Quark Expeditions announced a year of record-breaking sales and passenger counts.
True to its innovative and pioneering spirit, Quark Expeditions charted new paths in 2024. The award-winning polar operator launched three highly successful new voyages, Essential Patagonia, Gems of West Greenland, and Canada’s Remote Arctic. Utilizing the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, the industry-leading expedition team navigated unmarked fjords in Patagonia, flew high above Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic, and soared above snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers in Greenland. Quark Expeditions also unveiled two exclusive 2025 voyages: Northwest Passage to Newfoundland and Antarctica by Helicopter, and, this November, the company welcomed its newest addition to the fleet, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer. With nearly 700 days at sea in the Arctic and Antarctic, Quark Expeditions is proudly polar-only, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world’s most remote wildernesses.
As this landmark year ends, Quark Expeditions reaches another milestone in its history with the retirement of Andrew White, who has served as President since 2014. White’s transformative tenure at Quark Expeditions, which will conclude at the end of the month, began in 2012 when he joined as VP of Sales. As President of Quark Expeditions, White has driven innovation, spearheaded growth, and upheld its proudly polar heritage. White’s Presidency steered a new era for Quark Expeditions, which included the unveiling of our Polar Promise, the most holistic sustainability policy in the polar expedition industry, the building of Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar expedition ship equipped with twin-engine helicopters, and the company’s triumphant return to Snow Hill in November 2023. Andrew White’s dedicated and unwavering leadership, both in the field and in the office, garnered immense respect from his team and the wider industry.
“The polar regions are places of unparalleled inspiration,” said Andrew White. “Every journey over the last decade has deepened my appreciation for these regions and the incredible wildlife and people that call them home. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, building on our legacy of meaningful exploration, and connecting so many to the transformative experience of the polar regions. As I pass the baton to Sam Seward, I am confident he will carry forward our core values of going beyond, going responsibly, and going together. I say for one last time, ‘Onward!’”
Seward will take on his role as President on December 5th, and with him brings a bold vision for the future of Quark Expeditions. For the last seven years, Seward has led Travelopia Group’s Adventure Brands, including Exodus Adventure Travels and Sawadee Reisen, both of which promote and sell Quark in Europe. Throughout his career, he has passionately championed travel as a transformative force that fosters appreciation of the natural world, while emphasizing the pivotal role travel companies play in its conservation and regeneration. Seward brings a wealth of sustainability experience, having acted as Chief Sustainability Officer at Travelopia and led B Corporation (B Corp) certification for Exodus Adventure Travels earlier this year.
“Andrew’s leadership sets a high bar, and I’m deeply honored to carry his legacy forward,” said Sam Seward. “The Quark team are simply obsessed with ensuring guests experience the best the polar regions have to offer. More time off the ship experiencing the terrain, more contact with our pioneering award-winning field team, and excellent itineraries aboard our fantastic fleet. Together with our exceptional team, I am excited to build on this strong foundation, driving new initiatives and inspiring impact as we continue to explore, protect, and celebrate the wonders of the polar regions.”
