There’s something wildly freeing about heading north while the rest of the world flocks south for the sun. From mid-June to late August, the Arctic bursts into life under a midnight sun that refuses to set, offering a season unlike any other on Earth. Summer in the Arctic isn’t just a cooler climate escape; it’s a multisensory adventure where towering icebergs glow pastel pink, humpback whales breach beside your Zodiac and the call of nesting guillemots echoes across cathedral-like fjords.
Quark Expeditions has spent more than three decades guiding travellers along these remote waterways, and each region reveals a unique personality. Below, we explore what makes Svalbard, Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic and Iceland such compelling additions to any intrepid cruiser’s wish list.
Svalbard’s ice-capped archipelago, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, has rightly earned its status as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.”
Greenland’s west coast transforms into a corridor of kaleidoscopic fjords each summer, luring adventurers keen on geology and Indigenous culture.
Sailing out of Resolute Bay or Pond Inlet, the Canadian High Arctic feels like the edge of myth and history.
While technically skirting the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers geothermal theatre against a midnight-sun backdrop.
Quark’s purpose-built vessels carry no more than 199 guests, ensuring disembarkation onto Zodiacs is swift and wildlife viewing remains intimate. Every all-outside stateroom benefits from high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, while forward-observation lounges feature floor-to-ceiling windows for armchair spotting. Daily recaps led by glaciologists, ornithologists and Inuit cultural interpreters translate field notes into richer understanding, leaving you primed for the next day’s adventure.
Because the sun never truly sets, you might find yourself skimming mirror-calm water at 10 p.m. or photographing an Arctic fox under a 2 a.m. golden glow. Extended daylight equals extended discovery.
Under the guidance of on-board experts, guests log sea-ice conditions, identify cloud types for NASA’s Globe Observer app and collect seawater samples for eDNA analysis—contributing to the scientific community while enriching personal connection to place.
From insulated muck boots to waterproof parkas, Quark kitts you out, easing luggage weight and ensuring you stay comfortable on deck or ashore. Meanwhile, a 1:7 guide-to-guest ratio guarantees you’ll never struggle to fire off a question about walrus tusk growth or basalt column formation.
The fragile Arctic ecosystem demands respect. Quark’s ships utilise advanced wastewater treatment and burn ultra-low-sulphur fuel, and every landing follows stringent AECO guidelines to leave breeding sites undisturbed. Participation in Clean-Up Svalbard shore programs allows guests to help remove marine debris, tangibly contributing to conservation.
Dreaming of kayaking beneath calving glaciers or strolling wildflower-lined tundra? Our Cruise Finder compares itineraries by date, ship and cabin category, spotlighting early-bird savings and single supplements. Two minutes of browsing could transform vague curiosity into a once-in-a-lifetime booking.
Perhaps you’re torn between beluga-filled bays in Arctic Canada and iceberg alley in Greenland. Filter by wildlife priority, length of voyage or embarkation port, then bookmark favourites for your travel buddy to review. The tool updates daily, so you always see live availability and pricing in Australian dollars.
Nothing beats a chat with someone who’s kayaked past turquoise-blue bergs or picnicked on a sun-warmed Greenlandic headland. Speak with our cruise specialists, and we’ll match you with the perfect sailing, flights and pre-cruise hotel so all you need to pack is curiosity.