PONANT Explorations and Quark Expeditions have both launched new Arctic 2028 programmes, introducing new itineraries and additional capacity across polar regions.
Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, its earliest-ever release, featuring more than 70 polar departures.
New for 2028 is a Guided Photography Program across both regions, with excursions limited to 16 guests, led by a dedicated Lead Photo Guide and structured around priority Zodiac positioning, slower-paced field time, daily workshops and image reviews.
The operator has also introduced its first Expedition Extensions, available pre- and post-voyage, including Torres del Paine National Park, Iguazu Falls, Finland wellness experiences and Iceland volcanic itineraries.
In the Arctic, Quark is introducing a new Northwest Passage voyage in the Canadian Arctic, visiting Arctic Bay and Lancaster Sound, alongside expanded coverage across Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic and Atlantic Canada.
The return of ‘Tundra to Table’, developed with Greenlandic chef collective Igapall, will feature on four voyages aboard Ultramarine, highlighting Indigenous food traditions and regional culinary storytelling.
In Antarctica, the 2028/29 season covers the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and Snow Hill Island, with helicopter access to an Emperor Penguin colony subject to conditions.
Across both seasons, Quark is allocating 470 cruise nights to research partners and scientists, supporting organisations including Seabird Watch and Penguin Watch. Selected voyages will include guest participation in citizen science, including whale identification and hydrophone listening during marine mammal research programmes.
Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward said: “What makes the polar regions so powerful is that no two experiences are ever the same.
“This season gives travelers even more opportunities to engage with these destinations through exploration, learning, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, while staying true to the spirit of adventure that has defined Quark Expeditions for more than 35 years.”
PONANT Explorations has also opened sales for more than 35 Arctic departures between May and October 2028, operating four ships in the region.
The programme includes voyages to the Geographic North Pole aboard Le Commandant Charcot, with eight departures scheduled from June to September 2028 and flights included between Paris and Longyearbyen.
Itineraries feature sailing through pack ice, Svalbard fjords and glaciers, and an 18-night North Pole voyage to 90°N with two stops in northern Greenland, alongside activities such as Zodiac excursions, ice landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and polar plunges.
In Greenland, the Baffin Sea and Northwest Passage programme runs from May to August 2028, with early-season High Arctic access in Greenland, plus visits to the Thule region and Disko Bay, Inuit community encounters and wildlife viewing.
Svalbard itineraries include a seven-night classic Spitsbergen voyage from June to July and a circumnavigation of the archipelago, not operated since 2021, including visits to nature reserves.
Iceland sailings (June–July 2028) include daily excursions to sites such as Grimsey and Heimaey.
North America voyages (August–October 2028) include UNESCO sites such as Quebec and Gros Morne National Park, plus calls including Saint Pierre and Martha’s Vineyard.
The wider programme includes more than 90 additional departures across the Pacific, Caribbean, Atlantic, Northern Europe and Asia for winter 2027–28 and summer 2028.
