Travelmarvel and Quark Expeditions have announced a ten-year charter partnership covering a new 99-suite ship scheduled to enter service in 2029.
The currently unnamed vessel will operate in the Mediterranean for Travelmarvel before being deployed by Quark Expeditions in Antarctica during the southern summer.
Its first Antarctic season is expected to begin in 2029–30. The ship will have a PC6 ice-class hull, enabling it to operate in polar waters under the applicable ice-navigation requirements.
Ship will operate for two cruise brands
The charter agreement will allow Travelmarvel and Quark Expeditions to use the vessel during different parts of the year.
Travelmarvel, the premium division of APT Travel Group, will deploy the ship on Mediterranean cruises. Quark Expeditions will operate it during the Antarctic season, using the vessel for expedition voyages in the polar region.
The arrangement is intended to maximise use of the ship throughout the year while allowing each company to provide a product suited to its own market.
Travelmarvel specialises in premium escorted holidays and river cruising, while Quark Expeditions has more than three decades of experience operating voyages in Antarctica and the Arctic.
First purpose-built Travelmarvel ocean ship
The new vessel will be Travelmarvel’s first ocean ship designed and constructed specifically for the brand.
APT Travel Group described the project as one of the most significant investments in its history. Travelmarvel plans to use the ship to expand its premium small-ship programme in the Mediterranean, including products sold through travel agents in the UK and Ireland.
Paul Melinis, managing director for the UK and Europe at APT Travel Group, said the project reflected Travelmarvel’s ambition to offer premium small-ship experiences in Mediterranean destinations.
The cruise company has not disclosed the name of the shipyard building the vessel, its construction price or its precise passenger capacity. Although it will contain 99 suites, the number of guests accommodated will depend upon the final configuration and occupancy arrangements.
Quark contributing polar expertise
Quark Expeditions will work with Travelmarvel during the ship’s development, contributing operational knowledge and experience of polar cruising.
The vessel’s PC6 classification is designed to support operations in medium first-year ice, which may include older ice inclusions. Its final operating limits will nevertheless depend upon its completed specification, certification, conditions and voyage planning.
Quark president Sam Seward said the collaboration provided an opportunity to prepare a ship with the operational features needed to help passengers disembark efficiently and participate in activities beyond the vessel.
Further information about expedition equipment, landing craft, environmental systems and onboard facilities has not yet been announced.
Further details to follow
The partners have not released the vessel’s name, shipyard, complete technical specifications or inaugural itineraries.
Full details of its first Mediterranean programme for Travelmarvel and its 2029–30 Antarctic season for Quark Expeditions will be announced closer to the ship’s launch.
The ten-year arrangement gives both companies a long-term commitment to the vessel. It also creates an unusual dual deployment in which the same purpose-built ship will alternate between premium Mediterranean cruising and polar expedition operations.