Having spent 6 weeks throughout 3 totally different journeys onboard this lovely ship (with yet another journey arising quickly), we’re thrilled to share all of our expertise on this complete Quark Ultramarine assessment.
The thriller of the polar areas has been fascinating explorers for hundreds of years, with intrepid seafarers navigating treacherous seas in quest of the good unknown onboard questionable vessels.
It wasn’t that way back, comparatively, {that a} journey to the Arctic or Antarctic can be shrouded in uncertainty of whether or not the ship would survive the journey.
This uncertainty is now not a priority, and in the previous couple of years the usual polar expedition ship has advanced to grow to be a grasp of the seas, full of the best know-how obtainable and onboard luxurious that rivals even the best 5-star motels.
Some would say that this has taken away from the romance of a distant expedition, with a number of firms now taking huge cruise ships to the furthest reaches of the planet.
A couple of core operators have caught to the concept of journey although, opting as a substitute to remain true to their values and solely run small-ship excursions with capped passenger numbers, whereas upgrading the general expertise and luxury.
One such firm is Quark Expeditions, the leaders in distinctive and accountable polar journeys.
Boasting a small but spectacular fleet of rugged, research-style ships, they’ve now welcomed into their arsenal the world-class MV Ultramarine, arguably one of many best vessels to sail the Antarctic and Arctic oceans.
Commissioned solely by Quark and constructed in 2021, the MV Ultramarine is a purpose-built polar exploration ship to provide friends and crew the perfect, most secure and most snug experiences, to an extent beforehand unseen within the expedition business.
We have been fortunate sufficient to spend a complete month onboard the Ultramarine on its inaugural season within the western Arctic, and having travelled the world on a wide range of small-group ships, from luxurious yachts to Russian analysis vessels, we are able to attest that the Ultramarine lives as much as its popularity.
READ MORE: Try our complete journey assessment of the Northwest Passage: Within the Footsteps of Franklin journey we did onboard the Ultramarine.
In our complete Ultramarine assessment we share our ideas on the ship, discover each cabin and deck and decide whether or not this new model shouldn’t be solely appropriate however helpful for polar adventures.
Introducing the MV Ultramarine
With expertise working within the polar areas since 1991, the Quark Expeditions staff drew up a dream record of what would make the right polar ship and set to work designing the last word vessel.
Contracting the naval architects LMG Marin in Norway and the shipbuilders Brodosplit and Viktor Lenac Shipyard’s in Croatia, Quark have been concerned in each side of the method to deliver this dream to life.
The tip result’s the Ultramarine, the most recent, ice-strengthened polar tour ship designed particularly for navigating the Arctic and Antarctic, with a precedence on maximising visitor expertise on this a part of the world.
The MV Ultramarine can maintain a most of 199 passengers (200 folks is the utmost quantity that may depart any ship on the identical time within the Antarctic in keeping with IAATO rules) and 140 crew, so not solely does it go this necessary passenger restrict rule, there’s substantial workers obtainable to cowl all wants and necessities for high-end cruise executions.
With a deal with environmentally accountable tourism, Quark ensured that the Ultramarine additionally utilises probably the most sustainable tech obtainable to function, together with particular techniques to transform waste to power, minimise gas consumption and navigate slim passages with out impacting the land or seabed.
Luxurious is paramount onboard, and each nook blends spacious performance with high-end facilities and tasteful decorations.
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There are 8 decks with totally different model cabins, lounge, two bars, two eating places, presentation room, fitness center, spa, reception, prepared room and a fully-stocked retailer.
The most recent addition and debatable spotlight is the 2 twin engine helicopters that permit for off ship experiences reminiscent of scenic flights and landings in locations few folks have ever seen.
Let’s dive deeper into every cabin and deck in our Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine assessment.
The Cabins
There are 9 forms of cabins onboard the Ultramarine catering for all types, teams and budgets.
These vary from the decrease Explorer Cabin proper by way of to the unbelievable Extremely Suite, however reality be advised there’s no ‘lesser’ cabin on the Ultramarine.
