Compared
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Tour Company |
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Rating Breakdown |
Overall — 4
Value — 4.0
Guide — 4.0
Activities — 4.0
Lodging — 4.0
Transportation — 4.0
Meals — 4.0
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Overall — 5
Value — 4.8
Guide — 4.8
Activities — 4.8
Lodging — 4.8
Transportation — 4.8
Meals — 4.8
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Tour Quark Expeditions Company Reviews |
Sea Spirit - highly recommended0.0 April 2019e
ed Recommends
We really enjoyed our recent adventure with Poseidon Expeditions. The staff and crew of the Sea Spirit couldn't have been better and the accommodations were wonderful. Our cabin steward Mario deserves a special thank you, as do Ruell and the entire food staff - vegetarians eat well!
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Tour Poseidon Expeditions Company ReviewsAntarctica—fantastic trip with Poseidon!0.0 April 2019LM
Laura M. Recommends
What a fantastic experience! I have already recommended Poseidon to others. Excellent service, food, and expedition staff! Ship captain and team delivered smooth sailing and a creative effort for us to reach the Antarctic circle— wow & im very much looking forward to another trip with them—
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Tour Poseidon Expeditions Company ReviewsSimply Marvelous!0.0 April 2019MH
Michael Harper Recommends
Everything was 5 stars! The ship, the crew, the food, our expedition leaders. We were sorry to see it end and say good-bye. Everything that could be done for our comfort, safety, and enjoyment was done. The experience was marvelous and every day brought wondrous things. I recommend Poseidon Expeditions and the M/V Sea Spirt with absolutely no reservations!
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Tour Poseidon Expeditions Company Reviews |
Tours | 14 Trips | 12 Trips |
Average Trip Price Per Day | $ 745 | $ 0 |
Operator Type | Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line | Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line |
Size | Local Specialist | Regional Expert |
Trip Styles |
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Service Level | Luxury | Luxury |
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Known For |
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Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, USA | United States |
Year Established | 1991 | 1999 |
Solo Friendly | N/A | N/A |
Tour Languages | N/A | N/A |
Top Trips |
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Similar Companies |
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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.
Since 1999, Poseidon Expeditions has been leading adventures to the world’s Polar Regions.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
An innovator in polar exploration, Poseidon takes you on a breathtaking journey through icy waters and snow. They offer such activities as camping in Antarctica, penguin viewing (of course!) and adventure sea kayaking through their own kayaking club.
Who Travels With Them?
The great thing about a cruise is even the most cautious traveler can visit adventurous destinations. They do require a single supplement if you are traveling solo, so unless you’re ok paying a bit extra, their trips are ideally suited to families or couples. The average age of travelers is between 45 and 65 and they recommend that travelers be physically fit.
Where Do They Operate?
Poseidon Expeditions specializes in the polar regions of the world, meaning Antarctica and the Arctic. You will visit the enchanting lands of Greenland, and experience the thrill of dodging ice in a zodiac in Antarctica; cruise through Iceland, and visit the North Pole. Due to their specialized focus, they have extensive expertise in these regions, giving you an in depth look at their tremendous beauty and history.
Why Travel With Them?
For an adventurous travel experience including fun shore excursions such as hiking and a lot of on-ship activities such as whale watching. Knowledgeable expedition guides provide expert insight on local wildlife, and the science behind the incredible landscapes you’ll explore.