Getting to Know Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine

Though Quark Expeditions operates a fleet of three ships in Antarctica and two in the Arctic, the line only owns one of the vessels, the 199-passenger Ultramarine. While it is not the newest ship in the Quark fleet, it is the most luxurious and the only one specifically built for Quark with both robust exploration and comfort in mind.

For travel advisors thinking about putting their clients on a Quark Expeditions sailing and trying to decide between ships, here are some important details to know about Ultramarine.

Ultramarine’s Accommodations

Ultramarine’s accommodations are some of the nicest we’ve come across on an any expedition ship. There are no inside rooms, and the vast majority have a balcony. All rooms have spacious bathrooms with dual-showerhead showers and heated floors.

One thing to know, while Quark refers to the ship as an all-suite vessel, most of the staterooms are not, in fact, suites, as they blend living and sleeping spaces.

Regardless of whether they’re technically suites are not, staterooms on Ultramarine are roomy and comfortable, with lots of storage space – probably more than most people need for a one-week cruise.

The smallest category on the ship is 132 square feet and are dedicated solo accommodations. These Solo Panorama rooms (there are six of them on Deck 6) are designed specifically for solo cruisers and feature one single bed tucked in along the wall so there’s still plenty of open space.

The best part of these rooms – besides the fact they’re priced for solo travelers – are the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are great for staring out at the amazing scenery. (They’re the only staterooms onboard with floor-to-ceiling windows.)

All other staterooms are at least 150 square feet larger, with the next level up the 285-square-foot Explorer Suite and Explorer Triple, which make up all the staterooms on Deck 3. The two Triples feature three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed). All have large windows.  

The vast majority of staterooms onboard are Balcony Suites and Deluxe Balcony Suites (Decks 4 and 6). The former have 226 square feet of indoor space, with 52-square-foot balconies, while the latter have 299 square feet of indoor space and 70-square-foot balconies. There are four connecting suites in this category. Beyond their size, the two categories are basically the same with lots of storage space and a full bath.

The rest of the accommodations are the Terrace Suites (two on Deck 6), Owner’s Suite (one on Deck 6), Ultra Suite (one on Deck 6), and Penthouse Suites (eight on Deck 7). All of these suites come with an onboard Wi-Fi credit, included laundry, and in-suite dining during scheduled meals. Though all of these categories have a sofa bed, they are generally only available for one or two passengers. However, a child might be accepted as a third guest in the room upon request.

Terrace Suites are approximately 350 square feet of indoor space and have the largest balconies on the ship – 100 square feet.

The Owner’s Suite is approximately 446 square feet of indoor space with a 46 square foot balcony. This is one of the few actual suites onboard with two separate living areas and private bedroom (with walk-in closet). Guests staying in the Owner’s Suite also get an included spa package, upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable, and included arrival transfers where applicable.

The only staterooms on Deck 7 are the six Penthouse Suites, which measure approximately 369 square feet of indoor space and have 67-square-foot balconies. These are not true suites, as the bedroom is not separate from the large living area. The best part of these staterooms is that the beds face the balcony doors, providing unobstructed views of the outside without leaving the bed.

The largest suite onboard Ultramarine is the Ultra Suite, which measures approximately 563 square feet of living space, with a 46-square-foot balcony. Like the Owner’s Suite, it is a true suite with two separate living areas and a private bedroom with walk-in closet. Guests staying in the Ultra Suite also get an included spa package, upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable, and included arrival transfers where applicable.

Ultramarine’s Onboard Amenities & Activities

While Quark’s entire raison d’etre is to get passengers off its ships, Ultramarine still has plenty for all the time in-between excursions.

Starting up top on Deck 7, guests will find the Panorama Lounge & Bar. This is a popular spot, where people come to read (the library is located in a corner here and has lots of educational books, itinerary-related memoirs, and more for borrowing), and watch the passing scenery through the floor-to-ceiling windows which surround much of the space. Guests will also find board games, decks of cards, and more, as well as several sets of binoculars for people to use from inside the lounge or outside on the Observation Deck.

The Panorama Lounge is where guests can go for a snack 24/7 and the coffee machine has a variety of coffees, teas, and hot chocolate. During the evening (and some afternoons), the bar is open, with a wide selection of included beverages. In the evening, there’s often music or there might be fun activities. (Guests on our sailing played a rollicking game of musical bingo one night.)

Immediately outside the Panorama Lounge is the main observation deck (there’s a wraparound deck on Deck 5 as well). This is where the Expedition Team sets up scopes on tripods (usually three or four) whenever there’s wildlife spotted.

