Ocean Explorer

Quark Expeditions provides an English-speaking doctor on board who manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.

If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicine. We recommend that you pack an extra two weeks’ supply of medication in case of emergency. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. Should you fall ill, the doctor will refer to the medical forms that you completed and returned to us; therefore it is vital that the information you provide is complete and accurate

To Wear on Board

• Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)
• Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
• Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities)
• Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)

Just a reminder: no formal evening wear required on our voyages! (but if you want to you can bring a little something more dressy for the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell cocktail parties)

Additional Items

• Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required
• Camera gear complete with charger, storage medium, transport & cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries
• Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
• Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
• Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
• Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes)
• Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
• Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
• Insect repellant
• Mosquito netting

For Shore Excursions & Hiking

In addition to the mandatory gear requirements (as above) for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring:

• Worn-in Hiking footwear: While Muck-boots are provided and encouraged for most shore excursions, additional hiking footwear (Goretex-lined boots or similar water-proof hiking boots) can add to your hiking comfort, especially if you are a keen hiker
• (Smart) Wool or synthetic hiking socks for above footwear (bring an extra pair)
• Lightweight and quick-dry, trekking pants that may or may not convert to zip-off shorts* (*depending on your thermo-regulation)
• Breathable waterproof pants* and rain jacket** for outdoor activities in inclement weather (*can be the same pair you use for Zodiac operations / ** can be outer shell of complimentary Quark 3in1 Parka)
• Comfortable long or short-sleeve shirt for hiking either synthetic/quick-dry or merino (smart) wool
• (Hiking) gloves (medium thickness, waterproof preferred)
• Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection)
• UV protection (hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm)
• Collapsible Walking stick for hikes (if required). Quantities are available on every vessel to borrow.
• Additional reusable thermos or water bottle (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)

By Sea & Air

All transfers ship to shore, helicopter flights & Zodiac/ship cruising

• Waterproof Pants (Mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride. For Ultramarine guests who are participating in Helicopter flights, we recommend packing loose fitting rain pant style waterproof pants, rather than fitted ski pants. You will also be required to wear a drysuit, which our team will help you prepare for on the ship.)
• Base-layer wool or synthetic top*
• Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece top*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom*
• Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
• Scarf, buff, or other face protection
• Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
• Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking)
• Glove liners*
• Hand and feet warmers*
• Binoculars
• Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
• Sunscreen
• Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
• Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack &/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera & gear dry)

All guests—including vegetarians, meat-eaters, as well as those who follow a gluten-free diet—will be equally impressed with the dining options on our ships. Quark Expeditions® is able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicate your needs on the required expedition forms when you book your voyage. Menus will be clearly labeled for vegetarian and gluten free options, but please do notify your server of the dietary restrictions you indicated on your form. We regret that kosher food cannot be prepared. 

When you are not busy exploring the natural beauty of the Polar Regions, you may wish to connect with family and friends back home to share some of your voyage highlights. Guests on Quark Expeditions can now enjoy free Wi-Fi as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. This complementary Wi-Fi service permits basic Internet browsing and voice applications.

Please note that we travel to some of the most remote parts of the world. As we utilize satellite equipment for our connection, Wi-Fi signal may be intermittent.

To access email or internet on your personal computer, tablet or smart phone, connect to the network on your device, where you can access our complimentary plan, or purchase Priority Wi-Fi.

Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Lower speeds
• Suitable for basic internet browsing, texting and voice calling using text and voice apps
• Some site filtering
• No charge
• One device logged in at a time

Priority Wi-Fi

• Higher speeds
• Suitable for larger data volume apps, video calling, video streaming (in lower resolutions) etc.
• See rates by logging in
• One device logged in at a time

Find Ocean Explorers itineraries here.