Quark Expeditions vs HX Expeditions: which is better?

No score and no verdict of ours: what Quark Expeditions and HX Expeditions each publish on their own websites, read 9 November 2026, topic by topic, each line linked to the page it came from.

Quark Expeditions vs HX Expeditions: which is better?

Neither is better for everyone: Quark Expeditions says it goes only to the polar regions, on ships of 138 to 199 guests, while HX Expeditions sails five named ships, the Galápagos included. HX calls its expeditions all-inclusive and shows no voyage price on the pages read.

What is each line?

Quark Expeditions sells expedition voyages under its own name and says it only goes to the polar regions. Source

HX Expeditions runs expedition cruises under the HX name on its own named ships and says it has sailed polar waters since 1896. Source

Which ships does each line sail?

Quark Expeditions sails Ultramarine, for whose owner, Vinson Expeditions LLC, it says it is the exclusive agent. It also lists Ocean Explorer and World Voyager without saying who owns them; World Voyager is also in Atlas Ocean Voyages' fleet. Source

HX Expeditions sails MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram and, in the Galápagos, MS Santa Cruz II. Source

How many guests are on board?

Quark Expeditions says its ships accommodate anywhere from 138 to 199 guests. Source

HX Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

Where does each line sail?

Quark Expeditions sells named voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, across the Antarctic Circle, to South Georgia and the Falklands, Greenland and the Northwest Passage. Source

HX Expeditions sells named voyages to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and Greenland on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. Source

Who leads the landings?

Quark Expeditions gives a 6:1 guest to guide ratio and says it guarantees one staff member to every 9.5 guests; its team includes paddle guides, photography guides, geologists, ornithologists and marine biologists. Source

HX Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

How much time ashore?

HX Expeditions lands guests by small expedition boats when anchored, in dry or wet landings; children under 12 join small-boat landings at the captain's discretion. Source

Quark Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

What can you do off the ship?

Quark Expeditions offers sea kayaking, a night camping on the snow, heli-landings, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking in South Greenland and guided photography; some activities are included as standard and others are booked in advance at extra cost. Source

HX Expeditions offers kayaking and snorkelling on MS Santa Cruz II, with complimentary wetsuit rental on request, plus hiking and a mix of included and optional shore excursions, many of which can be pre-booked. Source

What does a voyage cost?

Quark Expeditions prices Greenland to Newfoundland, 14 days on Ultramarine from Reykjavík, from $13,551 USD per person, departures September 2027 to September 2028. Source

HX Expeditions does not publish a dated price on the pages read.

What does the fare include?

Quark Expeditions' Greenland fares include a parka to keep, loaned waterproof boots, all meals and soft drinks, select beer, wine and cocktails during bar hours and dinner, Wi-Fi for one device and port charges; international flights, insurance, waterproof pants and the voluntary gratuity are extra. Source

HX Expeditions calls its expeditions all-inclusive; it provides rubber boots free for the trip and tea and coffee facilities in all cabins. Source

What do solo travellers pay?

Quark Expeditions offers solo, couple or group cabins across its fleet. Source

HX Expeditions books solo travellers into private cabins with a bathroom and WC and occasionally waives the solo supplement on selected departures. Source

How much is the deposit?

Quark Expeditions asks a deposit of 25% of the total booking when you book 151 days or more before Day 1; the full amount is due no later than 150 days before Day 1. Source

HX Expeditions asks a 25% non-refundable deposit on bookings made more than 90 days before departure; final payment is due 90 days before departure and later bookings pay in full. Source

What happens if you cancel?

Quark Expeditions offers free cancellation within 15 days of the booking confirmation when you book more than 180 days ahead; after that it charges 25% of the total booking up to 120 days before Day 1, 75% from 119 to 90 days and 100% from 89 days. Source

HX Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

Is your money protected?

Quark Expeditions says it is a member of the United States Tour Operators Association and fully covered by its Consumer Protection Plan, posting $1 million with the USTOA to reimburse advance payments if it goes bankrupt or ceases business. Source

HX Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

What insurance do you need?

Quark Expeditions makes comprehensive medical insurance a condition of joining its expeditions and strongly recommends trip cancellation cover; it offers a Travel Protection Plan to US residents. Source

HX Expeditions makes travel insurance with repatriation cover mandatory for Antarctica trips. Source

Can children come?

HX Expeditions sets a minimum age of 5 for Antarctica and the Galápagos and gives children aged 2 to 15 a 50% saving on the cruise portion when sharing with two adults, 20% when sharing with one. Source

Quark Expeditions does not publish this on the pages read.

When is each not the fit?

The limits below are published by each line on their own websites.

• Quark Expeditions: not the fit if you may cancel late: from 89 days before Day 1 it keeps 100% of the booking. Source
• HX Expeditions: not the fit if your wheelchair is wider than 60 cm or you need a lift on MS Santa Cruz II, which has no elevators and steep stairs. Source

How do their reviews compare?

Their figures per platform, read 9 November 2026, each from a listing under the line's own name; a whole-company profile is marked. Figures are never added together.

• Quark Expeditions: Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 604 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 from 578 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
• HX Expeditions: Trustpilot (whole company): 2.9 out of 5 from 46 reviews, newest 22 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.

The lines at a glance

One card each, as on every Uncompromised Travel expedition page: what each sells, why to choose each, what to ask for and the limits each publishes.

Which other lines sell the same voyages?

The lines that sell voyages to the same regions are compared on What are the best alternatives to Quark Expeditions in 2026?

Richard Jasinski · Uncompromised Travel · written from Valencia · first published 9 November 2026 · updated 9 November 2026