Ultramarine

The Ultramarine offers a variety of cabin options to suit different preferences and budgets. These typically include:

1. Solo Panorama: Designed for solo travellers, featuring a single bed, private bathroom, and a large window with panoramic views.
2. Explorer Suite: Spacious suites with a sitting area, large windows, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed.
3. Balcony Suite: These cabins feature a private balcony, providing stunning views, along with a sitting area and a private bathroom.
4. Deluxe Balcony Suite: Larger than the standard Balcony Suite, these offer more living space, a private balcony, and additional amenities.
5. Terrace Suite: These suites come with an expansive terrace, offering panoramic views and ample outdoor space, along with a comfortable interior.
6. Penthouse Suite: Located on the top deck, these luxurious suites offer premium amenities, a large living area, and a private balcony with stunning views.
7. Owner’s Suite: The most luxurious option, featuring a large living area, a spacious private balcony, premium amenities, and exclusive services.

Children are welcome aboard the Ultramarine, but there are specific policies to keep in mind. Children must be at least 8 years old to sail. Additionally, parents or guardians must supervise any children or teens under 16 at all times, as there are no drop-off programmes available. Excursions considered Adventure Options are not open to children younger than 16, and there are also height and weight requirements for certain activities​.

The sustainability programme on the Ultramarine is part of Quark Expeditions’ broader commitment to protecting the polar regions, known as the Polar Promise. This initiative focuses on several key areas:

1. Technological Innovations: Ultramarine is equipped with advanced sustainability features designed to minimise its environmental footprint. This includes a Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) that converts waste into energy on-site, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with waste transportation.
2. Wildlife Protection: The ship follows strict guidelines from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). These protocols ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and include rules such as maintaining distance from animals and limiting the number of passengers ashore at any one time.
3. Education and Conservation: Onboard, passengers can attend lectures by scientists and experts in glaciology, marine biology, and ornithology. These educational sessions provide insights into the ecosystems of the polar regions and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. Quark Expeditions also supports various conservation projects through onboard auctions, with proceeds going to initiatives like habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring programmes.
4. Operational Practices: The Ultramarine employs practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism. This includes using fuel-efficient engines and implementing measures to lower the overall carbon footprint of their operations.

The Ultramarine supports remote communities through several key initiatives. One notable programme is “Tundra to Table,” where Inuit chefs prepare traditional dishes onboard, offering guests a taste of Indigenous culinary traditions while funding food-focused initiatives in Greenland and Nunavut. Additionally, the ship collaborates with local communities to provide authentic cultural experiences, employing local guides and purchasing supplies locally. Educational programmes on the ship often feature talks by local experts, enhancing guests’ understanding of the region’s cultural and environmental significance. These efforts ensure that the ship’s presence benefits the communities it visits and supports sustainable tourism.

The citizen science programme on the Ultramarine involves passengers in scientific research projects that contribute to a greater understanding of the polar regions. This programme includes activities such as wildlife observation, data collection, and environmental monitoring, where guests work alongside scientists and experts.

Participants may help with:

• Wildlife Surveys: Recording sightings of marine mammals, birds, and other wildlife to assist in population and migration studies.
• Water Sampling: Collecting water samples to monitor ocean health and study the impact of climate change.
• Plankton Sampling: Gathering plankton samples to support research on marine ecosystems and food chains.
• Cloud Observations: Taking cloud cover observations to help climate scientists understand weather patterns in the polar regions.