Each cabin, no matter class, consists of:
- Snug beds with prime quality pillows, mattress and thread-count sheets
- Flat-screen TV with motion pictures, documentaries and stay streaming of shows
- Personal toilet with full-size bathe and heated flooring
- Baggage and clothes storage
- Lockable protected
- Sitting space
- Small fridge
- Wifi entry
READ MORE: Our detailed Greenland Journey cruise assessment with Quark Expeditions is now stay! Don’t miss it if you happen to’re on the lookout for extra unbelievable Arctic tour concepts.
The Explorer Cabins have giant home windows (not portholes), Solo Panorama has flooring to ceiling home windows, and each cabin above that has their very own non-public balcony.
In the event you’re travelling solo and don’t thoughts sharing with one other adventurer you possibly can go for the Explorer Triple, or if you happen to’d like your personal solo cabin the Solo Panorama means you received’t should share.
Stepping as much as the Suites friends can take pleasure in a personal further vast balcony, remoted rest room, bathtubs and even a separate sitting space.
Many cabins have a selection between a big queen or king-sized mattress, or twin beds, so whether or not you’re travelling with a partner or good friend/member of the family you may be catered for.
We personally stayed in a Balcony Suite and located this to be the right measurement for us, with ample room to unfold out, cost our digicam gear and benefit from the balcony for a quiet drink whereas admiring the impeccable views of the Arctic.
The Panorama Lounge and Bar
Situated on the bow on Deck 7 is the Panorama Lounge, the last word social hub on the Ultramarine.
It’s good place for friends to chill out and unwind on the finish if a giant day’s exploration or to relax within the morning with a cup of espresso whereas watching the landscapes go by.
You’ll discover a mixture of snug chairs and sprawling couches to unfold out on this spacious lounge, and plenty of electrical energy retailers if you happen to’d wish to plug your laptop computer in and edit pictures and movies.
There’s a fully-stocked bar providing boutique beers, wines, cocktails, mocktails, comfortable drinks and snacks, and a espresso and tea station with a push-to-operate espresso machine.
On the again you’ll discover a library and studying space with a lot of books centered on the wildlife, landscapes and historical past of the polar areas obtainable to borrow.
Show models showcasing native artwork and relics are scattered across the room, and a full-size reproduction of the bridge exhibiting real-time data is on the entrance.
Binoculars and scopes are supplied freed from cost for visitor use too.
The rationale the Panorama Lounge will get its title although is the large home windows that wrap across the room, giving 180-degree views so you possibly can sit and stare out whereas shielded from the weather.
This room additionally provides entry to the big Panorama Deck for the perfect out-in-the-elements vistas, which is the place you’ll discover all of the friends hanging when navigating sea ice, slim passages or when recognizing wildlife.
Once we weren’t sleeping, consuming or out on excursions, we spent nearly all of our time right here within the Panorama Lounge consuming espresso and making buddies.
That is additionally the place we noticed our first ever polar bear and noticed a pod of 30 orcas encompass the ship, so it pays to at all times be prepared with digicam helpful.
The Balena Restaurant
The principle restaurant on the ship is the Balena Restaurant, which has a wide range of totally different sized tables for friends to take a seat at, from intimate two-person units and round cubicles to giant, spherical tables good for teams.
Situated on Deck 5, there’s two sections to the Balena Restaurant – the entrance part which is extra like a lounge and the intense, again part which has extra of a diner really feel.
Within the center is an extended, double-sided buffet, devoted dessert station, small bar the place every day particular meals themes are supplied (reminiscent of stir fry or sushi) and a soup station.
The Balena Restaurant has self-serve meals through the day, a-la-carte at evening, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bistro 487
In the event you’d favor a extra informal and quieter meal you’ll discover Bistro 487 on Deck 7.
That is the right place to seize one thing fast and simple, and there’s each indoor and outside seating preparations.
The Bistro was closed to friends throughout our Arctic journey and as a substitute was the devoted workers consuming space on account of COVID restrictions.
As soon as the pandemic is over workers will eat with friends and the Bistro 487 will probably be open to all people.
The Ambassador Theatre
One of many highlights of any journey to the polar areas is the chance to be taught from specialists within the business, and Quark Expeditions has prided themselves on hiring the world’s finest and most celebrated leaders.
From marine biologists and ornithologists to skilled photographers and polar historians, friends are continuously educated on each side of their journey to make sure they’ve a deeper understanding of the locations they’re travelling.
The polar specialists aren’t simply came upon within the subject sharing their data – they usually put collectively in-depth shows with slideshows, movies and details on sea days and between shore excursions.
