Ultramarine
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Gre...Antarctica
Gre...Antarctica
When it comes to the polar regions, Quark Expeditions has done it all. The veteran line has a well-earned reputation for adventure, sailing to the world’s remotest places, from the North Pole, to the Norwegian polar bear paradise of Svalbard, to South Georgia Island, sometimes known as the Serengeti of the South Atlantic. But they’ve never before had the pleasure of doing so aboard a ship like Ultramarine. Read More
Purpose-built in a Croatian shipyard (and finished in Italy), every detail here was tailored to the mission of sailing to the ends of the earth. Far from the rough-and-ready Russian research ships used in earlier voyages, Ultramarine is ultra-comfortable, in both public spaces and massive state rooms. But it’s the expedition features that set it apart.
The ship has an internal “zodiac hangar” to quickly deploy its 20 small craft. Twin ready rooms help for fast disembarkation when there’s a polar bear to spot, or an iceberg to photograph. An ice-strengthed hull means the ship can sail in conditions that many others cannot. And twin Airbus helicopters on the top deck provide views of the arctic and Antarctic that even veteran travelers to these regions have never before seen. They’ll drop guests in spectacular places never before visited by humans on heli-hike trips, as well as camping excursions and alpine kayaking.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Most of the state rooms on board are relatively massive, comparable to a luxury liner, versus an expedition ship. The smallest are tailored to solo travelers (Solo Panorama), a series of 132-square-foot cabins that, despite being an entry-level room, still include luxuries like floor-to-ceiling windows, refrigerators and private bathrooms with heated floors. The staple state room is the Balcony Suite, where sliding doors lead to 52-square-foot balcony. A small divider between bedroom (which can be configured as two twins or one double) and a separate sitting area (with sofa bed) adds to the sense of space. A number of larger suites are also available, including the Ultra Suite, which includes a private bedroom, two walk-in closets, and a bathroom with a deep-soaker bathtub. (Certain suites also include upgraded services, like in-room dining and free laundry.)
There are no accessible cabins on this ship.
Food & Drink
At present, all dining takes place in the Balena Restaurant, where, despite the single venue, the culinary staff keeps things fresh, constantly rotating meal options. The setting is spectacular, seating ranging from small tables of two to large tables of ten. All are situated in the bow of the ship, overlooking the scenery outside through massive windows. Breakfast and lunch are usually served buffet style, the latter with a salad bar that remains the same each day, as well as an “always available menu” of staples like steaks and burgers, and features that change daily (pasta station, stir-fry station). Dinner is a multi-course affair, with soups, appetizers, salads, mains and desserts, and include upscale options like lobster. A smaller venue, Bistro 487, is currently unavailable but will offer indoor/outdoor dining at some point in the future.
The ship offers two bars on board, one at the back of the Ambassador Theater, which is primarily used during lectures and other events, and the Panorama Lounge, Ultramarine’s primary place to whet your whistle. Set at the fore of the ship on Deck Seven, floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to sip their favourite cocktail while watching the polar splendor roll past. There’s a nook with board games, a long bar, cushy couches, and an open deck. Beer, wine and liquor offerings are ample, with a decent-sized cocktail list. Only wine is included, and only at dinner—all other alcohol comes with an extra charge.
Entertainment
Quark is an expedition operator, so there’s no traditional cruise ship entertainment on board. Instead, the expedition staff, which includes experts in a variety of areas (geology, history, cetations, birds, etc.) give informative lectures in the Ambassador Theater, which are simultaneously shown in state room televisions. There’s also always a daily briefing, usually in the evening just before dinner, where staff recap and extrapolate on the present day’s higher points, and the expedition leader outlines the upcoming 24 hours. All cabins and suites also include large televisions with plenty of TV show and movie options.
Spa & Fitness
The Tundra Spa on Deck Seven is a lovely place to unwind at the end of the day. The sauna is light-filled and lined with Scandi-cool cedar, with plenty of space to stretch out and look outside through floor-to-ceiling windows. Adjacent cushy loungers in a relaxation room have the same view, and guests are welcome to just chill here with a book. There’s also a full menu of spa treatments, and a well-equipped gym, plus a yoga studio.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Quark no longer requires guests to present a printed proof of COVID-19 vaccination or provide a proof of negative PCR test.
Dress Code
There’s no set dress code on board, and no formal nights. However, in general, guests wear smarter clothes to dinner, and may want to bring something a little special for the captain’s cocktail and dinner, toward the end of the voyage.
Junior Cruisers
There’s no specific program for junior cruisers, but the staff is very attentive and can tailor programming to all different ages.
Service
Is, generally, excellent. Servers in the restaurants are friendly and hardworking, even remembering your name and greeting you individually when you enter a venue, and cabin attendants are meticulous. Expedition staff are passionate and always eager to answer any questions, provide explanations, or just have a chat.
Tipping
Is encouraged, but not mandatory. Tips are not automatically added to bills.