Travelmarvel, the premium arm of APT Travel Group, and Quark Expeditions have signed a partnership deal on a new purpose-built small ship scheduled to enter service in 2029.
APT will own the 99-suite ship, which has not yet been named and is currently under development.
Under a 10-year charter agreement, Travelmarvel will deploy the ship in the Mediterranean in the summer, while Quark Expeditions will operate the ship during the Antarctic season beginning in 2029/30.
Quark Expeditions will work closely with Travelmarvel throughout the ship’s development, contributing its operational and polar expertise to help prepare the vessel for Antarctic expedition travel.
APT Travel Group Managing Director UK Paul Melinis (pictured) said: “This is an important step in Travelmarvel’s UK & Ireland growth and reflects our ambition to offer our guests premium small-ship experiences in some of the Mediterranean’s most compelling destinations.
“With just 99 suites, the new ship will combine a more intimate and relaxed style of cruising with access to ports that larger vessels cannot reach. It will also give our travel agent partners an exciting and genuinely distinctive new product to offer their customers.”
Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward added: “This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared commitment to thoughtful small-ship exploration.
“By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have an opportunity to help prepare a ship that is truly built for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features needed to help guests get off the ship efficiently and experience more of Antarctica.”
More details, including the name and itineraries, will be announced closer to launch.
