Quark Expeditions Adds New Itinerary, Departures on Sea Spirit

Quark Expeditions is introducing a new nine-day wildlife cruise through the Falkland Islands, Nov. 6 to 14, aboard its newest vessel, Sea Spirit.

The Falklands is a remote group of islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Carrying no more than 112 guests, Sea Spirit can anchor within the bays, transferring guests ashore with rubber inflatable boats.

The cruise’s wildlife watching includes species such as the Falkland Island grass wren and four species of penguins -- Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper and King. Marine mammals, seals, dolphins and whales, inhabit the waters that surround the islands.

Based on twin occupancy, the per-person price for a Sea Spirit expedition begins at $4,390. Travelers who book any Sea Spirit expedition cruise before April 29 will receive a 15 percent reduction on six cabin categories, including cabins and suites with balconies. Triple cabins are excluded.

Those who book the Falkland wildlife cruise can get 6 percent off the second expedition when they book the 12-day “Antarctic Explorer,” Nov. 13 to 24. Travelers who book the two consecutive voyages save between $2,252 and $4,337 per person.

Quark Expeditions marks its 20th anniversary with the permanent addition of Sea Spirit to its Antarctic fleet. The vessel has either king-size or twin beds, an open bar, some balcony cabins, a hot tub and two bars. In addition to an open bar, Quark has included in the price of the expedition a 10MB wireless Internet access card and a parka to keep. To reduce luggage weight, a pair of rubber boots is loaned to each traveler for the duration of the voyage, and there are hair dryers and bathrobes in each cabin.

Every Sea Spirit “Learn-and-Cruise” adventure includes a resident photographer to assist travelers on deck and on shore. Following the wildlife cruise through the Falkland Islands, Sea Spirit will sail to Antarctica eight times from Nov. 13 to Feb. 10, 2012. Itineraries include the 12-day “Antarctic Explorer,” the 15-day “Crossing the Circle” and the 20-day “Explorers’ Quest” that includes landings in the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands plus South Georgia. For more information, call 888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.