Quark Expeditions Adds New Itinerary and Departures Aboard Sea Spirit

Comfortable Wildlife Cruising in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) For Much Less

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Feb 01, 2011, 09:00 ET

WATERBURY, Vt., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To showcase the newest ship in the Quark Expeditions fleet, the polar specialist is introducing a new 9-day itinerary – Wildlife Cruise through the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), November 6 to 14, 2011. Commented Quark's president, Hans Lagerweij, "With the addition of Sea Spirit and the new Falkland Islands itinerary, we demonstrate, once again, our commitment to innovation in polar traveling."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110201/NE39732 )

The Falklands (Malvinas) is a breathtaking group of remote islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Wildlife congregates on the islands on sandy beaches in intimate bays inaccessible to large luxury vessels. Carrying no more than 112 guests, Sea Spirit can anchor within the bays, transferring guests ashore with RIBs – rubber inflatable boats.

The Wildlife of the Islands

The cruise's up-close-and-personal wildlife watching includes species that can only be seen in the wild in the Falklands (Malvinas) – such as the Cobb's and the Falkland Island Grass Wren. Penguin lovers will see 4 species of penguins – Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper and the majestic King. Marine mammals, seals, dolphins and whales, inhabit the waters that surround the islands.

Introductory Savings

Based on twin occupancy, the per person USD price for a Sea Spirit expedition begins at $4,390. Travelers who book any Sea Spirit expedition cruise before April 29, 2011 will receive a 15% reduction on six cabin categories, including cabins and suites with balconies. [Triple cabins are excluded.]

Additional Savings

Travelers who choose the Wildlife Cruise through the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) may combine Quark's back-to-back expedition savings of 6% off the second expedition, when they book the 12-day Antarctic Explorer, November 13 to 24, 2011. Travelers who book a cabin on the two consecutive voyages, save between USD $2,252 and $4,337 per person. [Triple cabins are excluded.]

Sea Spirit is a Permanent Addition to the Quark Fleet

The polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, marks its 20th anniversary with the permanent addition of Sea Spirit to its Antarctic fleet. President Hans Lagerweij explained, "We don't think polar travel has to mean minimum comfort to ensure maximum adventure. With the addition of Sea Spirit, we now provide outstanding comfort while continuing to deliver the Quark brand of polar adventure. Sea Spirit is the future of polar travel, and we are leading the evolution."

The Comforts of Home – Drinks are on the House

Onboard, adventure travelers will experience the comforts of home – either king-size or twin beds, an open bar, and in some categories – cabins with balconies. The home comforts are refined by hotel-style touches – a hot tub, fine dining, two bars, and housekeeping.

Amenities Included on a Sea Spirit Voyage

In addition to an open bar, Quark has included in the price of the expedition a 10MB wireless Internet access card, and a 3-in-1 parka to keep. To reduce luggage weight, a pair of rubber boots is loaned to each traveler for the duration of the voyage, and there are hair dryers and bathrobes in each cabin.

Resident Photographer

Every Sea Spirit Learn-and-Cruise adventure includes a resident photographer to assist travelers on deck and on shore. This is an enrichment of Quark's hallmark education program, which is delivered on all vessels in the company's fleet.

Antarctic Itineraries with Kayaking and Camping

Following the wildlife cruise through the Falkland Islands, Sea Spirit will sail to Antarctica eight times from November 13, 2011 to February 10, 2012. Travelers have a choice of itineraries and trip duration. The highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula are presented during the 12-day Antarctic Explorer. Travelers desiring to cross the polar circle into continuous daylight should select the 15-day Crossing the Circle itinerary. Explorers' Quest – the 20-day itinerary – will include landings in the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), plus South Georgia, called by some – the Galapagos of the Antarctic.

The expedition cruise date determines which optional adventure activities will be offered during the voyage– either sea-kayaking, or a choice of sea-kayaking and camping.

To Save or Inquire about Sea Spirit

To take advantage of the introductory offers, travelers may email [email protected] anytime. Alternately, travelers may activate live chat or call 1.888.892.0171 or +1.203.803.2887, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 8 PM eastern, Monday through Thursday and between 8:30 AM and 5 PM Friday.

SOURCE Quark Expeditions