
Ultramarine
Ultramarine
Ultramarine is a true luxury-expedition vessel designed to merge elegant comfort with unmatched adventure in the polar regions. Equipped with **two twin-engine helicopters**, this cutting-edge ship enables access to remote landscapes unreachable by conventional expedition vessels. Its intimate capacity of 199 guests ensures personalized service and a refined atmosphere. Guests enjoy spacious suites, expansive wildlife-viewing decks, and premium amenities like a spa, sauna, theater, and Zodiac hangar. Ultramarine seamlessly blends sophistication and daring spirit.
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Ship Statistics

2010
Launch Year

10944
Gross Tonnes

142
Length

18
Width

EUR
Currency

14
Max Speed (Knots)

264
Capacity

145
Crew

132
Cabins
Facilities
Accommodation
Ultramarine offers 102 suites across nine categories, each crafted to keep guests close to the polar landscape. Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies, private bathrooms with heated floors, and thoughtful amenities to enhance comfort and connection with the environment.
Stateroom & Suite Categories
- Ultra Suite (≈ 52 m² / 563 ft²) — The most expansive suite onboard, offering a separate living area, bedroom, walk‑in closets, and a step‑out balcony (~4 m² / ~46 ft²).
- Owner’s Suite (≈ 41 m² / 446 ft²) — Premium suite with generous living space, bedroom, and a private balcony (~4 m² / ~46 ft²).
- Penthouse Suite (≈ 34 m² / 369 ft²) — Two‑room layout with large balcony (~6 m² / ~67 ft²), set on Deck 7 for elevated views.
- Terrace Suite (≈ 32.5 m² / 350 ft²) — Extra living space and an oversized terrace (~9.3 m² / ~100 ft²) ideal for outdoor wildlife watching.
- Deluxe Balcony Suite (≈ 28 m² / 299 ft²) — Spacious stateroom with a balcony (~6.5 m² / ~70 ft²) and premium amenities.
- Balcony Suite (≈ 21 m² / 226 ft²) — Entry‑level suite with private outdoor balcony (~5 m² / ~52 ft²) and excellent value.
- Explorer Suite (≈ 27 m² / 285 ft²) — Generous ocean‑view stateroom without a balcony, perfect for guests prioritizing space over outdoor access.
- Explorer Triple (≈ 27 m² / 285 ft²) — Similar size to Explorer Suites, configured for three guests; ideal for small groups or friends.
- Solo Panorama Suite (≈ 12 m² / 130 ft²) — Compact single‑occupancy suite with floor‑to‑ceiling window, designed for solo travellers.
Dining
Culinary Philosophy
Dining onboard Ultramarine focuses on elegance and quality, crafted from seasonal and locally inspired ingredients. Meals range from buffet-style breakfasts to refined à la carte dinners, ensuring adventurous palates are met with sophistication.
Restaurants & Bars
- Balena Restaurant: The main dining venue offering multi-course meals in a stylish setting, with ocean views from every table.
- Bistro 487: Casual indoor-outdoor bistro ideal for light meals and relaxed dining.
- Panorama Lounge & Bar: Glass-enclosed lounge serving curated drinks with breathtaking surroundings.
Onboard Facilities
The interiors reflect a modern, elegant aesthetic, while offering seamless connections to the outdoors—perfect for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Indoor & Outdoor Common Areas
- Ambassador Theatre: Features a high-resolution LED screen for lectures, films, and presentations.
- Panorama Lounge & Bar: Cozy seating with uninterrupted views—a hub for socializing or reading.
- Library & Polar Boutique: A well-lit reading room and a shop stocked with cold-weather essentials.
- Tundra Spa & Sauna: Spa treatments, sauna, and steam rooms designed for pre/post expedition relaxation.
- Fitness Center & Yoga Room: Full gym and yoga space with views to the outside.
- Zodiac Hangar with Two Ready Rooms: Water-level hangar housing 20 Zodiacs with four embarkation points for efficient on/offboarding.
- Wraparound Deck: Full outdoor deck space for wildlife viewing and scenic immersion.
- Helidecks (x2): Allows for helicopter excursion operations directly from the ship.
Deck Plans
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More Information About Ultramarine
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
Brand Heritage
Quark Expeditions, founded in 1991 in Seattle, is a leader in polar expedition travel. Ultramarine—launched in 2021—is the flagship luxury-expedition vessel in Quark’s fleet. It honors the company’s dedication to innovation, personalized experiences, and environmental responsibility.
Design Description
Ultramarine is built to navigate polar conditions with elegance. The exterior is sleek and ice-classed (1A+ PC6), while interiors incorporate soft tones, expansive windows, and warm Nordic touches that maintain a refined yet adventurous atmosphere.
Unique Features
- Two Twin‑Engine Helicopters: Exclusive access to remote areas, unparalleled in expedition cruising.
- Zodiac Hangar with 20 Boats: Quick-launch, four embarkation points enable spontaneous exploration.
- MAGS Waste‑to‑Energy System: Converts onboard waste into power, reducing environmental impact.
- Wraparound Outdoor Decks: More wildlife-viewing spaces than typical expedition ships.
- Ambassador Theatre: High-resolution LED screen ideal for educational programming.
The onboard experience is immersive—blending education, culture, and convenience to complement expedition expeditions.
- Lectures & Film Screenings in theatre by expedition team experts.
- Live Demonstrations & Workshops on wildlife photography, polar science, and environmental topics.
- Bridge Visits for a behind-the-scenes look at ship operations and navigation.
Daily programming offers:
- Helicopter Excursions in remote locations only accessible by air.
- Zodiac Cruising for wildlife observation and shore landings.
- Sea Kayaking, Camping & Polar Plunges (seasonal, itinerary-dependent).
- Hiking & Snowshoeing onshore adventures with expert guides.
- Citizen‑Science & Photo Outreach with onboard naturalists and scientists.
- Tundra Spa & Sauna: Treatments, sauna, steam room for relaxation.
- Fitness Center & Yoga Room: Equipped spaces for workouts and yoga sessions.
- Medical Facility: 24/7 staffed clinic and full safety protocols onboard.
Eco-Friendly Practices
- MAGS System: Onboard waste-to-energy generator reducing environmental footprint.
- Ice‑Class 1A+ / PC6 Hull: Allows entry into delicate polar ecosystems with minimal disturbance.
- IAATO & AECO Membership: Aligned with industry best practices for responsible polar tourism.
Certifications & Awards
- Polar Promise: Quark Expeditions’ formal sustainability initiative.
- Multiple industry accolades for environmental responsibility and expedition excellence.
- Accommodations: “The cabin was very clean and comfortable, providing everything we needed for a relaxing stay onboard.” – Emanuela & Roberto, Cruise Critic
- Dining: “The restaurant and bistro served fantastic food for all three meals, with plenty of variety each day.” – Cruise Critic review, Cruise Critic
- Entertainment & Excursions: “The expedition team’s late-night talks were engaging and insightful. Helicopter and Zodiac excursions were highlights of the trip.” – Cruise Critic review, Cruise Critic
- Health & Safety: “Even during severe weather, the crew ensured everyone was safe and comfortable, demonstrating exceptional professionalism.” – Cruise Critic review, Cruise Critic
Ultramarine´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal