Journey to the Circle

I have never been somewhere so raw and untouched. It felt like a different planet and was so beautiful its hard to use words to describe this experience. Because of the lack of wifi it was the first time I have felt fully present in so long. They also protect nature and make sure that you always respect the land. It was a trip of a lifetime.

Marsha012

Ocean Endeavour Antarctic Cruises

Mid Range Ship

I started off my Antarctica trip with a three night stay in Ushuaia before departure March 8. Staying at Hotel Albatros I only had to go across the street to the parking lot for the Rumbo Sur buses waiting to take us to our ship. Upon entering Ocean Endeavor I was pleasantly surprised to find the triple share room had two bathrooms as well as more than enough storage to hold the belongings for three people. We spent four glorious days in Antarctica before cutting our voyage short due to flight ban possibly being put in place. Quark got us in before the ban but we had to stay until the 23 due to a quarantine by the government. Crew staff especially Laurie was awesome in keeping us briefed about the changing situation. Quark got extra provisions aboard and we were given free wi fi and telephone cards during our quarantine in Ushuaia. Quark went over and aboard by arranging for two charter flights to take passengers and crew from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. I was among second charter group and Quark arranged for passengers and crew members to stay at Sheraton in Buenos Aires. Quark is amazing company and they went way beyond the normal in a difficult situation caused by the coronovirus. The kitchen was kept running and provided amazing meals and there was always plenty of activiites aboard the ship. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

klmsmm

Ocean Endeavour Antarctic Cruises

Mid Range Ship

We travelled to Antarctica on the Ocean Endeavour and had an amazing trip. The ship is comfortable and the staff very friendly and attentive. The food was good and there was a nice variety of choices, something for every palate. The crew provided informational talks which we found very interesting. The zodiac tours and landings were well coordinated. The itinerary is flexible due to landing conditions but even when the plans change, there is a great substitute. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Traveller-up

Ocean Endeavour Antarctic Cruises

Mid Range Ship

We had 21 night amazing voyage from Ushuaia to Falklands, South Georgia and crossing Antarctic circle in February/March 2020. The expedition team led by Laurie was great, as well as excellent food in the restaurant. I was a solo passenger, but was matched with another female. We had a suite with two bathrooms and it was plenty of space for two of us. However, the ship was a bit dated and it was used by Quark for the last season. I like on other modern ships better lounges with huge windows for observations, which was not the case on this one. Sauna was very good. Pool is available in theory, but was filled only for 1 day. It depends on ocean conditions. Overall, we were very lucky with the weather with all our landings in South Georgia, it was not so good when we crossed the Circle. However, they still were able to organise the Arctic plunge there. We saw more than 300 whales including a rare blue whale, southern right whales, orcas, minky whale and plenty of humpbacks. Laurie even convinced the Captain to change the program a bit and visit currently the largest iceberg A68A. In some days, we had two landings and two zodiac cruises, thus it was good to have 1-2 dasy at sea afterwards to relax. Overall, the professionalism of the crew and expedition team made this trip unforgettable. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Allison BH

Ocean Endeavour Antarctic Cruises

Mid Range Ship

My husband and I went to Antarctica with Quark in March 2020. The expedition was the best we've ever been on. — Interesting, friendly, and intelligent staff who were more than happy to answer my billion questions about penguins — Plenty of fun activities no matter your interests — Excellent communication from leadership, and an obvious effort to make the trip everything we've ever dreamed of — The hotel crew was attentive and friendly. The crew knew our names by the 3rd day and remembered that I tend to like my white wine glass full (thank you, Mary Lou!) — The sea kayaking program was INCREDIBLE. I have only been river kayaking a couple of times, yet Ryan and Cam (the two leaders) got me comfortable in the sea kayak very quickly. My husband and I were nervous about joining, but I couldn't have imagined a better way to see Antarctica than in a sea kayak. ^^ and this was just the trip that we signed up for. While we were on board, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Quark not only went above and beyond for us during our planned trip, but when Argentina ordered a 14-day quarantine, they contacted everyone's embassies to help us get home, brought on needed medications and provisions, and planned more fun activities. When everyone's flights continually got canceled, they brought us on a charter flight (free of charge) and paid for our hotel in BA for one night. Laurie, the expedition leader, continually got standing ovations with her leadership and communication with us. She handled the crisis phenomenally, and I left the ship MORE likely to book another Quark Expedition, despite the global pandemic. We'll probably wait another year or so before we do it though. lol. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Julia B

Ocean Endeavour Antarctic Cruises

Mid Range Ship

The 13 night trip of a lifetime, I could not fault the experience with Quark Expeditions on 'Crossing the circle' with 3 nights inside the Antarctic circle. The ship was excellent for the purpose with amazing expedition crew, twice daily zodiac cruises around the ice, landings onto penguin colonies and bays with amazing wildlife. Scenery,glaciers and ice blew me away. Science lectures on board. Plus this ship had a heated pool and sauna and ran yoga classes. Food was five star plus so much better than I expected. (Copied from Trip Advisor)