Speaking at a trade event hosted by Quark in Richmond Park, London, on Thursday (1 October), Seward said the polar specialist was in its second year of avoiding heavy last-minute discounting, arguing that consistency on pricing helped build trust with agents.

"We're sticking to our guns and not doing big last-minute discounting," Seward said, after Covid – and related "deep discounts" – had damaged the confidence of agents selling the product.

Agents now understand that "the first price is the best price", Seward said, crediting that trust with the operator celebrating the "five biggest sales years" in its history. UK sales have also grown 44% this year, making this country the company's fastest-growing market.

Seward said the company was generally seeing customers commit earlier, particularly for premium cabins and activities where capacity is inherently limited, including kayaking and helicopter operations.

His assessment is that the expedition market went through a period in which capacity expanded considerably faster than demand – but that demand has now caught up.

"Everybody is finding really strong demand," he said. "Price is holding up really well."

Ocean Explorer to visit London

The operator also revealed that Ocean Explorer would come to London next April, giving UK agents an opportunity to see one of the company's expedition ships in person.

Seward told TTG the visit is intended to be a "springboard" for its UK trade activity, with the company planning "more agent training and events" for 2027.

Quark is also reporting positive feedback from agents who have travelled with it this summer. "The main thing we hear is that we're very easy to do business with," Seward said, linking this to the company's polar-only positioning and investment in technology – including a new app that has been "well-received" by agents.

New ship on the way

Travelmarvel and Quark recently agreed to a 10-year charter partnership for a new-build vessel, first announced in September. The ship, which is scheduled to join the fleet in November 2029, will feature 99 suites and a PC6 ice-class hull. Travelmarvel will deploy it in the Mediterranean, while Quark will operate it during the 2029/30 Antarctic season.

Seward said the ship would be built at the same yard as Ocean Explorer in Jiangsu, China, and would feature 20 Zodiacs, fast deployment capabilities and "all the bells and whistles" required for polar expedition.

He described it as an upgrade and replacement for World Voyager, with a newer, "more efficient" design and a refreshed aesthetic – as well as a big culinary focus.

"APT are very familiar with delivering a strong food and beverage offering – I think it'll be a very nice cruising environment," he said.

'I don't know how long we'll be able to carry on doing it'

Seward also acknowledged uncertainty around the future of helicopter operations in Antarctica, following discussions within the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) about activity in particularly sensitive ecosystems such as Snow Hill.

Quark is participating in the "relevant working groups and discussions", but Seward stressed that the eventual outcome remains uncertain.

"I don't know how long we'll be able to carry on doing it," he said. "It's a question mark. I would be surprised if it was anytime soon, though."

Seward also argued that Quark's use of relatively young equipment – with an average age of "less than six years", versus 37 years in 2019 – meant it was widely regarded as a "responsible operator".