Pioneering Spirit Prevails as the Polar Travel Specialist Leads Innovation in the Arctic with Four New Expeditions and the First Ever North Pole Hot Air Balloon Ascents

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May 31, 2011, 12:21 ET

WATERBURY, Vt., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Quark Expeditions, a polar travel specialist, announced the company's 2012 Arctic expedition schedule, dates, and prices. The 10 departures include 3 new itineraries, and 1 opportunity of a lifetime – to be one of the first 100 people to literally hover on top of the earth in a hot air balloon.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110531/NE11195 )

Hans Lagerweij, President of Quark Expeditions stated, "Quark Expeditions has a history of innovation in the polar regions. I am thrilled to continue this pioneering spirit with new programs and the first hot air balloon ride over the North Pole."

New Programs include Snowshoeing, a Family-focused Adventure, and a Northern Lights Cruise

For 2012 Quark Expeditions is offering 3 all new itineraries. Spitsbergen Snowshoeing: Exploring Norway's Arctic Paradise provides guests with access to pristine snow-covered areas previously unreachable without the aid of snowshoes. Spitsbergen Family Adventure: Polar Bear Safari is the world's first family-focused Arctic expedition. Educational materials and activities will be created specifically for the youngster's interests. Finally, Greenland's Northern Lights: Fjords and Tundra Treks combines the majestic Aurora Borealis with a focus on walking and hiking.

Hot Air Ballooning at the Top of the World

Travelers will follow in the tradition of iconic polar explorers and see the North Pole from the perspective of a tethered hot air balloon, an exclusive Quark Expeditions optional activity. Space is limited to 100 people and the cost is $250 per person. Quark recommends booking a flight when making the expedition reservation.

Wildlife and Education in Every Itinerary

Above the Arctic Circle and far from anywhere, the Arctic affords travelers a unique vision of the natural world. The region is home to polar bears, musk oxen, whales, and many birds. An experienced onboard Expedition Team leads the education program on the ship and ashore. Many members of the Team are passionate photographers and know the best spots for taking memorable photographs.

The Ships: 50 Years of Victory and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

50 Years of Victory

The largest and most sophisticated nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world, 50 Years of Victory, crushes through Arctic Ocean ice up to 15 feet thick. Victory's home port is Murmansk, Russia, the most northerly ice free harbor in the world. Carrying a maximum of 127 passengers, the ship will travel to the North Pole twice in 2012 (June 25-July 8 and July 6-19).

Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This ship is exceptionally manoeuvrable and quick. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Sergey Vavilov has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.

Ways to Save: Book and Deposit before September 30, 2011

Travelers planning to visit the North Pole can take advantage of a $1690 per person savings. Quark will pay the mandatory charter airfare from Helsinki to Murmansk, if a booking is made prior to September 30, 2011.

Travelers who prefer to sail aboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov will save 10% off the published fare if they book prior to September 30, 2011. Savings range from $369 to $1,199 per person.

Booking Arctic Expeditions with Quark

Quark Expeditions accepts telephone enquiries and live chat requests: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 8 PM eastern; Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Travelers in North America may call toll free 1.888.892.0171 or +1.203.803.2887. Bookings can be made online at www.quarkexpeditions.com.

About Quark Expeditions

Since 1991, Quark established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travelers to the "far side" of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet – including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship there. In 2006, 2007 and 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for their "Emperor Penguin Safari", the "Far Side" and "Three Arctic Islands" respectively.

SOURCE Quark Expeditions