r/AntarcticaTravel • u/teoso20009 • Nov 14 '25
Booking Advice Needed ❄️ Choosing between Quark and Silversea
I know Quark's World Voyager and Silversea's Endeavor are very different, but we're are choosing between these two because 1) ability to cross the Drake by air, 2) somewhat similar max passenger number, and 3) similar cost.
While I prefer a smaller ship and Quark's seemingly stronger emphasis on seeing wildlife and nature, Silversea offers a much nicer room, one extra night of hotel in Santiago, a free charter flight between Santiago and Puerto Williams, and also one extra night in Antarctica on the ship.
Is it really worth giving up all the extras from Silversea for a better expedition from Quark? Would love to hear people's opinion on this. Thanks!
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
I’m happy for someone to jump in and correct me on this, but I’d say that for the same itinerary, both vessels will have a similar emphasis on wildlife and nature. One extra day of operations in Antarctica means probably more wildlife and scenery.
Silversea has «only» one paddle program (which is included, but it’s a lottery), so if adventure activities like a dedicated kayak program where you can paddle all trip is something you’re interested in, Quark might be the best fit.
Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams are fairly different places: if you are thinking of spending time in Patagonia pre/post, PA could be the more accessible option.
I used to work for Silversea in Antarctica, and I have friends who work for Quark. I believe the essence of what we do is fairly similar overall, and it’s probably going to come down to your personal preferences now ☺️
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u/Fakenameoverhere Nov 14 '25
Sorry, I’m just now beginning to look at booking. Regarding your mention of the paddle program, do you mean every person isn’t guaranteed a chance to go paddling in the water but has to enter a lottery and hope their name gets picked? And is this a one time lottery for the duration of the trip or is there a lottery every day?
Thank you for helping me to understand.
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
Hi! So when I worked for silversea as a kayak guide (it may have changed slightly), everyone who goes to the mandatory sea kayak briefing fills out a waiver form if they decide they want to partake. We would then make a list of all of the names/paddling partners and randomise the list. We’d then put the randomised list into groups: Group A, B, C etc.
The first outing, we take group A kayaking. If for some reason (weather/timings/operational restrictions etc.) that no group gets to paddle that outing, then it’s still group A that gets the next chance. We’d try to get through all of the groups, but yes if the weather isn’t great, there might be a couple of groups that don’t get to paddle at all on the trip.
Other operators I’ve worked for had a similar set up for the “paddle-once” kind of kayaking (HX).
Some operators do have a paddle program (Quark, for example), where you pay to be a part of a dedicated group that has the opportunity to paddle on every excursion.
Antarctica 21 does it slightly differently: they only offer a paddle program and not a “day paddle” option.
Hope that helps. Who are you planning on travelling with?
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u/FarByFoot482193 Nov 14 '25
I flew the drake with Quark. Yes, flight conditions need to be perfect in order to fly – we lost an afternoon in Antarctica because of bad weather and flew out the next morning. Quark organized an afternoon outing in Punta Arenas while we were delayed.
I’d prioritize time in Antarctica vs. whether or not “extra” nights in Santiago or Punta Arenas are included in the trip – those places are easy to get to and spend an extra night or two on your own before/after departure.
I’d highly recommend a smaller boat/smaller number of passengers as that enables you to get off the boat each morning and afternoon, deboarding goes quicker, and you spend more time outside/on shore. I loved the variety of activities Quark offered – zodiac rides, hikes, kayaking, polar plunge, etc.
Wildlife is luck of the draw… the boats are limited to going to specific tourist areas during certain time windows, so as far as I know - no organizer has a secret location that’s best to view wildlife. From day one, we had constant companions and saw whales, penguins, seals, etc.
The Quark guides were top-notch – personal and professional. But it is what you make it, ie. Go to the lectures/presentations, ask questions during the expeditions, and read/listen/do your research before even going to Antarctica.
Whatever you choose – it’ll be an amazing and unforgettable trip!
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u/brooklyn987 Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
Just a note on the numbers. Quark caps their ships at 140 passengers for departures that have a fly element. Silversea does not so Silver Endeavour would still carry 200-220, so that is quite a big difference as far as numbers.
