The APT Travel Group and Quark Expeditions Announce Partnership for New Purpose-Built Ship

The APT Travel Group and Quark Expeditions today announced a partnership for a new purpose-built small ship scheduled to enter service in 2029.

14 September 2026

Travelmarvel will operate the vessel in the Mediterranean, and Quark Expeditions, under a 10-year charter agreement, will take it to Antarctica from the 2029/30 season.

Currently under development and not yet named, the vessel will feature just 99 suites, offering the manoeuvrability and access of a small ship while supporting exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions. Its PC6 ice-class hull will enable Antarctic operations, while features designed for expedition travel, including spacious mudrooms and efficient embarkation and disembarkation areas, will help guests transition quickly and comfortably between the ship and the destination.

The agreement brings together APT Travel Group’s expertise in premium cruising and Quark Expeditions’ more than three decades of specialization in polar exploration. Quark Expeditions will work closely with APT Travel Group throughout the ship’s development, contributing its operational and polar expertise to help prepare the vessel for Antarctic expedition travel.

For Travelmarvel, the premium small ship represents one of the most significant investments in the brand’s history and its first ocean vessel designed and built specifically for the brand. Its intimate scale will provide access to smaller ports and destinations beyond the reach of larger cruise ships during its Mediterranean program.

For Quark Expeditions, the ship will expand the ways guests can explore Antarctica aboard a vessel designed to support active, immersive experiences on and beyond the ship. The partnership reflects Quark’s continued investment in a modern, purpose-built fleet and its focus on helping guests spend more time off the ship and closer to their destination.

“Partnering with Quark Expeditions allows us to maximise the potential of this incredible vessel year-round, pairing our strengths in relaxed, enriching ocean cruising with Quark’s unmatched expertise in polar expedition travel” said David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group. “This is about giving guests access to two extraordinary experiences on one ship, backed by two of the best names in travel.”

“This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared commitment to thoughtful small-ship exploration,” said Sam Seward, President of Quark Expeditions. “By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have an opportunity to help prepare a ship that is truly built for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features needed to help guests get off the ship efficiently and experience more of Antarctica.”

The announcement coincides with Seward’s visit to Australia to meet with the APT Travel Group team, travel trade partners and media and celebrate the new partnership.

Further details about the vessel, including its name, complete specifications and inaugural Mediterranean and Antarctic itineraries, will be announced closer to launch.