Our Travel Trends Podcast Heads to the Ends of the Earth for Season 8 with Quark Expeditions
⚯ We're Putting Polar Travel in the Spotlight with Quark Expeditions as a Season 8 Title Sponsor
We're excited to announce that Quark Expeditions, the world's leading polar adventure company, is joining our Travel Trends Podcast as a Title Sponsor for Season 8 as we explore one of the fastest-growing and most fascinating sectors in global tourism: Polar Expedition Travel.
We'll be recording a special live episode from Quark Expeditions' Toronto headquarters with CEO Sam Seward. Together, we'll give our global audience an inside look at what's next for Arctic and Antarctic travel, why demand continues to grow, and how innovation is reshaping expedition experiences in some of the world's most remote destinations.
Why Polar Travel? Why Now?
Polar tourism has evolved far beyond being a niche bucket list experience.
Today's expedition travelers are looking for deeper connections with nature, wildlife, science, conservation, Indigenous cultures, photography, and authentic exploration. As more travelers prioritize meaningful experiences over traditional vacations, the Arctic and Antarctica continue to emerge as two of the world's most compelling destinations.
That's exactly why we're dedicating Season 8 to exploring the trends, innovations, operators, and visionaries shaping the future of expedition cruising and polar travel.
❱❱ A Historic Season Launch
Our Season 8 partnership launches alongside a major milestone for Quark Expeditions.
The company has officially launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, the earliest season release in their 35-year history. The new lineup includes more than 70 departures across both polar regions and introduces several new experiences designed to enhance every expedition.
These are just some of the topics we'll be exploring with Sam Seward during our special episode.
Guided
Photography
Program
Photography has always been an important part of polar explorations, and Quark is taking it even further.
The new Guided Photography Program offers guests:
Dedicated Lead Photo Guides
Small groups capped at 16 photographers
Priority Zodiac positioning for the best photography opportunities
Daily workshops and image reviews
Slower-paced excursions designed around ideal shooting conditions
Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply want to improve your skills, their program offers an exceptional opportunity to learn while exploring some of the most photogenic places on Earth.
❱❱ New Expedition Extensions
Quark is also introducing its first-ever Expedition Extensions, giving travelers the opportunity to expand their adventure before or after their voyage.
These curated experiences include:
Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park
Iguazu Falls
Wellness experiences in Finland
Iceland's volcanic landscapes
These additions reflect a growing trend toward longer, more immersive travel experiences that combine several iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey.
⚯ Exploring More of the Canadian Arctic
One announcement we're especially excited to discuss is Quark's new Canadian Arctic itinerary through the legendary Northwest Passage.
This voyage includes stops in:
Arctic Bay
Lancaster Sound
The itinerary expands access to one of the world's most historic expedition routes while showcasing Canada's spectacular Arctic landscapes, wildlife, and northern communities.
As a Canadian podcast recording from Quark's Toronto headquarters, we're looking forward to sharing this conversation with our global audience and highlighting the growing interest in Canada's North.
☘ Conservation Remains at the Heart of Every Expedition
One of the defining characteristics of modern expedition travel is its close connection to science and conservation. Quark continues that commitment by providing 470 cruise nights to researchers and scientists working throughout the polar regions.
Guests can also participate in citizen science initiatives, including:
Marine mammal research
Whale identification projects
Hydrophone listening experiences
Wildlife monitoring
Conservation partnerships with organizations such as Seabird Watch, SmartICE, Penguin Watch, and Saving Marion Island's Seabirds
These opportunities allow travelers to become active participants in protecting the places they visit.
❱❱ The Return of Tundra to Table
Travel today is as much about culture as it is about destination.
Returning for four Arctic voyages aboard Ultramarine, Quark's Tundra to Table culinary experience, developed with Greenlandic chef collective Igapall, celebrates Indigenous food traditions, regional ingredients, and northern storytelling.
It's another example of how expedition travel continues to evolve by offering guests a richer understanding of local cultures alongside unforgettable wildlife encounters.
What We'll Be
Discussing with
Quark Expeditions
CEO Sam Seward ၊၊||၊
During our podcast recording at Quark's Toronto office, we'll explore topics including:
Why polar travel continues to grow
The biggest trends shaping expedition cruising
How climate awareness is influencing traveler decisions
Innovation in expedition experiences
Photography, citizen science, and experiential travel
The future of Arctic and Antarctic exploration
Responsible tourism in some of the world's most fragile environments
What's next for Quark Expeditions as it celebrates more than 35 years of polar leadership