Pioneering Spirit Prevails as the Polar Travel Specialist Leads Innovation in the Arctic with Four New Expeditions and the First Ever North Pole Hot Air Balloon Ascents

Greenland's Northern Lights - Fjords & Tundra Treks - new Arctic 2012 itinerary from Quark Expeditions. (PRNewsFoto/Quark Expeditions)

WATERBURY, Vt., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Quark Expeditions, a polar travel specialist, announced the company's 2012 Arctic expedition schedule, dates, and prices.  The 10 departures include 3 new itineraries, and 1 opportunity of a lifetime – to be one of the first 100 people to literally hover on top of the earth in a hot air balloon.

Hans Lagerweij, President of Quark Expeditions stated, "Quark Expeditions has a history of innovation in the polar regions. I am thrilled to continue this pioneering spirit with new programs and the first hot air balloon ride over the North Pole."