Quark Expeditions (quarkexpeditions.com) has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 60 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 100% rating it 4 stars or higher. Last updated 2026-08-10.
Just back from 10 days with Quark’s Arctic cruise to Svalbard. Absolutely fantastic - one of the best weeks that I’ve ever had. The organisation of the trips was superb with a great balance of zodiac cruises, kayaking, hiking and lectures. I saw a dozen polar bears plus seals, beluga whales, walrus, many birds and amazing glaciers. The crew and expedition guides were fantastic. The ship, Ultramarine, was wonderful, with good sized rooms, lounge areas, viewing balconies and consistently excellent food. Faultless!
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Michael,
Thank you for such a glowing review of your Svalbard expedition! We're delighted to hear that the wildlife encounters, variety of activities, and life aboard Ultramarine all exceeded expectations.
We'll be sure to share your kind words with our Expedition Team and Hospitality Team, and we hope to welcome you back onboard for another adventure soon 🙌
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
R
ROMAN · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-15 ·
★★★★★
Our expedition experience
The expedition, service, scenery and overall experience exceeded our expectations. The expedition team are knowledgeable and experienced. The service staff were friendly and helpful. And the Ocean Explorer was great and perfect for us. Overall, our time in the Arctic Ice was the best!
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Roman,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that your Arctic voyage aboard Ocean Explorer exceeded expectations and that both our Expedition Team and service staff helped make it so memorable.
We hope to welcome you back on board again soon! 🙌
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
I had a great time. What I expected and came for - saw plenty of polar bears (wish could be closer, but its the law), and did the polar plunge. There were a few times wildlife was spotted by early and latenight ppl that wasnt announced. I had expected it to be announced since it was sunlight all day.
I enjoyed the staff and crew. I went in solo, my roomate was good, my cabin was spectacular. I want to go back to Antarctica again, and considering Quark as an option. Only "complaint" was maybe the food selection. Breakfast was ok - lackluster, the bacon and eggs weren't the greatest. Lunch was blah. There was always a pasta option which I relied heavily on, and dinner was 50/50 with selections. I'm a picky eater, so could just be me, but I didn't find myself LOVING the food.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad you had a great time, that the polar bears and polar plunge delivered exactly what you came for, and that your cabin exceeded expectations. It's also wonderful to hear that the solo travel experience felt comfortable from the start and that the staff and crew made such a positive impression.
We appreciate your feedback regarding wildlife announcements. Our Expedition Team takes a number of factors into account when deciding whether to make an announcement, including the likelihood of the wildlife remaining in the vicinity long enough for guests to make it to the outer decks. We also have to balance the rest and wellbeing of guests, particularly during longer or more active expedition days. That said, we understand how much these moments mean, and your feedback will be shared with the team.
On the food, we hear you, and we'd like to think we can do better. While catering to a wide range of tastes in such a remote environment does present its challenges, that's no excuse for dishes that fall flat or options that don't feel fresh and satisfying. Your feedback has been shared with our culinary team as we continue working to raise the standard across all meal services 🙌
We'd love to welcome you back, whether for a return to the Arctic or that Antarctica adventure you're already dreaming about! 💛
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
R
RICHARD SMITH · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-16 ·
★★★★★
The ship itself was exceptional
The ship itself was exceptional – stylish and comfortable while retaining its authentic expedition spirit. The crew and expedition team were outstanding, bringing every briefing, landing and Zodiac excursion to life with their expertise, enthusiasm and storytelling.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Richard,
Thank you for the kind words! We're glad the ship struck the right balance between comfort and that authentic expedition spirit, and that our Expedition Team and crew made every moment out on the water so memorable.
We hope to welcome you back onboard soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
I am grateful for being able to experience Svalbard with Quark, they went above and beyond to ensure that this adventure was top notch! Their expedition team is super knowledgeable and know how to have a great time, very personable staff and the onboard experience from the food to the cabins was amazing! This would be one company I would recommend to anyone wanting to venture to the Arctic!
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Bradley,
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad to hear that your Svalbard expedition exceeded expectations and that our Expedition Team helped make it such a memorable adventure.
