Quark Expeditions Health & Safety Protocols

Passenger health and safety have been number one priorities for Quark Expeditions for the past three decades. The challenges prompted by Covid-19 have reinforced their commitment to guest safety. Consequently, Quark has assembled a multi-functional task force of physicians, polar experts and industry leaders to develop the most comprehensive health and safety plan in the expedition industry to provide you with peace of mind when exploring the Polar Regions. The following are the four pillars that form the core of Quark's approach to health and safety.

Quark Expeditions Ship Safety

• Quark Expeditions' diverse fleet of small polar vessels means you'll never embark on a journey with more than 199 passengers. In fact, you could travel with a group as small as 110 guests. Fewer people means lower risk.
• Vessels will continue to meet international certifications for infection prevention.
• Review of every disinfectant used in to ensure that they meet or exceed relevant healthcare standards, and increased frequency of cleaning of high-risk areas.
• Ingrained culture of disciplined operating procedures means that Quark Expeditions will enforce cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing procedures.
• Revising the outbreak prevention manual to reduce any chance of transmission of infection.

Quark Expeditions Crew Safety

• Guide training will be enhanced to ensure full understanding of all new health measures.
• Staff and crew will submit their travel history and health forms for medical review before they join an expedition with Quark Expeditions.
• Formalized daily health checks of staff and crew.
• Staff, crew and guests will have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) that is necessary, as required.

Quark Expeditions Passenger Safety

• In 2019/2020 Quark Expeditions was among the earliest expedition operators to implement epidemic pre-screening measures for passengers. Quark Expeditions did not incur ANY COVID outbreaks on their voyages. These pre-screening measures will constitute the bare minimum of standards to be implemented moving forward.
• Passengers will submit travel history and health forms for medical review before they join a voyage with Quark Expeditions.
• Formalized daily health checks will ensure any passenger health concerns are actively addressed and monitored.
• Work with local hotels and airlines as well as health authorities to confirm safe and direct access.
• Work with local airport, seaport and health authorities to confirm embarkation and disembarkation protocols are streamlined and secure.

Quark Expeditions Environmental Safety

• The polar regions are among the most remote, pristine areas of the planet, providing you with a healthy environment to explore.
• Regular guest health reporting will be implemented during all expeditions. Two licensed medical doctors will join every expedition.
• Quark Expeditions' team of expedition doctors are carefully reviewing the infirmary equipment and other medical supplies that will ensure your safety while on your polar voyage.
• Appropriate number of isolation suites will be available should the need arise during an expedition; this requirement will be reviewed regularly and future voyages adjusted accordingly.
• Review every step of the pre- and post-expedition journey to ensure enhanced health requirements are accommodated, from the moment you arrive at your destination until the moment you depart.
• Review every minute of the expedition day to maximize the physical space between passengers, including reviewing changes to meal service plans and to off-ship activity planning.