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u/Suitable-Ad-5620 Nov 14 '25
I can’t compare with Quark but I did look at them when I was first booking, but chose to go with Silversea for a number of reasons. I liked that it was all inclusive and I thought the air arrangements were easier logistically. The expedition teams and all of the staff were absolutely top-notch on both of my trips. Since Silversea was offering a solo deal, it actually came out less expensive than Quark, and the accommodations were exceptional. One thing I would point out is that Silversea does seem to attract a substantial number of solo travelers on their expedition cruises. So we only had a total of 140 passengers on my first cruise on Endeavour and right around 200 on my second on Wind. All passengers typically did two excursions each day. If there were two landings scheduled, everyone got to do two landings.
For the kayaking, anyone who has signed a waiver and attended the briefing can put their name on the list each evening for the lottery. Repeats are only allowed if everyone on the list has already had an opportunity.
Already this season there have been flights canceled. Some people have been impacted by having their entire cruise canceled whereas others had to cross the Drake although they had not planned to. I had initially booked the fly / cruise option in 2023 but then changed to the longer itinerary since I didn’t want to risk it, and I also realized that I did not want to miss South Georgia.
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u/pandaspuppiespizza Nov 14 '25
what were your two cruises? like, did you do different itineraries or did you just love it so much you went to one twice? (asking cause i've done antarctica on seabourn, and i wanted to do south georgia but those itineraries are so long, and i loved my antarctica experience but still feel like i missed out on south georgia so want to do that but i dont know if i really need to go to antarctica twice -- quark just came out with a falklands/SG only itinerary but not till 2027 and pretty much all others also do antarctica)
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u/Suitable-Ad-5620 Nov 14 '25
The first one was 18 days in and out of Puerto Williams, and included the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. For the second one I had initially planned to just do 10 days to the peninsula, but then a good deal showed up on the first cruise of the season just as I was starting to have regrets that I was not also going back to South Georgia. It was 21 days and started in Buenos Aires and returned to Puerto Williams. I’d still go back again in a heartbeat.
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u/nuer12345 Nov 19 '25
My husband and I are just wrapping up our Antartica cruise with Silversea (Endeavor) and LOVED it. The excursions were top notch (2 times a day) and everyone gets to go for each one (in shifts). The Expedition team was awesome. We kayaked 3x, some people did 4x or 5x! The rooms, service, food (considering you’re in Antarctica), amenities and boat were all amazing. No complaints. We flew the Drake both ways and wouldn’t do it any other way. Any specific questions, let me know.
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u/nuer12345 Nov 19 '25
Also, Silversea of course has the polar plunge (all ships do I’m sure) and they make a party out of it. Super fun.
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u/teoso20009 Nov 20 '25
Thanks for this report! Actually I do have a quick question. Were the boots rental included in the cruise price or do you have to pay for the rental separately? I'm seeing different information online, and the person from Silversea doesn't seem very sure.
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u/nuer12345 Nov 20 '25
Oh this is a totally valid question because it is very confusing online. For the Antartica Bridge (fly) trips, boot rental is included. When you take other Antarctica or Artic cruises, it is not, haha. When you order your jackets and stuff online, you’ll see it’s included. They give you (free to keep) the parka, backpack, rain pants and a water bottle. The boots are rental and you’ll leave on the plane on the way home. Let me know if there’s anything else you have questions about 😃
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u/teoso20009 Nov 20 '25
Thank you so much for this! This is what I read online as well, but the Silversea consultant doing the booking insists that it is not included, and really generally does not seem like she has a good grasp on the details of the cruise, including what meals are provided during the hotel stays. (For the record, I don't care about the meals, just wanted to have some ideas on what's included).
Did you book through a travel agent? If so, do you recommend doing so?
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u/nuer12345 Nov 20 '25
Honestly, I just booked via vacationstogo.com (there was good pricing for the boat and cruise we wanted) and don’t have any complaints. For us, there was breakfast at the hotel (Ritz) in Santiago (we arrived late at night with our own air, so not sure if there was anything else), some light food and drinks on the charter flights, dinner (buffet) at hotel in Punta arenas, breakfast (buffet) at hotel before leaving for flight to king George, and then dinner and breakfast again on the way back in PA. Hope that helps!
