Travelmarvel and Quark Expeditions have agreed a 10-year charter partnership for an unnamed 99-suite expedition ship scheduled to enter service in 2029.
The vessel will operate seasonally in the Mediterranean for Travelmarvel and in Antarctica for Quark Expeditions, beginning with the 2029/30 Antarctic season. Travel Weekly reported that entry into service is expected in spring 2029.
The ship is being developed with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) ice-class hull for Antarctic operations. Its builder, construction cost, name, detailed specifications and inaugural itineraries have not been disclosed.
The project will give APT Travel Group its first ocean vessel purpose-built for Travelmarvel, its premium travel brand. Although river cruising is Travelmarvel’s main focus, it has operated chartered ocean vessels before. APT has described the project as one of the largest investments in the group’s history.
Paul Melinis, APT Travel Group managing director for the UK and Europe, said the vessel would support Travelmarvel’s growth in the UK and Ireland while expanding its Mediterranean small-ship product.
“With just 99 suites, the new ship will combine a more intimate and relaxed style of cruising with access to ports that larger vessels cannot reach,” Melinis said.
The ship will operate across two cruise markets. Travelmarvel will provide premium Mediterranean itineraries, while Quark will draw on more than 30 years of polar operating experience for the Antarctic programme. David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group, said the arrangement would allow the partners to maximise the ship’s year-round potential.
Quark will also work with APT Travel Group during the development process. Disclosed features include spacious mudrooms and areas for passenger embarkation and disembarkation during off-ship activities.
“By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have an opportunity to help prepare a ship that is truly built for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features needed to help guests get off the ship efficiently and experience more of Antarctica,” Quark Expeditions president Sam Seward said.
The companies plan to release the vessel’s name, complete accommodation and technical specifications, shipyard details and initial itineraries closer to its launch.