The Ambassador Theatre on the Ultramarine is the place these lectures often happen, and this large auditorium is provided with sufficient house for each visitor to affix.
There’s a excessive decision LED display on the entrance and extra TVs on the edges so all people can see what’s being displayed, and a very good audio setup all through.
In the event you’re feeling thirsty there’s additionally a small bar and also you’re welcome to deliver your personal drinks too.
These shows are additionally broadcasted stay to each cabin, so if you wish to watch one of many lectures however don’t really feel like leaving your room you possibly can change on the TV and never miss something.
Within the evenings the Ambassador Theatre is the place the end-of-day wrap-ups by the expedition leaders happen.
The Tundra Spa and Sauna
Simply since you’re in furthest reaches of the planet doesn’t imply your physique has to endure, and the Tundra Spa on the Ultramarine ensures that you just’ll be as refreshed and pampered as doable throughout your voyage.
Certified spa and wonder therapists provide a spread of therapies, from full-body massages to facials, and these might be booked immediately on board.
There’s additionally a steam room, non-public showers, lounges and our private favorite facilities – the Tundra Sauna.
The Tundra Sauna is an impeccably-designed full-size timber sauna with panoramic home windows staring out to the strict facet of the ship.
We didn’t personally get any spa therapies right here (we did use the sauna and steam room although), however the friends we chatted to who did all raved about it.
Health Middle
Don’t do what we did and placed on weight throughout your voyage (hey, the desserts and meals have been simply too good).
As an alternative hit up the Health Middle, full of state-of-the-art fitness center tools together with weights, treadmills, a rowing machine and bicycles.
The Prepared Rooms
Down on Deck 2, the place you hop on and off the ship, are two giant ‘Prepared Rooms’ for friends to retailer their moist climate and chilly climate expedition gear and prep for excursions.
You’ll be assigned a locker while you test in, and that is the place you’ll discover your private floatation system (PFD), mosquito head nets and provided muck boots to alter into earlier than heading out for zodiac adventures.
By having these Prepared Rooms friends will guarantee they don’t trek mud by way of the ship, whereas additionally stopping cross contamination, and you may as well preserve your waterproof pants and jacket right here if you happen to’d wish to preserve your cabins clear by not bringing in moist outerwear.
Friends are cut up into zodiac teams to make sure the Prepared Rooms are by no means too crowded.
Reception
In the event you ever have any questions on your cabin, voyage or expertise, head all the way down to the reception on Deck 3 the place the pleasant workers can reply something in your thoughts, or immediately observe down one other member of the staff to assist.
Throughout from the Reception can also be a small media centre with two public computer systems the place you possibly can edit your pictures and movies, or dump your content material into the shared folders for different friends to make use of.
Polar Boutique
The Polar Boutique on Deck 3 is the Ultramarine Store the place you should buy absolutely anything you want, or need, in your journey.
This isn’t only a memento retailer with t-shirts and plush toys. It’s additionally a fully-stocked journey gear store, with gloves, beanies, pants, jackets and digicam tools in case you’ve forgotten something at residence.
It’s moderately priced as properly. We purchased some pairs of Icebreaker thermals and so they have been the identical value as what we’d pay again residence in Australia.
The Bridge
The Bridge on Deck 6 is the place the captain and his officers spend all their time controlling the Ultramarine by way of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Usually the ship has an ‘open bridge’ coverage, which means friends are welcome to return in and hand around in the bridge each time they’d like (apart from in troublesome sea or navigating situations), however throughout out journey it was closed on account of COVID insurance policies.
We’ll replace this text when there is no such thing as a longer a restriction on friends visiting the bridge.
The Decks
Up to now you’ve heard all about how superb it’s contained in the ship, however let’s be trustworthy – when one thing thrilling is occurring exterior the final place you’re going to be is sitting in your cabin watching TV.
You’re going to wish to be out on the decks watching the expertise unfold, and by chance the Ultramarine has 360-degree views because of its three most important public decks.
Entrance View Decks
On decks 5 and seven you’ll discover large open-air decks on the bow of the ship, which is the right place to hold when the ship is pushing its means by way of locations just like the Lemaire Channel or Disko Bay.
