I was schedule to leave for Ushuaia in 2 days, however, just received word that Quark cancelled the cruise. They had known about engine trouble since November, yet just informed us today. I understand these things happen, but still incredibly dissapointed. Has anyone else had any problems with Quark?

So sorry for you - what a disappointment. We just booked a February cruise with Quark. What boat was it?

It was the Clipper. I'm debating rebooking for next year but not sure if I want to take the risk.

We're on the Clipper too. How did you know the problems date back to November? Did they offer compensation or an alternative if you don't mind me asking. TIA

That's always terrible when something like that happens. I did a search on the internet and can't find any information. It must be the Clipper Adventurer which Quark uses - there is another company offering cruises December 26th and January 13th on the Adventurer and I don't see any cancellations showing up on their website.

I will be on the ship in March in a different region with a different company. I did Antarctica a few years back on the Adventurer and it was a wonderful trip.

Hopefully they make it all good for you with reimbursement.

Yes, it was the Clipper Adventurer. We received a letter on 12/14 stating that a problem arose with the engine in November. It was being repaired, but apparently at the last minute they realized it wouldn't be fixed in time for the voyage departing on 12/19.

Quark did provide full reimbursement. They offered another voyage this year at a discount, however, all of the other voyages during the same time are already sold out, so that that benefit is meaningless. They also offered another voyage for next year at a small discount, although I am still going to be out several hundred dollars for incidentals (just chalking it up to the cost of travel).

I will most likely rebook for next year, but have to decide between the Clipper and the Ocean Diamond.

Again, I completely understand that these things happen, especially in travel to this part of the world. The most important lesson I've learned throughout all of my travels is flexibility. I only wish we had learned about the problem earlier so I could have started looking into other travel opportunities during the same time period.

If you can switch to February of 2012, there seem to be some 30-40% discounts being offered ... got a notice in my email last night. Wish we could go

Thanks for the info travelersusan - hope you can reschedule!

eenusa - got that email a couple of weeks ago and it was our tipping point so we booked at the 30% discount.

We are signed up for an Antarctic cruise on the Clipper Adventurer leaving on February 29th. We understand the ship is now in drydock. Some people clearly have already lost their cruises for this reason. Does anyone know whether the Adventurer will be ready for a February 29th sailing?

Letty Manne - we are also on the February 29th departure. I emailed Quark and they replied the ship is expected back for the December 31 departure...it has several departures before ours and I'm going to follow up to ensure it is operating. Will post here ---- look forward to meeting you!

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for your reply. If we actually get to go we will certainly want to meet you onboard. You have my last name already so perhaps you can look for us.

Letty

We just (Tues. 27th) contacted Polar Cruises, which is our agent for this Antarctica voyage and were told that the ship is out of drydock and on its way to pick up passengers for the voyage on the 28th. That's good news!!!

Thanks Letty! Just think of the nice new engine we'll have for our cruise!

I hope you both have a wonderful time. When you get back, please report on the boat. I'm still debating between rebooking for next year on the Clipper or the Ocean Diamond. According to Quark, the Diamond is nicer and faster... but also larger. I wasn't sure how more people would affect the cruise (getting on the zodiacs, time on land, etc.)

travelersusan - will do. We have a blog while we're away - here is the link although as you can see it's under construction, but if you check back mid March we should have updated it by then

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/brazilandargentina/

Coincidentally - we were at friends on Christmas Day and mentioned we were going to Antarctica. Someone asked us which boat and we said the Clipper Adventurer - they lit up as they had been on it for an Arctic Cruise in 2010. They were very enthusiastic about the boat, the crew, the food - it was all very positive!

We are on the 1/13/12 trip having booked through ExpeditionTrips. They confirmed what Letty was told - passengers were embarking yesterday. I'll call our agent to make sure they actually left Ushuaia!!!