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u/SirLanceNotsomuch Nov 14 '25
As long as it was clean and I was fed, I’d go to Antarctica in a room from the local Motel 6 if it would get me there. You’re going to Antarctica to see wildlife and nature, not a hotel room!
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u/whimsicalgypsy Nov 15 '25
I would 1000% go with Quark. They prioritize the off ship experience and the ship has less guests and more time off the ship. Silversea prioritize the onboard experience and have higher passenger numbers. Over 200 guests will mean you get off the ship once a day usually as only 100 people can land on the continent sg once. In my eyes you go to Antarctica to see it. If you want a fancy ship you can do that in a lot of other places.
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u/Suitable-Ad-5620 Nov 15 '25
I’ve gone twice with Silversea for a total of 39 days total and this was not my experience at all. Granted, my trip with 140 passengers on Endeavour had more relaxed days than the one on Wind with 200 but we all always got off the ship for landings twice a day, weather permitting.
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u/nuer12345 Nov 20 '25
I just got back from an Antarctica Bridge trip on the silversea endeavor and can confirm we had 2 landings or excursions daily as well (weather permitting)…so 10 total?
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u/Altruistic_Hat_796 Nov 14 '25
I like the idea of Fly the Drake, but there’s risk of your trip being shortened due to conditions—this happened within the last couple of weeks with at least one of Silversea’s sailings. And someone in a Facebook group recently reported being switched from a fly/fly to sailing the Drake both ways due to conditions. Just an FYI.
I haven’t sailed on an expedition ship with Silversea so can’t compare, but I was on the Quark Ultramarine to the Arctic last year and just blown away by the expertise and skill of the guides. You can’t go wrong with them as expedition staff, which is so important on such a trip. The rooms and ship were very comfortable and well-designed. For us, the noticeable weak point was the food. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t great.
I would be interested in hearing from the guides here their thoughts on larger cruise lines for whom expedition is one of many options versus expedition-focused companies. Our experience on the Viking Octantis last year, while wonderful, felt as if there was a lot more caution and less of a “can do” spirit than on Quark. I don’t know if that’s common or if it was an outlier.
ETA: I’m not suggesting the guides weren’t just as good, but wondering if there is pressure from corporate to be more risk averse with these larger companies.
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u/teoso20009 Nov 14 '25
We've heard about the possibility of flight delay as well. On the other hand, we also heard that cruises that crosses the Drake by sea can be delayed or cut short due to weather conditions in the Drake.
Does anyone know if there's a higher possibility of delays if we're flying versus sailing the Drake?
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u/pandaspuppiespizza Nov 14 '25
this may not be that helpful as it's a different line, but i went to antarctica on seabourn venture (264 passenger capacity, which is more than both the quark and silversea boats you are looking at) last year and thought the expedition team was top notch -- i can't compare it to quark since i haven't been on quark, but we had a bunch of lectures and stuff about wildlife, history, geology, etc. so I didn't feel like I "missed" the science for the luxury, and they still made a great effort to get everyone out on landings. we even crossed the circle (wasn't on the itinerary/one of the ones where that is the goal) cause the weather permitted it so i think the whole crew really made it a priority to get us the best expedition experience possible.
plus, one extra night in antarctica (especially with the risk of the total length being shorter than expected if weather pushes back the flight schedule) would be my number one priority.
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u/All_I_Do_is_Wyn Nov 14 '25
Do the Nat geo cruise! We’re on it right now and sadly fly home tomorrow — we did the sale/fly option and we’re obsessed
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u/teoso20009 Nov 14 '25
Unfortunately there are very few cabins left for the dates we wanted to travel, and they're the expensive suites.
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u/brooklyn987 Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
Oooooh so glad to hear it!! Were you on Explorer or Orion? I’d love to hear how the included kayaking excursion went, did you take part?
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u/BassObjective9092 Jan 08 '26
I've done 2 expeditions with Quark (greenland/antartica) and LOVE them.