Also on Deck 7 is the fitness center, spa, and sauna, which has beautiful outdoor views. The fitness center is small but has everything you need to keep your exercise routine going. The spa, also small, with just two treatment rooms, has a number of massage, facial, and body treatments to choose from, for pretty reasonable prices.

(Travel advisors should note that Ultramarine is the only ship in the Quark fleet that does not have a pool or a hot tub, just in case that’s something important to their clients.)

The Lecture Theater (and bar) is on Deck 5 and is where guests gather every night before dinner for a recap of the day’s activities and a preview of the next day’s. This is also the location for most of the educational presentations offered either during the day when there’s time or in the evening (thanks to its nearly floor-to-ceiling-sized movie screen). The Captain’s Welcome and Farewell (with farewell dance night) also take place here.

(Speaking of the Captain’s Farewell, travel advisors should note that any guests located in the rooms right below or above the Lecture Theater will be kept awake late on the last night by loud music, as the night owls amongst the guests dance their last night away.)

Not normally a space that guests get to visit, the open Bridge policy maintained by Quark Expeditions means that cruisers can visit the Deck 6 Bridge whenever it’s open (which is most of the time). It’s a great way to know the Captain and his team, and is often where wildlife is first spotted from.

Finally, the Polar Boutique on Deck 3 has a nice selection of clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.

Getting Off of Ultramarine

While the onboard features of Ultramarine are the point of this article, a Quark Expeditions sailing is all about getting off the ship and Ultramarine makes that easy. (With a few exceptions – like sailing the Drake Passage – Quark offers twice-daily excursions every day Ultramarine is operating.)

Except where docked in a port, all embarkation and disembarkation of Ultramarine is done from Deck 2, with most occurring at the aft embarkation marina. However, the ship also has port and starboard embarkation zones as well if required. (A side embarkation zone was used on our Svalbard sailing for the polar plunge.)

Getting into and out of the Zodiacs does require passengers to maneuver some steps –more for the side embarkation points than the aft one. But the aft marina platform is solid and does not move with the waves, making the entire process much easier.

The Zodiacs, of which there are 24 stored onboard in a water-level hangar, are quickly hoisted out of the ship and into the water on both the port and starboard side, simultaneously. It takes less than 30 minutes to get the Zodiacs out and ready for guests.

(The hangar is also where the sea kayaks and paddler kayaks are stored.)

Before getting into and out of the Zodiacs, guests head to the Ready Rooms – there are two, which cuts down on the crowding. Passengers are assigned to a smaller group – and assigned a locker where they can store their waterproof boots (provided on loan by Quark) and whatever else they’d like to leave there between excursions. The groups and lockers are assigned – and called down – in such a way that no one is every in anyone else’s way while getting ready.

Deck 8’s two helipads are where the ship’s two twin-engine H145 helicopters are operated from. Getting to the helipads for helicopter-based excursions requires guests to climb about 10 or so steps.

Ultramarine’s Dining

Ultramarine has two restaurants onboard: the main dining venue: Balena and a secondary restaurant, Bistro 487, which is only open when the ship is at or near capacity.

Balena takes up about the forward third of Deck 5. A variety of table configurations can seat two to up to 10 guests at a time, and all tables feature views of the wraparound deck. Breakfasts and lunches in Balena are buffet-style. The area in which the buffet is set up can get a bit crowded, especially around the omelet stations in the morning and the daily themed stations at lunch.

Bistro 487 (which was closed during our early season Svalbard cruise) offers quicker, grab-and-go options for lunch, selections from the main menu at dinner, as well as some healthy eating options. On sailings where the Bistro is open, daily snacks can also be found here. The Bistro also has outdoor seating for days the weather is cooperative.

Both venues always have vegan and gluten-free options readily available.

Service Onboard Ultramarine

Service onboard Ultramarine is top notch, truly some of the best we’ve experienced at sea from any cruise line. From the massive Expedition Team (25 strong on our Svalbard cruise) to the waiters and bartenders and even the Bridge Crew. Without fail, all crew are friendly and eager to serve to make sure everyone onboard has the best possible Polar experience.

Expedition Team members are always ready to answer any questions guests have. They’re passionate about the natural world and are enthusiastic about sharing what they know. Most take the time to dine with passengers throughout the cruise, creating a more personal experience for everyone.

Waiters and bartenders are quick to get to know guests, especially those guests that choose a section of the dining room and stick to it. Cruisers can expect several crew members to get to know their names, and even their favorite drinks (or ice cream desserts).