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Travelmarvel, the premium arm of APT Travel Group, and Quark Expeditions are partnering on a purpose-built vessel scheduled to enter service in 2029.
The builder was not disclosed. Currently under development and not yet named, the vessel will feature 99 suites, and its PC6 ice-class hull will enable Antarctic operations.
The agreement brings together Travelmarvel's expertise in premium cruising and Quark Expeditions' more than three decades of specialisation in polar exploration.
As part of a 10-year charter agreement, Travelmarvel will deploy the vessel in the Mediterranean, while Quark Expeditions will operate the ship during the Antarctic season beginning in 2029/30.
The premium small ship represents one of the most significant investments in APT's history and its first ocean vessel designed and built specifically for the brand.
For Quark Expeditions, this will expand the ways guests can explore Antarctica aboard a vessel designed to support active, immersive experiences on and beyond the ship
Quark Expeditions will work closely with Travelmarvel throughout the ship's development, contributing its operational and polar expertise to help prepare the vessel for Antarctic expedition travel.
"This is an important step in Travelmarvel's UK & Ireland growth and reflects our ambition to offer our guests premium small-ship experiences in some of the Mediterranean's most compelling destinations. It will also give our travel agent partners an exciting and genuinely distinctive new product to offer their customers" said Paul Melinis, managing director UK and Europe, APT Travel Group.
"This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared commitment to thoughtful small-ship exploration," said Sam Seward, president of Quark Expeditions.
"By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have an opportunity to help prepare a ship that is truly built for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features needed to help guests get off the ship efficiently and experience more of Antarctica."
"Partnering with Quark Expeditions allows us to maximise the potential of this incredible vessel year-round, pairing our strengths in relaxed, enriching ocean cruising with Quark's unmatched expertise in polar expedition travel," APT Travel Group CEO David Cox said.
"This is about giving guests access to two extraordinary experiences on one ship, backed by two of the best names in travel," Cox said.
Further details about the vessel, including its name, complete specifications and inaugural Mediterranean and Antarctic itineraries, will be announced closer to launch.
The announcement of the APT/Quark partnership follows Travelmarvel's return to Egypt after a decade.
Built for the Nile, Travelmarvel Sirius, which carries 124 passengers across 62 cabins, completed her maiden sailing from Luxor to Aswan this month.
