QUARK Expeditions has announced that it
will debut the 189-guest Ocean Diamond
(currently Le Diamant) next year for its 2012-
13 Antarctic season which kicks off in November.
The vessel was built in 1974, and in its first
incarnation was a cargo ship.
She was however rebuilt in 1986 as a cruise
vessel, and now features capacity for 189 guests.
Currently operated by Compagnie du
Ponant, the vessel will undergo an extensive
refurbishment after changing fleets to Quark,
with enhancements set to upgrade the ship’s
equipment to “the same safety and operational
standards as the rest of the Quark fleet”.
The vessel will also feature more onboard
amenities than any other vessel in Quark’s
fleet, with guests set to enjoy massage and
wellness programs as well as the world’s
largest floating collection of polar books & DVDs.
Ocean Diamond’s lecture theatre will also
host educational programs throughout the
voyage, whilst Quark has announced plans to
launch a new Expert in Residence program
where experts can conduct field work, as
well as sharing their knowledge with guests.
Itineraries set to feature on Ocean Diamond
include: a 10-day Introduction to Antarctica:
The White Continent; an 11-day Antarctic
Explorer: The Classic Adventure; and a 20-day
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica –
Explorers and Kings.
For more details visit your local travel agent.
