SEATTLE — Quark Expeditions is now an official member of CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. 

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 65,000 global travel agents and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines, as well as a certified travel agent community and widespread industry stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services.

On joining the association, Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions said: ““We’re extremely proud to be a new member of CLIA, an industry association whose values are so closely aligned with ours. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise environment, promoting positive travel experiences for guests around the world. That mission mirrors the values that have fuelled the passion and expertise of Quark Expeditions since we took our very first guests to the North Pole in 1991. One of our main drivers at Quark Expeditions is our commitment to ‘go beyond,’ a philosophy deeply ingrained in the CLIA network of travel professionals.”

 Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO, said the addition of Quark Expeditions as a global cruise line member helps highlight the growing significance of small-ship expedition cruising within the industry.

“Quark Expeditions has been a pioneer in expedition cruising for more than 30 years, taking guests to the Arctic, Antarctic and other remote destinations,” said Craighead. “Small-ship expedition cruising is one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of cruising’s growth, so we’re delighted to have Quark Expeditions join our global community at a time when there’s so much energy and innovation in the sector.”