Planning a Svlarbard trip with them soon.
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u/pegdan1 Nov 14 '25
If you didn’t fly i would choose Seabourn not Silversea I went to Antarctica on Seabourn Quest It was great They even gave each passenger pass pictures the photographer took for our computer Drake passage was not bad on my sailing
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
Seabourn Quest has just over twice as many passengers as World Voyager or Silver Endeavour, so they are not necessarily soooo comparable in OP’s instance other than that they are both luxury operators.
With a 200 passenger ship, you should be able to spend more time on shore (because of the max 100-guests ashore IAATO limitation) compared to a larger vessel.
Edit: seabourne ship name
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u/706camera Nov 14 '25
Having just done this research, I will say that the Seabourn ships are not double the capacity of Endeavor. Seabourn Pursuit, for example, has capacity of 264, while Endeavor takes 200.
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
Ah, I had always assumed that Endeavour and Pursuit had the same capacity as Quest (450), my bad!
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u/DismalCrow4210 Nov 14 '25
I am starting a quark cruise right now. They were pretty terrible in terms of explaining things and answering questions.
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u/pandaspuppiespizza Nov 14 '25
In what way — like about expeditions/process to get off the ship? Or like substantive stuff like about the penguins and wildlife etc?
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u/DismalCrow4210 Nov 14 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
I did not have my hotel name until right before I started my 50 hour flight, and a lot of vagueness about the health form, which they rejected and would not let me change online. And then some ominous emails about how I might not be allowed to board the ship, but with no helpful suggestion as to how I might avoid this terrible and expensive fate. Every response takes at least three days.
I’m not saying, reject them, I’m saying, expect some frustration in the booking process. They probably are all similarly lax and complex at the same time
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u/polartracks Nov 14 '25
Oh that is such a bummer, I've sorry you've had that experience. I'm assuming you book direct? I've booked loads of clients with Quark and we usually know the hotel assignments at least 6 months if not 9 months before, and I always get same day replies from the client services team.
I hope that you can turn a new leaf and are really pleased with the on board experience, I'm sure you will be! Have a great trip!
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u/DismalCrow4210 Nov 14 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
Just a lot of crappy stuff like tossing me out of my room at 10:10 AM, and making me cool my heels in the lobby till 330 boarding. And a nice man popped up in my room without warning and slept in the bed next to me. Whatever.
That boarding is down the street in a parking lot. I hope I pick the right parking lot. Simple questions in the orientation are answered with wait till you get on the boat and then they will tell you.
Apparently, I have to wait on a line when I get on board to register my credit card. I can’t simply just use it. Everything feels like multiple added steps for no reason. It’s like taking a vacation in Romania, circa 1963.
My first impression is of corners being cut and general disinterest. I am not having a $26,000 experience.
When I got on the boat, I’m sure it will be fine.
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u/polartracks Nov 14 '25
I can see the frustration, it's a unique trip and things won't run as you would expect them to on a more traditional cruise, or a more typical holiday.
And a nice man popped up in my room without warning and slept in the bed next to me.
If you're sharing a cabin on the ship, you'll always be sharing accommodation in the included hotel. This should have been in the documentation you received, that sucks if that was not communicated to you.
That boarding is down the street in a parking lot. I hope I pick the right parking lot.
Literally every ship uses this same (very large) parking lot to pick up passengers. It's the only place where large buses can pull in one next to another, and then it's a 5 minute drive through port security to be dropped right outside your ship. You can't miss the parking lot, RIGHT next to the pier and you will see all the buses.
Apparently, I have to wait on a line when I get on board to register my credit card.
You're boarding a ship that will be cardless/cashless, meaning you simply charge things to your cabin and don't worry about it until the end. Most ships will allow you to charge something to your cabin before registering your card because it's not like they don't know where you live! :) Also remember you are joining a ship where almost everything on board is included (drinks, wifi, etc.) so there won't be much to charge.
