Question 1

Is there a presentation I can watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Check out our presentation here.

Question 2

What experiences will we have on this trip?

Accepted Answer

The rest of the cruise ship is going to be very jealous.  No other guests will have access to Sven.   Some hints of what to expect include: small casual dinners with Sven, zodiac expeditions and hikes with Sven, interesting presentations from Sven, and fun experiences to dial up your knowledge and anticipation prior to the trip.

Expedition Activities

Wildlife Viewing Stations - Included

Our ship has easy-access spots to observe wildlife while onboard. Expedition leaders are always on the look out and will announce sightings to the guests.  Common sightings include humpback whales, orcas, and a variety of penguins and seals.

Guided Zodiac Expeditions - Included

During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.  You'll also experience ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds with naturalists onboard to share their knowledge.

These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Guided Hiking & Walking -  Included
 
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over crusty snow or beaches in remotes parts of Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions allow plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities.

Interesting Speakers - Included
Daily presentations by experts in glaciology, penguinology, history, ornithology, marine biology, history and other polar related subjects deepen your expedition experience.

Polar plunge - Included

Once per voyage, passengers safely jump into icy ocean waters, supervised by the watchful eye of the team.

Opportunities to connect - Included 
Connect with fellow passengers and expedition team members. Guests frequently interact with expedition team members over meals in the dining room.

Daily briefings and recaps - Included
Guests can expect updates each morning on the day’s highlights, weather changes and itinerary along with daily summaries with photos/video in the afternoon/evening.

Paddle Excursion - $295 pp (extra charge)

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to maneuver these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

No experience is required to maneuver these very stable kayaks. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Question 3

How many people will be on the ship?

Accepted Answer

The expedition ship only holds 128 guests.  And nearly 90 staff/crew to watch after every need.  By comparison a Royal Caribbean cruise holds close to 7,000 guests.  The feeling will be very casual and relaxed.  And it will not feel crowded.

While the group size traveling with Sven will vary we anticipate between 12-24 guests based on early interest.

Given the small ship size, it's important to note it will sell out.  Rooms and availability will change daily.  So if your heart is set on visiting Antarctica our best advice is not to wait.  It's a very popular destination that books out in advance.

Question 4

What are my stateroom options?

Accepted Answer

Guests will be traveling on a scientific research vessel.  Rooms will be clean, comfortable and the ship was recently renovated.  Rooms choices will be based on availability at time of deposit.  Bigger room options are limited and sell quickly.

Early Booking Offer: 
  
Four Easy Payments (Deposit, Mar 1, Jun 1, Sep 1)  
Lower Deck Twin: 4 payments of $2,607 per person
Main Deck Porthole: 4 payments of $2,769 per person
Main Deck Window: 4 payments of $3,013 per person
Superior: 4 payments of $3,176 per person
Deluxe: 4 payments of $3,176 per person
​
*Pricing based on double occupancy.  Payment by check, Zelle or wire.  Credit card payments add 3.5% for bank fees.  Contact us for solo rates.  Rates and availability subject to change.  Other terms and conditions apply.

Porthole Stateroom:
 
A Lower Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.

Size (sqf):  117-132
Bed Config.  2 twin beds
Location. Lower Deck

Main Deck Porthole
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.

Size (sqf). 113-132
Bed Config.  2 twin beds
Location. Main Deck

Window Stateroom
 
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.  Guests who book the Main Deck Twin Window, Main Deck Twin Porthole and Triple suites have the advantage of easy access to the gym, which is also located on the Main Deck. Guests on the Main Deck also have direct access to the Zodiac Boarding Rooms, their starting point for exciting off-ship Adventure Options.

Size (sqf). 115-160
Bed Config. 2 twin beds
Location. Main Deck

Superior
 
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.  Interacting with fellow guests, crew and members of the Expedition Team is integral to life onboard a polar vessel. Lots of socializing takes place on the Upper Deck of Ocean Adventurer. The Main Lounge, a theatre-style auditorium on the Upper Deck, is large enough to accommodate everyone onboard the vessel. It serves as the main lecture hall where you’ll attend expert presentations and films. The Captain’s Welcome and daily briefings also take place in the Main Lounge, which offers a full-service bar. At the opposite end of the ship is the Main Restaurant and the smaller, more intimate Clipper Club dining room. The Polar Boutique—full of lots of souvenirs and outdoor gear—is conveniently located on this floor, near the Reception. Superior Suites are on the Upper Deck.

Size (sqf). 132-163
Bed Config.  2 twin beds
Location.  Upper Deck

Deluxe Stateroom
 
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

Size (sqf). 144-179
Bed Config.  2 twin beds
Location.  Captain's Deck

Suites - contact us for pricing/limited availability (can be set up with separate beds)

Question 5

What is included in the package price?

