Travelmarvel, the premium division of APT Travel Group, and Quark Expeditions have announced a partnership to develop a new small ship designed specifically for exploration, which is scheduled to enter service in 2029.
Under a 10-year charter agreement, Travelmarvel will operate the vessel in the Mediterranean, while Quark Expeditions will use it during the Antarctic season starting in 2029/30.
Currently under development and still unnamed, the vessel will feature 99 suites, offering the maneuverability and accessibility of a smaller ship while being equipped to explore some of the world's most remote regions. Its PC6 ice-rated hull will allow it to operate in Antarctica, while features specifically designed for expedition navigation, such as spacious mudrooms and efficient embarkation and disembarkation areas, will facilitate a quick and comfortable transition between ship and destination.
The agreement combines Travelmarvel's expertise in premium cruises with Quark Expeditions' more than 30 years of specialization in polar exploration. Quark Expeditions will collaborate closely with Travelmarvel during the ship's development, contributing its operational and polar navigation experience to prepare the vessel for Antarctic expeditions.
For Travelmarvel, this smaller, premium ship represents one of the company's most significant investments and will be its first ocean-going vessel designed and built specifically for the brand. Its compact size will allow access, during its Mediterranean program, to smaller ports and destinations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
For Quark Expeditions, the ship will expand the possibilities for exploring Antarctica aboard a vessel designed to foster active and immersive experiences both on and off the ship. The partnership reflects Quark's commitment to continued investment in a modern fleet specifically designed for expeditions and to enabling passengers to spend more time off the ship and closer to their destinations.
“This is an important step for Travelmarvel’s growth in the UK and Ireland and reflects our ambition to offer our guests premium experiences aboard smaller ships in some of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. With just 99 suites, the new ship will combine a more intimate and relaxed cruising style with access to ports that larger vessels cannot reach. It will also offer our travel agent partners a new, attractive, and truly distinctive product for their clients,” said Paul Melinis, Managing Director for UK and Europe at APT Travel Group.
“This alliance brings together complementary expertise and a shared commitment to a thoughtful approach to exploration aboard small ships,” said Sam Seward, president of Quark Expeditions. “By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have the opportunity to help create a ship truly designed for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features necessary for passengers to disembark efficiently and enjoy an enhanced Antarctic experience.”.
Additional details about the vessel, including its name, full specifications, and initial itineraries in the Mediterranean and Antarctica, will be announced closer to its entry into service.
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