Rear Decks
Behind the Ambassador Lounge is the rear deck, which has sufficient room to run round with cameras and watch the drama of the polar plunge unfold beneath you.
Wraparound Deck
If you want to do some strolling laps on the Ultramarine then Deck 5 is the place to do it.
With their full wraparound deck house you possibly can take pleasure in a stroll or view the panorama or wildlife from all angles.
They even have mounted chairs out the again so that you can sit and finish the view from the again of the ship.
The Ultramarine Expertise
The ship itself supplies the last word base for distant journey in true consolation, however the whole expertise of being on board the Quark Ultramarine is what makes it the perfect polar expedition ship within the business.
The Crew
Throughout our month travelling the Arctic with Quark Expeditions, there have been a variety of unbelievable reminiscences, improbable experiences and nice surprises.
The locations have been thoughts blowing, the ship was every little thing we hoped it might be, however reality be advised what actually made our journey as spectacular because it was got here all the way down to the crew onboard.
We’re not speaking in regards to the Quark Expedition Group (who have been very good), however the resort and restaurant workers of the Ultramarine who’re a everlasting fixture.
Quark’s Ultramarine crew are an incredible bunch of the nicest and most attentive folks we’ve ever come throughout in our greater than 15 years travelling the world.
Hailing from a complete number of nations, together with the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the UK and many extra, the workers took care of our each want with a stage of service we’d by no means seen earlier than.
Our room attendant, Nieves was like a caring sister who went out of her means to make sure each a part of our keep was good. The identical was stated of each different friends’ room crew too.
The reception workers at all times had a smile on their faces and no situation was too large to resolve.
The restaurant, cooks and bar workers…the place will we even begin?
From day 1 they memorised each single passenger’s title and dietary necessities, and so they have been a continuing supply of laughter and camaraderie for us.
They took the time to get to know all of us personally, whereas cracking jokes, checking on our journey expertise and catering to each want.
The ship officers, engineers and all people else have been past something we ever may have anticipated.
By the tip of the journey, these folks had grow to be our buddies, and we’d journey onboard the Ultramarine once more only for them.
We may write a complete article nearly how particular the crew of the Ultramarine are, however belief us after we say they’re the guts and soul of the ship.
Meals
A ship of this calibre has delicacies to match, and the meals onboard was so good we really gained weight regardless of all of the actions.
Each meal has all kinds of choices to cater for all diets, necessities and needs.
Breakfast included every little thing from absolutely cooked spreads and pastries (ready by the devoted pastry chef) to wholesome muesli and fruits.
Lunches have been buffet model, and they might usually have meals themes reminiscent of Mexican, sushi, stir fries and extra.
For dinner the meals are a la carte, and the menu often covers dishes with purple meat, hen, fish and vegetarian choices.
The meals might be as fancy or so simple as you need, and if you happen to simply felt like a steak and chips for instance that was made to order with no second’s hesitation.
Each single day was a special menu, and excluding breakfast we hardly ever got here throughout the identical factor twice.
And the desserts…
At lunch there’s a full dessert station with ice cream, gelato, pastries, cookies and different delicacies, and at time for dinner you’ll discover traditional fare reminiscent of crème brûlée or tiramisu (with ice cream and brownies at all times obtainable.
Each single meal we’d say to ourselves ‘no dessert’ after which we’d see what was out and we’d collapse.
Drinks
You’ll discover each sort of drink you’d ever need within the restaurant and bars, from cocktails and craft beer to high quality wine and comfortable drink.
Throughout meal occasions wine and beer is included, and out of doors of meals you possibly can cost these to your room.
The costs are fairly cheap too (USD$3.50 for a bottle of native beer for instance), which is the exact opposite of what you discover on regular cruise ships.
There’s a espresso machine and tea station within the Panorama Lounge that’s open 24 hours a day, and filter water machines on each deck.
Embarkation
Deck 2 is the place you get on and off the ship, and since the Ultramarine was designed from the bottom up for optimum passenger expertise, this might not be any simpler.
The ship has 4 embarkation factors at water stage – two on the strict, one on the starboard and one on the port.
This ensures that the expedition staff can load and unload zodiacs on whichever facet is calmest for minimal danger.
Once you’re on the embarkation factors a number of Ultramarine crew are at all times there to carry onto, and they’re absolute specialists at getting the zodiacs safe.
