Ultramarine – A New Era in Polar Exploration
Ultramarine is Quark Expeditions’ most advanced polar vessel, designed to take expedition travel to new heights. Built specifically for exploring the world’s most remote regions, this state-of-the-art ship blends robust capability with refined comfort, allowing you to venture deeper into the polar landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic. With cutting-edge technology, sustainability at its core, and an impressive suite of adventure tools, Ultramarine redefines what it means to embark on an expedition cruise.
Unlike traditional cruise ships, Ultramarine is not just a means of travel but an integral part of the expedition experience. Its twin-engine helicopters provide exclusive aerial perspectives of ice-choked waters, remote fjords, and breathtaking glacial landscapes. Zodiac embarkation points have been meticulously designed for seamless, efficient off-ship exploration, while the ship’s four embarkation zones ensure that every traveller has more time ashore. From glacier hiking and sea kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and heli-landing excursions, every voyage aboard Ultramarine is an opportunity for discovery.
Life on board is as immersive as the landscapes outside. Large panoramic windows throughout the ship ensure you never miss a moment of the stunning polar scenery, while an industry-leading lecture programme brings the expedition to life with expert insights. With just 199 travellers per voyage, Ultramarine offers an intimate yet exhilarating adventure where every detail is curated to enhance your polar experience.
Ultramarine Accommodation
Ultramarine offers a range of accommodations that strike the perfect balance between comfort and expedition-ready practicality. Each suite is elegantly appointed, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies in select suites ensure uninterrupted views of the ever-changing polar landscapes, allowing you to witness towering icebergs, passing wildlife, and dramatic sunrises from the comfort of your own space.
Every suite is equipped with heated flooring, a spa-inspired bathroom, and high-quality bedding, ensuring warmth and relaxation after an adventurous day in the elements. Thoughtful details such as blackout curtains for polar summer nights, ample storage for expedition gear, and in-suite Nespresso machines elevate the experience. Whether staying in a well-appointed Explorer Suite or the ultra-luxurious Owner’s Suite, comfort and connection to the landscape remain at the heart of the design.
Ultramarine Dining
Dining aboard Ultramarine is a refined yet relaxed affair, where fresh ingredients and expertly crafted menus fuel each day’s exploration. The ship’s main dining room offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, ensuring that no mealtime moment is ever wasted. Menus celebrate a balance of international flavours and regional specialities, with freshly prepared dishes reflecting the best in sustainable cuisine.
The Bistro provides a more casual option, ideal for quick meals before heading out on a Zodiac excursion or a relaxed dinner after a day on the ice. Freshly baked bread, high-quality meats, and locally sourced seafood feature prominently, while an expertly curated wine list complements the experience. Dietary requirements are catered for, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
The Explorer’s Lounge serves as the social hub of the ship, offering a selection of hot drinks, craft cocktails, and fine wines. It’s the perfect place to swap stories with fellow travellers, warm up with a post-excursion coffee, or enjoy an evening drink while watching the shifting landscapes of the polar regions pass by.
Expedition, Exploration & Onboard Facilities
Ultramarine is not just built for travel—it is built for adventure. Every feature of the ship is designed to enhance the expedition experience, allowing you to explore deeper and stay longer in the world’s most remote environments.
During The Day
Expeditions aboard Ultramarine are defined by adventure. With two twin-engine helicopters, the ship offers unrivalled aerial excursions, allowing you to soar over ice-covered landscapes or reach otherwise inaccessible locations for heli-hiking and exclusive landings. The ship’s fleet of 20 Zodiac boats enables smooth and efficient off-ship exploration, taking you closer to towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and breathtaking wildlife encounters.
For those who seek a more hands-on approach, adventure activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and alpine trekking provide unparalleled access to the polar wilderness. The ship’s extensive enrichment programme, led by world-class polar specialists, ensures that every journey is filled with insight and discovery. Onboard lectures, interactive workshops, and expert-led discussions bring the Arctic and Antarctic landscapes to life, deepening your understanding of these extraordinary regions.
When Night Falls
Evenings on Ultramarine offer a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. The Observation Lounge is a prime location for spotting wildlife, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of passing icebergs, polar bears, or migrating whales. The state-of-the-art theatre hosts nightly presentations from expedition leaders, sharing insights into everything from glaciology and climate science to indigenous Arctic cultures and Antarctic wildlife.
For relaxation, the wellness centre offers a full range of treatments, including massages and hydrotherapy sessions designed to rejuvenate tired muscles after an active day. The ship also features a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows—one of the best places onboard to soak in the stunning polar scenery while unwinding in warmth. The outdoor deck areas are perfect for stargazing in the unpolluted night skies or, for those travelling in the right season, witnessing the mesmerising spectacle of the Northern Lights.
Signature Destinations
Ultramarine is designed to explore the farthest reaches of the planet, with itineraries focused on maximising time in the heart of the polar wilderness. Whether navigating the glacial landscapes of Antarctica or charting the icy waters of the Arctic, every voyage is carefully planned to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
In Antarctica, Ultramarine takes travellers deep into the White Continent, offering rare opportunities to set foot on remote islands, traverse vast ice fields, and kayak past towering icebergs. Extended itineraries venture into the legendary Ross Sea or the remote Emperor Penguin colonies of Snow Hill Island.
In the Arctic, the ship sails through the icy fjords of Greenland, the wildlife-rich Svalbard archipelago, and the remote coastlines of Canada’s High Arctic. These voyages offer unparalleled wildlife encounters, from polar bears and walrus colonies to vast seabird cliffs and elusive Arctic foxes.
Book Your Ultramarine Expedition with Us
If you are interested in an expedition aboard Ultramarine and would like more information, or if you would like a quotation for an upcoming voyage, call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please make an online enquiry for your preferred sailing.
