Are you concerned about issues like arctic climate change and are wondering how you can contribute? Do you care about the Polar Regions but feel powerless or ill informed about what you can do to help conserve these fragile environments for generations to come?
Having an iconic North Pole experience – with all of the wildlife and rugged wilderness that it entails – is something few will ever enjoy. You'll crush through pack ice and sightsee by helicopter, on the lookout for walruses, seals, whales and polar bears. Plus, possible stops at the island of Franz Josef Land will have you in awe of your spectacular surroundings as you visit seabird colonies and retrace the footsteps of early explorers.
Now imagine how much more fulfilling and transformational that journey could be if you took it alongside some of the world's greatest thought leaders, adventurers, photographers, scientists, researchers, writers and educators!
This July, polar-passionate passengers will do just that on board the inaugural Quark Expeditions North Pole Summit. On this 14-day arctic expedition, you'll depart Murmansk, Russia, and explore the top of the world en route to 90°N.
You'll also discover what it means to be a global citizen in today's world while participating in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn firsthand what motivated these respected arctic experts to become engaged and take action.
Experience a Traveling Arctic Summit On Board an Icebreaker
During this unique 14-day arctic voyage aboard 50 Years of Victory, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker on Earth, you'll have the chance to expand your knowledge, benefit from the different perspectives of your fellow international travelers, and learn how small differences can have a huge impact on the planet. As your ship breaks ice toward the North Pole, you'll attend lectures and discussions with our special guests, sharing your downtime and meals with them as well as your fellow attendees.
One of a select 130 passengers on this journey to reach the North Pole, you'll find yourself standing at the top of the world with an enriched appreciation of the precious nature of the environment surrounding you. As your ship returns south, ponder and discuss with your shipmates which steps you, an engaged global citizen, can take to change the planet.
We are thrilled to have the following polar experts and thought leaders join us for our North Pole Summit.
Paul Nicklen
Canadian photographer, marine biologist and conservationist Nicklen has spent 20 years documenting the beauty of the Arctic for National Geographic. He uses his photographs to inspire action to preserve Earth's natural wonders before they are lost forever.
Cristina Mittermeier
The co-founder and president of SeaLegacy, Mittermeier is a marine biologist, photographer, conservationist and biochemical engineer. Named one of the world's top 40 most influential photographers by Outdoor Magazine, she has published 24 books on conservation issues. Widely published in Science and Nature, Mittermeier is fascinated with areas where man and nature interact.
David Serkoak
An Inuit Elder and educator, Serkoak was born in Nueltin Lake, Nunavut, and teaches drum making and drum dancing. He's experienced in all levels of education, having worked his way from teacher to vice-principal to principal, and has been an instructor at Nunavut Arctic College as well as a curator with the British Museum of Mankind in London. Serkoak has developed Inuktitut-language teaching materials.
Maureen Raymo
Raymo, a paleoclimatologist and marine geologist, was the first woman to receive the Wollaston Medal from the Geological Society of London. Named one of the 50 most important women of science by Discover, she was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences. She studies the history and causes of climate change at Columbia University.
Alan Chambers
An adventurer, Chambers led the first successful unsupported British expedition from Canada to the geographic North Pole, raising the Union Jack at 90°N in May 2000. Temperatures fell as low as -85°F (-65ºC) during that 70-day trip. Since then, he has led 12 more expeditions to introduce others to the wonders of arctic expeditions and exploration.
James Raffan
Raffan is a writer, adventurer and professor who was given the Inuinnaqtun name Aiuituk, which means “one who gets things done,” by the youth of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. A Fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, he was named one of Canada's 100 greatest explorers by Canadian Geographic and spends part of each year in the Polar Regions, conducting work as a biologist, educator, cultural researcher and expedition guide.
Frances Ulmer
Since 2011, Ulmer has served as chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission, advising President Obama's administration on international and domestic arctic research. A former lieutenant governor of Alaska and chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage, she has also served as special advisor on arctic science and policy since 2014.
Cheli Larsen
Larsen is from New Zealand, and has worked on expeditions for the past 17 years, specializing in the Polar Regions. As a diving instructor, commercial launch master, dive and fishing charter skipper and field assistant for TVNZ Natural History, Cheli brings a wide range of knowledge and expertise to this very special North Pole Summit.
Imagine your dinner conversation with one of these thought leaders at your table! Space is limited on board the Quark Expeditions North Pole Summit departing July 20, 2017.
