Quark Expeditions recently hosted a milestone travel advisor FAM trip led by Business Development Manager, Chris Catanzariti. Ten winners of the 2024 Arctic Sweepstakes and their guests embarked on the Ultimate Arctic Voyage aboard Ultramarine. Together, the group reached 82° North—the furthest north the vessel has ever sailed—marking a new achievement in Quark’s 30-year history as the leader in polar-only expeditions.
Epic FAM Experience
The FAM gave advisors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Quark brand from every perspective: the ship, the team and its deep-rooted polar expertise. Pre-voyage inspections highlighted Ultramarine’s innovative design, while an exclusive meet-and-greet with the Expedition Team offered one-on-one connections with the experts who define the onboard experience.
Advisors also participated in a seminar at sea focused on Antarctica, expanding their polar knowledge across both regions and enjoyed onboard credit to experience the Tundra Spa and wellness facilities just as future clients would.
“Our FAM voyages are designed to expand horizons, both literally and professionally,” said Catanzarit, in a media statement. “Standing on the deck at 82° North or witnessing wildlife few ever encounter gives advisors a perspective no brochure can capture. They return with a depth of understanding that allows them to guide clients with authenticity and passion, shaped by their own firsthand polar experiences.”
The voyage went beyond expectations, delivering rare and unforgettable moments. Highlights included visiting world-class birdwatching destinations Alkefjellet and the remote island of Jan Mayen, observing a polar bear feeding on a whale carcass—described by Quark’s marine biologist Mikolaj Golachowski as the “best sighting of its kind” in his 18-year career—and joining in the polar rite of passage with an Arctic plunge.
Travel Advisor Perspective
“Truly, getting firsthand experience makes all the difference in any product I sell,” said Amy Angeli, from Savanti Travel, one of the winners of the Arctic 2024 Sweepstakes. “I was able to organically fall in love with Quark through my experience. I was surprised by how far north we got to go, seeing the polar bear on a whale carcass, getting so close to the glaciers and learning as much as I did throughout the journey via the lectures and presentations.”
With the 2025 Arctic Sweepstakes already announced, Quark Expeditions is providing advisors with continued opportunities to gain firsthand knowledge and experience that can support their efforts in selling polar travel.
To learn more about selling polar travel with Quark Expeditions, visit the Partner Portal.
