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25 March, 2020

Cruise exceptionally: Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience

By Christian Fleetwood

It’s been 30 years since Quark Expeditions began cruising in the polar regions. And in 2021, the expert polar cruise line is changing the game with the launch of Ultramarine.

A crowning achievement in the eyes of its creators, Quark Expeditions’ latest vessel Ultramarine is designed to adventure to the world’s hardest-to-reach places, as no cruise line has done before.

It’s a bold statement from a cruise line as decorated as Quark, having become the first to make a passenger transit of the Northeast Passage, and to conduct a commercial circumnavigation of Antarctica, among other world firsts.

But with the industry’s widest selection of adventure options, an incredible range of itineraries, and the opportunity for guests to explore the polar regions from land, sea and sky, Ultramarine represents just that: a ground-breaking new leap in expedition cruising.

Among its offerings, Quark Expeditions’ latest vessel is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, which allow travellers to be dropped off in areas otherwise inaccessible to other aircraft, taking them where few have ever gone, with impossible aerial perspectives.

This means unprecedented access to a range of never-before-seen experiences, including flightseeing, heli-landing, heli-skiing, alpine kayaking and mountain biking through the world’s most remote regions. Alongside plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the polar regions’ locals, like our fluffy friend below.

Get up close and personal (Quark Expeditions/David Merron)

Regardless of which pole you choose, your clients will also have access to an incredible range of itineraries and planning tools. But sometimes it’s just great to ditch plans and be spontaneous.

Thanks to a new sea-level Zodiac hangar, travellers can do just that – getting off-ship and on the water in a flash, and spending more time among icebergs and enjoying polar wildlife encounters.

Don’t waste any time or any chances (image: Quark Expeditions/David Merron)

‘Ultra’ in every way

The whole of Ultramarine is designed with the polar regions in mind – this extends to its accommodations, which are designed to keep guests inspired by the regions’ breathtaking landscapes.

Balconies on most suites offer views of icebergs, snow, and wildlife like whales, polar bears, seals and penguins, and ample opportunities for your clients to recharge for the next stage of their adventure in luxury.

With 102 suites across nine categories, including six solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, Ultramarine features the largest entry-level twin suites of its class.

For added luxury and relaxation, guests can take advantage of rejuvenating spa treatments – the best thing after a day spent exploring – and a fitness centre, complete with a separate yoga theatre.

Tread where few have gone before, like the extraordinary footfalls of Svalbard, courtesy of Quark Expeditions (image supplied)

Looking to warm up with a cold view? Quark Expeditions’ newest vessel features a sauna with a stunning view of the polar landscape.

Likewise, in Ultramarine’s appointed public spaces, like the Main Restaurant, guests can soak-in views from every seat alongside quick, easy access to a wraparound balcony and the Panorama Lounge and Bar.

Cruising in style doesn’t have to mean doing wrong by the environment. Thanks to advanced sustainability features, including IMO Tier III-compliant engines, dynamic positioning and Silent E technologies, and a sophisticated gasification system that reduces onboard waste by an incredible 95 per cent, Quark’s newest vessel exceeds all environmental standards.

Thanks to a wraparound balcony, and views from nearly every quarter, you won’t miss a chance for a quick snap (image: Quark Expeditions/David Merron)

To cap it all off, Ultramarine offers ultra-immersive off-shore experiences, ultra-inspiring on-ship experiences, and an ultra-small environmental footprint.

What more could you ask from an expedition cruise vessel? Contact your preferred Quark wholesaler to book today.

Are you ready to ‘Q the Adventure’? For more information on everything Ultramarine, click here.

To follow Ultramarine’s progress, and for updates from Quark Expeditions, follow @quarkexpeditions on Instagram.

Featured image: Helicopter sightseeing, a unique experience offered by Quark Expeditions on Ultramarine (supplied)

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