Ultramarine

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)

If you do not eat meat there is a wide selection of vegetables, pasta, grains and fruit available. Quark Expeditions® is able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicated your needs on the required expedition forms when you booked 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

During days at sea, you’ll enjoy lectures and workshops presented by our Expedition Team and spend time on deck looking for seabirds and cetaceans. Other days are packed full with multiple landings, Zodiac cruises and activities. Exhausting or relaxing, smiles abound as do great meals from your onboard chefs!

We have a number of policies and procedures that help make sure things run smoothly on the Ultramarine, so take a look below to help get the most out of your time aboard.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

While a daily program will be posted, sometimes new opportunities present themselves on short notice – so expect the unexpected and enjoy knowing that staff members are always here to make sure your expedition is as memorable and enjoyable as possible!

SAFETY ON BOARD AND ASHORE

Your safety and security are a top priority for our Expedition Team and crew members. Knowing how to safely move about your ship, act ashore and handle both wet and dry landings will help ensure you have a hassle-free expedition. Please take time to read the instructions in this important safety section.

SAFETY WHILE ON DECK

Be careful while walking around the outer decks, as footing can be slippery. Always use the handrails and wear proper closed-toe, nonslip footwear. Slip-on sandals, slippers or flip flops are neither safe nor suitable for wearing on board.

STAIRS & DOORS

There are high steps in many doorways that lead to the outer decks, please watch your step and proceed with caution. When passing through doorways or walking in your room, do not place your hands around the edges of doors. Be aware that if doors are not closed or latched open properly, they present a danger and can open or close violently and unexpectedly as the ship moves across the sea.

SAFETY BRIEFING & LIFEBOAT DRILL

By international maritime law, you must participate in an emergency drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, you will have a safety briefing to outline appropriate behavior on board, and emergency procedures. Afterward, a drill will be conducted to familiarize you with your lifeboat, life vest and emergency evacuation route. This mandatory drill will be scheduled as soon as possible by the Expedition Leader. You will be provided with full details after you embark.

CONDUCT ASHORE

• For safety reasons, never walk alone while ashore. Always travel with someone else, or as part of a group.
• If weather conditions deteriorate the Captain will sound the return to ship signal (continuous short blasts). If you hear this, immediately return to the landing area or follow instructions from staff members.
• Do not litter. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
• Be punctual, as on time boarding and efficient landings mean we’ll have more time to explore at future landings. 

HELICOPTER SAFETY

The Ultramarine provides an expedition adventure above that of many other ships – by taking you on helicopter excursions. Helicopters allow us to take you on aerial sightseeing adventures, to bays that are inaccessible to shore landings, as well as glaciers high atop mountains!

Please see your expedition brochure for details on whether helicopter activities are offered on your itinerary, as helicopter operations are not permitted in certain regions (for example, Svalbard and South Georgia). Weather conditions permitting, you will find that we make good use of the helicopter operations. As your safety is our first concern, a mandatory briefing will be held before the first helicopter excursion. You will be required to sign the Helicopter Waiver form before your first flight. Please note that the decision to fly is ultimately up to the Pilot in Command who will be working closely with the Captain and Expedition Leader.

You will be assigned to a small group for your flightseeing excursion. Please note that as weather factors and time constraints can shorten the time available for helicopter flights on any given day, no particular day or time can be guaranteed for flightseeing, and all helicopter operations are weather- and logistics-dependent. 

DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR SAFETY

There is some possibility that you could be stranded ashore or on the ice for a period of hours until conditions improve for your helicopter to return. In the unlikely event that you are grounded for a long duration, the Expedition Team will prepare a base camp with a large tent for shelter and emergency supplies. Be sure to always dress warmly in layers, including your Quark Expeditions® parka as your outer layer which is weatherproof in case this eventuality occurs. Bring along extra clothes and water in a small waterproof backpack on each of your helicopter rides. 

ADVENTURE TAKES TIME

Be aware that even in the best conditions, it may take six hours for 100 people to make a 20-minute helicopter flight inland. For efficient operations, weather, or refueling and maintenance, the helicopter may not be available for you to return immediately.

PROCEDURES FOR BOARDING A HELICOPTER:

• Dress warmly for all excursions.
• Follow instructions from the Helicopter Team on life jacket procedures during helicopter excursions.
• Watch your footing on deck, walk slowly and deliberately.
• Stay clear of the helicopter deck.
• Remain at the muster area well away from the helicopter deck until instructed by the Helicopter Team.
• When in a hurry, slow down – the noise of the helicopter can be unsettling.
• An Helicopter Team member will always direct you to the helicopter doors.
• Always approach and leave the helicopter from the front.
• Never approach and leave the helicopter unsupervised.
• Beware of the down-draft.
• Ensure that your belongings are properly secured.
• Carry long items, such as tripods or walking sticks, below your waistline.

SHOWERS AND TOILETS

Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower and heated floors, toilet and wash basin. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided for your use.

ELECTRIC CURRENT

The electrical supply on board is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Passengers coming from the USA and Canada may need to bring a small 220v/110v converter. Before you buy a converter, check your electronics, as most modern cameras, computers and devices are already compatible to use 220/110 volts.

The electrical outlets found in your cabin and around the ship accept standard European two round pin plugs, so you may need to bring a travel adapter. You’ll also find a USB outlet at each bedside, and some in the public presentation spaces.

Please be aware that the electricity supply may not be sufficient to power your electronic devices at all times. It is recommended that you check the voltage of your device before plugging it in, as the device may be damaged if the incoming voltage is higher than that for which it is manufactured. Please see www.quarkexpeditions.com/en/terms-and-conditions for more information.

HAIRDRYERS

There is a hair dryer included in each cabin.

BATHROBES

The bathrobes in your cabins are on loan for you to enjoy for the duration of your expedition.

VALUABLES

Please store your valuables in the safe in your cabin. We recommend you travel with as few valuables as possible.

LAUNDRY

A complete list of laundry fees will be provided on board. Laundry is collected each morning; please allow 48 hours for your laundry to be returned. Ironing services are also available at a minimal charge. We encourage you to take advantage of the laundry services, as it will mean you can pack fewer articles of clothing. If you prefer to hand wash small items in your cabin, please remember to bring environmentally friendly detergent.

WATER

All passengers receive an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle in their cabin upon arrival. There are water filling stations throughout the ship.

ONBOARD ACCOUNTS

To make things as stress-free as possible, items you purchase from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account. Cabin charges can also include laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked on board (space permitting). Payments of shipboard accounts are made towards the end of the expedition, at the reception area. The US dollar is the standard currency on board. You can use cash, Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards to pay your shipboard account. Personal checks are not accepted.

Note: If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise reception.

BRIDGE VISITS

During your voyage you may be given access to the Bridge, where you can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the ship. However, the Captain and Bridge officers do restrict access during arrivals and departures from port and during times of complicated navigation. As the Bridge is an important working area on the ship, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum to avoid distracting the officers from conducting their jobs efficiently. Understandably, Bridge etiquette includes a ‘no eating, drinking or smoking’ policy.

ELEVATOR

The onboard elevator system is available for travel between decks. However, for your safety this elevator will be shut down during any periods of inclement weather.

Find Ultramarines itineraries here.