For landings the place you possibly can stroll off the ship they’ve an extended, ramped gangway such as you’ll discover on different cruise strains.
Zodiac and Kayak Launch
The strict of deck 2 is the place all of the zodiacs and kayaks are saved in an enclosed, safe surroundings.
There are two hydraulic lifts on both facet of the ship to assist deploy the tools in a short time, which suggests if one thing particular occurs (a pod of whales seems for instance) and the expedition chief needs to get execute some spontaneous off ship adventures, the zodiacs might be dropped into the water in a matter of minutes.
The Helicopters
After all the principle drawcard of the MV Ultramarine are the 2 helicopters they’ve onboard, which permit for off ship adventures have beforehand been all however not possible for the common particular person within the polar areas.
The 2 twin engine Airbus H145 helicopters are model new, state-of-the-art and gas environment friendly choppers, flown by skilled ex-British army pilots and maintained by military-trained engineers.
These helicopters are used for a wide range of revolutionary itineraries and actions, together with sightseeing flights, heli-skiing, -hiking, -kayaking and -mountain biking, direct entry to distant polar wilderness and extra.
Seeing locations just like the Antarctic Peninsula or southern coasts of Greenland by air is one thing you’ll always remember, and Quark are pioneering this sort of expertise within the expedition cruising business.
Know-how and Security on the Ultramarine
The MV Ultramarine is provided with the best requirements in ship know-how and superior security techniques making it one of the sustainable and safe vessels within the sea.
The ice strengthened hull can set sail at a gentle 16 knots with innovative security options permitting the captain to navigate even the narrowest of passages.
Dynamic positioning is feasible by way of GPS, which means the Ultramarine doesn’t should drop its anchor to remain in the identical spot.
Model new evacuation life rafts are fully-equipped to maintain each visitor and crew member protected within the unlikely occasion of an emergency.
MAGS Waste System
One closing ingredient of the Ultramarine we wish to point out is the revolutionary Micro Auto Gasification System, or MAGS.
MAGS are the onboard waste dealing with techniques which flip the waste produced into extra power to energy the ship electrical energy.
In cruising an enormous quantity of wast is produced, and fortunately accountable operators like Quark have profoundly dedicated to not dumping it into the ocean (not like another cruise ship firms in recent times).
However slightly than retailer it till they will unload on a distant group within the Arctic or South America, the Ultramarine can use that waste in a cheap and sustainable means.
With sustainable and accountable tourism extra necessary than ever, particularly when travelling to probably the most remoted locations on this planet, it’s refreshing to see Quark Expeditions main the best way and bettering business requirements with techniques like this.
Closing Ideas – 9/10
That’s it for our Quark Ultramarine assessment, and we hope we’ve managed to reply all of your questions on this contemporary expedition ship.
Whereas not good (for instance we want correct bow entry was obtainable like on different vessels slightly than simply decks 5 and seven), it’s carved its solution to be the best, most superior ship navigating the polar areas.
Having travelled on Russian analysis vessels in Antarctica, luxurious yachts within the Galapagos, schooners within the Chilean fjords and huge cruise ships within the Pacific, we are able to truthfully say we’ve by no means cruised on a vessel as lovely and luxurious because the Ultramarine.
Whereas Quark Expeditions nonetheless have the rugged fan favourites of Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond and World Explorer (the previous we’re travelling on for our NOMADasaurus Tour of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands), the Ultramarine will quickly grow to be the usual that different expedition firms look to match.
With its subsequent stage cabin comforts, excessive finish security options, off ship journey prospects because of the 2 helicopters and huge vary of services just like the Tundra Spa and Ambassador Theatre, you’ll be laborious pressed to search out something higher for expedition travelling.
In the event you’re making an attempt to decide on a visit within the Arctic or Antarctic, and you’ve got the selection of which ship you might be on, we extremely advocate the Ultramarine.
Quark Ultramarine Evaluation – Finest Polar Expedition Ship [2023]
We spent a month travelling on Quark Expeditions’ latest polar exploration vessel. In our Quark Ultramarine assessment we share what it is like onboard.
Product Model:
Quark Expeditions
Professionals
- Excessive-end luxurious in a small ship
- Twin helicopters onboard
- Very good ship crew
- Trendy, sustainable design