It's wonderful to know that the team's personable spirit, the onboard experience, and everything from the food to the cabins all contributed to a trip worth recommending. We'll be sure to pass your compliments along to them! 🙌✅
We hope to welcome you back on board for your next polar adventure soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
A great voyage in which Quark kept to the guidelines for wildlife in Svalbard. Lovely scenery and the crew were real professionals. We’ve seen polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses, beluga whales, puffins and so much more wildlife. Quark is incredible and knows what they’re doing. The cruise/hotel was also amazingly done. It felt like staying in a 5 star hotel with the best amenities any guest could hope for.
The experience of a lifetime!
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Kiiiiiii,
We're so glad to hear that your Svalbard expedition delivered the adventure of a lifetime! 🙌
It's wonderful to know that the wildlife encounters left such a lasting impression. Polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses, beluga whales, and puffins in one voyage is truly special, and we're proud that our team upheld the responsible wildlife guidelines that make those moments so meaningful.
We're also delighted to hear that our Hospitality Team helped make the journey feel seamless and comfortable throughout.
We hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable adventure! 💛
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
S
Sharad Vora · 1 review · Experienced 2026-06-07 ·
★★★★★
Great Ultramarine experience
We had the best experience among all the expeditions and cruises we have taken so far. And we have taken many. The ship (Ultramarine) is well designed and modern. Rooms are comfortable and has biggest shower space among all the cruises we have taken. The staff literally pampered us. The expedition team was great and knowledgeable. Price could be better but well worth it.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Sharad,
Thank you for such a wonderful review! It means a great deal to hear that your Ultramarine voyage stands out as the best among all your expeditions and cruises — that is truly high praise from such an experienced traveler.
We're so glad the ship's design, comfort, and amenities exceeded your expectations, and that our Expedition and Hospitality Teams made you feel well looked after throughout the journey.
We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon! 🙌
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
J
JUAN ANTONIO MORENO GARCIA · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-16 ·
★★★★★
Amazing experience in Svalvard..
Amazing experience in Svalvard... Definitely recommend.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Juan Antonio,
We're thrilled to hear your Svalbard expedition was such an amazing experience and that you'd recommend it to others.
We hope to see you on board again soon 🙌
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
S
SHARI ALEXANDRA ELIZABETH MULD · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-07 ·
★★★★★
Friendly and very good service
Friendly and very good service. Great expeditions and guides and very interesting talks. Great to be on holidays with like minded people
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Shari,
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad the expeditions, guides, and talks all hit the mark, and that you found such great company along the way.
We hope to welcome you back on board soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
A
A Young · 2 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-06 ·
★★★★★
If you're seeking adventure
If you're seeking adventure, close wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery, an expedition with Quark will tick all of those boxes. The onboard staff consistently go the extra mile to ensure that your needs are met and that your experience is as enjoyable as possible. The food and service were second to none. Thank you for some unforgettable, treasured memories.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi A Young,
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your expedition delivered the adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenery you were hoping for, and that our teams helped make the experience truly memorable.
We hope to welcome you back onboard again soon.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
A
Alexander Asam · 4 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-15 ·
★★★★★
Great experience!
Great scenery, great people/staff, nice ship and cabin, great excursions and wild life inc. polar bears. Very good food / drinks, staff is well trained, motivated, entertaining and always friendly. Zodiacs are in good shape and staff really knows how to deal with the equipment. Very nice educational talks every day that are not too long and fun to listen to. Overall a great experience.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Alexander,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your expedition!
We're thrilled to hear that the scenery, wildlife, and polar bear sightings lived up to expectations, and that our Expedition Team, Hospitality Team, and onboard programming all contributed to such a memorable experience.
We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the team. It's always great to hear that our staff's enthusiasm and expertise shine through both on the Zodiacs and in their educational talks.
We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
Everything so well planned and executed!
Outdoor Things to do morning after lunch and even after dinner in night. Education and post excursion review great. We were really spoiled in everything we did. The leaders and staff worked together well and were always happy.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi James,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
We're thrilled to hear that the planning, pacing, and variety of activities throughout the day left you feeling so well looked after. It's wonderful to know that the educational programming and post-excursion reviews added to the experience, and that our Expedition Team and crew made such a positive impression with their teamwork and enthusiasm.
We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon! 💛
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
Traveling though the pack ice was an unforgettable experience. Seeing polar bears, walrus, and reindeer made the trip truly unmatched.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-08
Hi Mark,
Thank you for sharing your experience! Pack ice, polar bears, walrus, and reindeer — it doesn't get much better than that.
