Quark Expeditions Offers First Carbon Neutral Voyages in Polar Travel History

    WATERBURY, VT, April 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, announces another addition to the company's long list of polar "firsts." Quark will offset the emissions of the Ocean Diamond, the company's newest ship, thereby offering the first carbon neutral voyages in polar travel history. Travelers to Antarctica, one of the world's most remote and remarkable destinations for once-in-a-lifetime vacations, will be guaranteed to have a "green" experience at no added cost to any passenger.

"Since the company's inception, Quark has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism," said Hans Lagerweij, president of Quark Expeditions. "By operating the Ocean Diamond Antarctica voyages as carbon-neutral, we show it's possible to visit incredible places and preserve them for future generations. The average emissions per passenger are significantly lower than some former Quark vessels."

Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are the largest source of climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. In order to neutralize the effects of Quark's Ocean Diamond voyages on the environment, Quark Expeditions will offset an estimated 5,682 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) with select hydro, wind power and reforestation CarbonNeutral projects in Turkey, Kenya, India and China, one being a gold standard project.

Lagerweij continued, "By offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions from our Antarctic Ocean Diamond voyages with these projects around the world, Quark is effectively neutralizing more CO2e than an entire space shuttle flight. It's the same as removing 1,114 cars from the road for one year, or cancelling 5,380 flights from New York to Tokyo - and Quark is leading by example by setting the industry standards for carbon offsetting."

The offsets assessment was conducted by The CarbonNeutral Company, a world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions, and the projects supported will be part of The CarbonNeutral Company portfolio. The inaugural voyage of the Ocean Diamond will depart on 3 November 2012 on the Falkands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary.

Reservations
As an early booking incentive, travelers who make a reservation for a twin cabin or suite by 30 April 2012 will receive a 25% discount on any of the 10 departures of the three itineraries offered aboard the Ocean Diamond for 2012-13.

Introduction to Antarctica: The White Continent - 10 days, from $4,295
Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure - 11 days, from $4,795
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Explorers and Kings: 20 days, from $9,695

(Prices listed above are based on triple occupancy and are not included in the promotion.) For more information contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

About The CarbonNeutral Company
The CarbonNeutral Company is considered the world leader in carbon reduction solutions. It works with more than 300 large businesses and thousands of small and medium-sized companies in 32 countries. In 2011 the company was voted the Best Offset Retailer 2011 by Environmental Finance readers.

About Quark Expeditions
Since 1991, Quark established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travelers to the "Far Side" of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet - including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship in Antarctica. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for their "Three Arctic Islands" voyage.

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