Accepted Answer

Inclusive Package:
Traveling with Sven Sundgaard!  And celebrating his birthday onboard.
Formal and informal presentations by Sven and Expedition Team 
Small (6-10 people), casual meals with Sven
Small (10 people), expeditions with Sven
Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 (Jan 14, 2025). 
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Jan 14, 2025) 
A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas, Jan 14, 2025
Pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport, Jan 15, 2025
Flights to and from Antarctica
Post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel, Jan 20, 2025
One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast, Jan 20, 2025.
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board 
All shore landings per the daily program
Experienced Expedition Leader
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official Antarctica parka to keep
Beer and wine during dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All misc. service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency evacuation insurance $500,000 per person

Question 6

What is not included in the package price?

Accepted Answer

Additional expenses to consider:
International airfare to Punta Arenas, Chile
Travel Insurance - medical, baggage, cancellation and interruption (Quark does include $500,000 medical evacuation insurance.  Additional coverage is strongly recommended.  Most US healthcare insurance will not cover you while traveling internationally.  Ask us about options to protect your investment.   
Mandatory waterproof pants (Quark provides parka and boots)
Meals while on land (unless specified)
Incidental expenses such as laundry, bar, phone, internet, etc...
Kayaking activities
Optional gratuity for crew
Passport renewal
Visas (currently Chile does not have visa requirements.  Subject to change).
Pre/post travel extensions (Contact us about options)
Government taxes or fees not mentioned
Other misc. items

Question 7

What are the mobility considerations?

Accepted Answer

Participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac (similar to getting in/out of a car), walk on uneven terrain and climb a flight of steps.  All expeditions by Zodiac are optional and guests can choose to view scenery and wildlife from the ship.

Question 8

Do you offer rates for solo travelers?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to reserve your own room as a solo traveler, there will be an additional cost for a single supplement (essentially paying for the second occupancy).

If you don't want to invest more, we may have other solo travelers interested in sharing a room to qualify for the double occupancy rate.  We will be happy to make introductions for you to determine if it's the right fit.  However, this will solely be your responsibility to make a roommate decision.   Please note, the ship will sell out so changing rooms onboard is not likely.

Question 9

How can I protect my investment? Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

The only way to protect your travel investment is to purchase travel insurance.  Trip-cancellation and interruption protection is strongly recommended to cover all non-refundable trip expenses.   Please note, most US based healthcare policies do not cover travel internationally so it's very important to have coverage if you were in need of medical care.

Quark does include a $500,000 medical evacuation policy is to get you off the ship but this will not cover all of your medical care expenses.  Please contact us to get a quote.

Question 10

What are the covid protocols?

Accepted Answer

Considering the World Health Organization having determined that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, we will no longer be requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to boarding.  If a passenger were to test positive for Covid while traveling we will ensure they are comfortable during the necessary quarantine period to protect other guests and staff.  The will also have a doctor onboard for medical assistance.

Question 11

I found lower prices online?

Accepted Answer

Online pricing may appear lower because it is a cruise only fare and doesn't have all the inclusions with our package.  It's most likely not apples-to-apples.

Inclusive Package:
• Traveling with Sven Sundgaard!  And celebrating his birthday onboard.
• Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 (Jan 14, 2025). 
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Jan 14, 2025) 
• A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas, Jan 14, 2025
• Pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport, Jan 15, 2025
• Flights to and from Antarctica
• Post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel, Jan 20, 2025
• One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast, Jan 20, 2025.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board 
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by Sven, Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• An official Antarctica parka to keep
• Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• All misc.service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency evacuation insurance $500,000 per person

A few things to note:

As you can expect, Sven's trip will be slightly more than the cruise only rate.  This is because the other guests won't be hosted by Sven.  He will be giving private talks, you'll have dinners together, zodiac rides together, travel with other like-minded people and be part of the anticipation fun we have planned before you go.  If this is a draw for you to make Antarctica even more special we recommend this option.  Pique is also offering quarterly payments to spread out costs vs. cruise lines which requires two payments.  
If you are looking for the best value, then we will be happy to explore other sailings that are not hosted by Sven.  There are a lot of great itineraries and ships to fit your preferences.  All of our cruise pricing will match what you see on the cruise websites for un-hosted trips.  And you get the added value of working with unbiased experts that have explored Antarctica.

Question 12

What if I have special dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

There's a space on the Medical Form where you can let us know about any dietary requirements and/or allergies. The kitchen is very good about making sure most dietary needs can be met onboard.   If you have Kosher requests please contact us.

Frequently asked questions