We're so glad the Arctic delivered and hope to welcome you back onboard soon.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
Epic expedition! The staff, the expedition leaders, the ship and the overall experience, top notch! As a seasoned traveler, this experience sits in the top 1% category. Thank you to all of the professionals aboard Ultramarine for an absolutely amazing experience. I’ll be back for another Quark expedition!
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Hearing that your Ultramarine expedition ranks in the top 1% of your travels as a seasoned traveler means a great deal to us.
We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to our Expedition Team and ship crew, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next Quark adventure! 💛
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
M
Mark Williams · 6 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2026-06-06 ·
★★★★★
Amazing cruise from start to finish!
Amazing cruise from start to finish snd everything in between. Wildlife, scenery, hikes and zodiac excursions were all amazing. Ship (Ultramarine) was great, entire crew and expedition team were outstanding, food was excellent. This was our 1st expedition cruise, so happy we picked Quark, will definitely travel with them again.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-14
Hi Mark,
Thank you for such a glowing review! We're so glad your first expedition cruise delivered on every front, from the wildlife and scenery to the Zodiac excursions, Expedition Team, and food onboard Ultramarine.
We're honored to have been your introduction to expedition travel and look forward to welcoming you back!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
The trip to Svalbard and the far north was one I’ll never forget. Not only because of the amazing scenery and wildlife but because of the incredible Quark staff. The trip was full of people that made the trip feel like a family experience. Staff were friendly, always happy to help, extremely knowledgeable and just full of laughs and fun. Would highly recommend and will be travelling with Quark when we eventually do our Antarctic trip in the future. Best trip yet.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-08
Hi John,
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It truly made our day to read.
We're thrilled to hear that your Svalbard expedition left such a lasting impression, not just through the incredible scenery and wildlife, but through the warmth and spirit of the team onboard.
Creating that sense of family and belonging is something we genuinely strive for, and it's incredibly rewarding to hear when it comes through so naturally.
We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to the entire team. We look forward to welcoming you back for your Antarctic adventure when the time comes!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
Location, Location, Location!
And of course the crew, guides and food.
Really enjoyed the excursions and enthusiasm of the guides.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-08
Hi James,
Thank you for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Svalbard made such a strong impression and that our Expedition and Hospitality Teams helped bring the experience to life.
We hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
M
Mr Philip Hargrave · 31 reviews · Experienced 2026-05-14 ·
★★★★★
Brilliant Svalbard expedition with Quark Expeditions.
Just returned from the Svalbard and High Arctic expedition on the Ocean Explorer. It was an absolutely brilliant trip; the expedition staff were specialists in their fields, giving great presentations each day on the ship and providing informative excursions on the zodiac boats. Safety was paramount, with quality clothing, muck boots and life vests provided for all guests. There is no fixed itinerary, the route being flexible to maximise opportunities for wildlife viewing. We saw polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and numerous species of birds. The scenery was incredible from both the ship and the zodiacs.
There were numerous updates each day, confirming the route and position of the ship and location of wildlife.
Food onboard was amazing; very good quality and wide variety of choices at breakfast, lunch and dinner served by attentive and courteous staff.
Thanks to all the Quark staff for making this a truly memorable experience and one which we would recommend without reservation.
Date of experience: May 2026
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-08
Hi Philip,
Thank you for such a wonderful review of your Svalbard expedition aboard Ocean Explorer!
We're thrilled to hear that the flexibility of the itinerary paid off with such incredible wildlife sightings. Polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, and so much more - that truly is the Arctic at its finest.
We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to our Expedition Team and Hospitality Team. It means a great deal to know that the daily programming, zodiac excursions, onboard communications, and dining experience all came together to make this such a memorable voyage.
Thank you for recommending us so warmly, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
Every opportunity to explore and experience the Arctic of Svalbard was investigated each day and if safe made available for us to explore. Fantastic expedition team and hospitality team.
So many fantastic take your breath away experiences!
I cannot recommend Quark highly enough. This is my second trip with Quark.
Reply from Quark Expeditions2026-07-08
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience from your voyage to Svalbard!
It's wonderful to hear that the team made the most of every opportunity to get you out exploring, and that the Arctic delivered so many breath-taking moments.
We're thrilled to have welcomed you back for a second expedition, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words along to both our Expedition Team and Hospitality Team onboard.
Looking forward to welcoming you back onboard again soon! 🙌💛✅
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team