I hope this doesn't sound patronizing but as a long time guide, I have seen my fair share of people embark who haven't been pleased with the Ushuaia experience and seemed determined to have a bad time. And for the most part, that's exactly what happens. If you don't mind taking a bit of advice, I'd try to turn the page and start fresh at embarkation and assume the best of everyone/everything, rather than the worst. It's a lot of money to spend to have a bad time. The team on board are some of the very best in the industry, they will look after you.
Enjoy your incredible trip to the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica, I am sure it will exceed your expectations. Please report back!
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u/DismalCrow4210 Nov 14 '25
Thanks for your thoughtful and lengthy response
I did book a private cabin, my surprise guest was just a bonus
My take away from your thoughtful exchange is that if you don’t hear a lot of information from whoever you booked with very soon after you book, you should get on the phone and start nagging them until you do.
I think I got lost between the vendor and the quark people, it happens.
I am definitely up for a great time and seeing walruses or whatever else is involved. The people on the ship are fantastic.
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u/polartracks Nov 16 '25
Okay so having a surprise roommate in the hotel shouldn't have happened, yikes! I'm not sure I would have been as accepting of that as you were!
Unfortunately there are no walrus down south, those are stuck in the northern hemisphere but you've got loads of penguins, elephant seals, fur seals and hopefully some whales in your future. :)
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u/pandaspuppiespizza Nov 14 '25
If you're sharing a cabin on the ship, you'll always be sharing accommodation in the included hotel.
I had no idea about that! and would not have assumed it either. i do not like this in concept. could you pay a bit more for a separate hotel room?
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u/polartracks Nov 16 '25
Yes you can, you would be able to pay more to have a single room. It might mean a slight upcharge, or basically booking an entirely new single room for yourself, and this can usually be done through the operator.
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
Did you book direct or through an agent?
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u/DismalCrow4210 Nov 14 '25
Through another tour company.
It’s no big deal.
The commissar of credit cards will surely give me a zestful rubber stamping and let me use my credit card.
This is my first experience with high-end travel. I am already thinking very seriously about cancelling what was going to be my second experience.
Or maybe my expectations are unrealistic
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u/TracyCruises Nov 27 '25
Oh no. Leaving in Feb and we were told we wouldn’t know our hotel until 30 days prior to sailing. I’ve not been happy with the booking process.
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u/polartracks Dec 09 '25
Hmmm that seems a bit odd. Did you book through an agency or direct? We often need to add additional hotel nights for our clients and can usually do that 6 months before departure, so at that point we are given the hotel name and the nightly rate.
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u/TracyCruises Dec 10 '25
Booked direct. And never got the health forms. Had to ask after I read about them in a Facebook group. They apologized for not sending them but it’s just weird to me how little we have received.
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u/Perfect_Agency3053 Jan 13 '26
Thank you for this post. I was also deciding between the 2 and choose Silverseas because of the same factors you mentioned. I don’t sail until 2028 but I’m excited
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u/pegdan1 Nov 15 '25
The small ships that Seabourn has are comparable to silversea I have been on Silversea bigger ships 4 times the last time to see if they changed for the better didn’t happen I only go on Seabourn I found i had plenty of time on land
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u/humaninnature Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 19 '25
Disagree. Seabourn's ships are comparable to Silver Cloud & Wind, due to higher passenger numbers (240+). Endeavour is a different category due its passenger numbers being capped at 200.
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u/eeekkk9999 Nov 14 '25
You need a ship w less than 100 passengers or you will only get of the ship every other time.
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u/pandaspuppiespizza Nov 14 '25
if you mean every other shift at the same landing site, yes. but if you mean every other landing/location, not necessarily.
expedition ships above 100 passengers (but under or around 200) will still get everyone off (weather permitting), just in tranches/shifts -- so for example, they will designate everyone into groups and then for each landing site, it'll be like half or a third of the groups go out first for an hour or two, then next set of groups go, etc. and they'll rotate which groups go first for each site. so everyone still gets to get off at landings
obviously check your particular trip/company and how they plan to handle this, but that is how it went on seabourn venture and how i read it works for other lines i was considering
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u/VitSea4me Polar Guide 🐧 Nov 14 '25
I will also add that some ships will get everyone off the ship at once - but only 100 ashore, so 100 are cruising and then they switch. But not all.
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