Antarctica – Not Exactly as Planned

Antarctica is one of the last wild places on earth. And this past week, it's really lived up to its name. The ice-strengthened, Russian-flagged MV Akademik Shokalskiy set sail in early December on a expedition to Antarctica. Carrying tourists and research scientists on their way to study the effects of global warming, the ship became …

Orion Ship Saves Stranded Sailor in Antarctica

Passengers aboard the Orion where sailing on Day 11 of a 18-day Antarctica expedition cruise when they were drafted to assist in the rescue of a solo sailor who was adrift after his sailboat had sank more than three days earlier. Experienced yachtsman, Frenchman Alain Delord was attempting to sail solo around the world, without …

Quark Expeditions Polar Expedition Featured on Frozen Planet

When the BBC & Discovery Channel decided to explore Antarctica for their popular Frozen Planet series, they turned to Quark Expeditions. This weekend, watch the North American premiere of the Discovery Channel and BBC co-production of Frozen Planet. The seven-part documentary series premieres March 18, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PM on Discovery Channel and highlights …

2011 Holidays Aboard Small Ships

Many people settle down with family during the holidays to catch up, and reconnect with loved ones. For a small group, the holidays are a perfect time to explore and experience the world. Small ship cruises have been busy this holiday season, exploring diverse areas of our world, from the southern reaches of Antarctica and …

Quark Expeditions Obtains Ship for Speedier Antarctic Sailings

Quark Expeditions recently announced an addition to its fleet. Currently the 189-passenger Le Diamant, the ship will undergo an extensive refurbishment and be renamed Ocean Diamond. The ship will begin service in November 2012 for the Antarctic 2012-2013 season. The Ocean Diamond will be one of the fastest in the Quark Expeditions fleet. Able to …

Former Cruise West Ships – Where are they now?

Back in the 90's and into most of the 2000's, Cruise West was a major player in the small ship cruising niche industry. Many of our clients fell in love with their Alaska experience and the ships. With the one-year anniversary of the Cruise West's demise approaching, we like to check in on the former …

Antarctica Express

Is Antarctica on your "Bucket List" but heard horror stories of the rough waters crossing the Drake Passage or just don't have a lot of time to cruise. Have we got the itinerary for you. Quark Expeditions offers an Antarctica Fly & Cruise itinerary. This is the perfect expedition for people short of time and …

Where are the small ships on Christmas Day?

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. And a good movie and chinese food to those who celebrate Hanukkah We have done some fun research as to where some of my favorite small ships are sailing on Christmas Day. To the best of my knowledge, every one of these ships were sold out, sailing at 100% …

Travel Dynamics Clelia damaged by wave in Drake Passage, Antarctica

News on Clelia II owned by Travel Dynamics. Lets hope she is not more damaged than expected. She is a lovely ship that is finishing her winter season and then will move to another company called Orion Cruises. She is to be called the Orion II and will have a new life in fablulous sailings …

Cruise West Spirit of Oceanus/Sea Spirit will sail again

Cruise West Spirit of Oceanus gets new life...Sea Spirit  Cruise West, Spirit of Oceanus sold to a charter company who re named her Sea Spirit is going to get a new life and sail again. Quark will charter her to temporarily take the place of their present charter which is in dry dock being repaired. …