A Diamond in the Ice
Quark Expeditions offers First Carbon Neutral Voyages in Polar Travel
Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, announces the newest member of its fleet, the Ocean Diamond. This ‘Super Yacht’ will be the first to deliver CarbonNeutral® voyages to Antarctica, another addition to the company’s long list of polar “firsts.”
Quark will offset the emissions of the Ocean Diamond, the company’s newest ship, thereby offering the first carbon neutral voyages in polar travel history. Travellers to Antarctica, one of the world's most remote and remarkable destinations, will be guaranteed to have a “green” experience at no added cost to any of the 189 passengers.
“Since the company’s inception, Quark has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism,” said Hans Lagerweij, president of Quark Expeditions. “By operating the Ocean Diamond Antarctica voyages as carbon-neutral, we show it’s possible to visit incredible places and preserve them for future generations. The average emissions per passenger are significantly lower than some former Quark vessels.”
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are the largest source of climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. In order to neutralise the effects of Quark’s Ocean Diamond voyages on the environment, Quark Expeditions will offset an estimated 5,682 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) with select hydro, wind power and reforestation CarbonNeutral® projects based in Turkey, Kenya, China and India.
By offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions from the Antarctic Ocean Diamond voyages with these projects around the world, Quark is effectively neutralising more CO2e than an entire space shuttle flight. It’s the same as removing 1,114 cars from the road for one year and Quark is leading by example by setting the industry standards for carbon offsetting.
The offsets assessment was conducted by The CarbonNeutral® Company, a world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions, and the projects supported will be part of The CarbonNeutral® Company portfolio. The inaugural voyage of the Ocean Diamond will depart on 3 November 2012 on the Falkands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary.
There are three once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic itineraries on board the Ocean Diamond that last between 10 to 20 days. All the voyages aboard the Ocean Diamond offer the perfect opportunity to discover the best of the Antarctic region and its iconic sights such as penguins, seals and whales whilst enjoying modern amenities. There are a host of optional activities such as photography courses, camping and kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing across enormous snow fields and mountaineering which present the opportunity to get up close and personal with the big ice and the wildlife. An on-board polar library stocked with fascinating books and periodicals and expert-in-residence talks will enhance the overall Antarctica experience.
Book Early & Save
Quark Expeditions is giving those who book by 30 April 2012 a 25% discount on any of the 10 departures of the three itineraries offered aboard the Ocean Diamond for 2012-13 for twin occupancy:
The inaugural trip is to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
03 – 22 November 2012, 26 December 2012 – 14 January 2013
Prices start from: 20 days (19 nights), from £6,060 for triple occupancy (£6,090 with 25% discount for twin occupancy) and includes 19 nights on the ship, one night in Ushuaia on B&B, three meals a day, shore landings, on-board lectures, as well as free one-year enrolment in the Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). Optional add-ons are available include polar kayaking, taking in a cruise to the affectionately known Penguin Island (Gable Island) where Magellanic Penguins raise their young, or stretch out those muscles on a 3 hour hike through protected wilderness, followed by a paddle to the sea in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Flights are available with most major carriers including BA, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Canada and Continental to Buenos Aires and then fly to Ushuaia via LAN or Aerolineas Argentinas. For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666
Introduction to Antarctica: The White Continent
21 – 30 November 2012
Prices start from: 10 days (9 nights), from £2,500 for triple occupancy (£2,528 with 25% discount for twin occupancy) and includes 8 nights on the ship, one night in Ushuaia on B&B, three meals a day, shore landings, photography courses, on-board lectures, snowshoeing expedition, free one-year enrolment in the Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). Optional add-ons are available include kayaking and all-inclusive beverage packages. Flights are available with most major carriers including BA, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Canada and Continental to Buenos Aires and then fly to Ushuaia via LAN or Aerolineas Argentinas. For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666
Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure - 11 days
29 November – 09 December and other several departures until 09 February 2013
Prices start from: 11 days (10 nights), from £3,000 for triple occupancy (£3,090 with 25% discount for twin occupancy) and includes 10 nights on the ship, one night in Ushuaia on B&B, three meals a day, shore landings, on-board lectures, free one-year enrolment in the Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). Optional add-ons are available include polar kayaking, camping, cross country skiing , mountaineering, taking in a cruise to the affectionately known Penguin Island (Gable Island) where Magellanic Penguins raise their young, as well as the opportunity to stretch those muscles on a 3 hour hike through protected wilderness, followed by a paddle to the sea in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Flights are available with most major carriers including BA, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air Canada and Continental to Buenos Aires and then fly to Ushuaia via LAN or Aerolineas Argentinas. For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666.
- Ends -
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Devon, Heaven Publicity
Phone: +44 (0)20 3544 1563 Mobile: +44 (0)7717 078862
Note to Editors:
The CarbonNeutral® Company: The CarbonNeutral® Company is considered the world leader in carbon reduction solutions. It works with more than 300 large businesses and thousands of small and medium-sized companies in 32 countries. In 2011 the company was voted the Best Offset Retailer 2011 by Environmental Finance readers.
Quark Expeditions: Since 1991, Quark established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travellers to the “Far Side” of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet – including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship in Antarctica. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveller’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” for their “Three Arctic Islands” voyage.
For all press enquiries please contact:
Lynsey Devon, Heaven Publicity
Phone: 44 (0)20 3544 1563 Mobile: 44 (0)7717 078862
Tags:
