Quark Expeditions will offer two diverse ways to explore the North Pole for 2015/16. For those seeking maximum adventure in a polar expedition, travelers can conquer 90° north from the remote base of Barneo Ice Camp, or from the bow of 50 Years of Victory, Quark’s legendary, mighty icebreaker.
New to Quark, North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp is a high adventure fly-in base reached via Antonov AN-74 aircraft and ice runway, and is one of the most unique expedition camps in the world. Available for 2016 to a select group of just 56 Quark passengers, travelers will experience a true scientific station in the middle of the pristine ice landscape of the Geographic North Pole.
The pinnacle of this five-day expedition is spending two nights at 89° north at Barneo Ice Camp. This seasonal, fly-in camp site is ideal for those seeking a short, but adventurous journey to the top of the world. Passengers will be some of a privileged few in the world to experience landing and taking-off from Barneo’s ice runway, one of several trip highlights on this unequaled site on the icy sea of the North Polar Basin.
The research station is available for only two departures and offers travelers the opportunity to take in lectures and presentations by the expedition team and resident scientists, and enjoy heated facilities, hearty meals and 24 hours of daylight. During their stay, passengers will embark to the top of the world by Mi8 helicopter, and later, celebrate at the North Pole.
Pre- and post-Barneo, travelers can explore Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, situated far above the Arctic Circle and offering an interesting museum, restaurants and a whiskey bar with the largest selection of whiskeys in Northern Europe. Optional Longyearbyen activities include dog-sledding and snowmobiling.
“Barneo is one of the most remarkable base camps we’ve ever experienced. We are thrilled to continue to expand Quark itineraries with the addition of such a once-in-lifetime, authentic polar destination,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions®. “As part of our commitment to product innovation, we couldn’t be happier to represent such an impressive expedition for travelers interested in true adventure.”
Barneo marks the second land-based expedition Quark has added to its line-up, after the debut of Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge.
For passengers preferring to reach the North Pole in the comfort of a ship, Quark’s signature expedition ship, 50 Years of Victory, offers The Ultimate Arctic Adventure, and is one of the largest and most powerful nuclear icebreakers ever constructed. Voyage dates are now available until 2017.
One of Quark’s most popular adventures, the 14-day expedition takes 128 passengers to the top of the world, where they will experience Victory’s ice-class power as it cuts through virgin ice, enjoy helicopter excursions and champagne celebrations, and take an optional hot air balloon ride for an unequaled life experience. The excitement of traveling to the North Pole, and later celebrating at its apex with fellow guests, is captured on Quark’s North Pole video.
North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp – Departures:
For 2016 – April 13, April 15
Expeditions are available at $28,995 per person based on double occupancy, and include overnight accommodation pre- and post-Barneo in Longyearbyen. Save $500 per person on bookings made by May 1, 2015. Some conditions apply.
North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure – Departures as follows:
For 2015 – please call for availability
For 2016 – June 15, June 26
For 2017 – July 9, July 20, July 31
Expeditions start at $25,995 per person based on double occupancy. Save up to $4,000 per couple (or $2,000 per person) on suites and up to $2,000 per couple (or $1,000 per person) on twin cabins for bookings made by May 1, 2015. Some conditions apply.
Quark Expeditions, 888-892-0073; www.QuarkExpeditions.com