Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights with Quark Expeditions

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.

On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. Final details and check-in procedures can be found in your final documents. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning.

DAY 2 – EMBARK

This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

DAY 3  – EXPLORING WESTFJORDS

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as ‘Iceland’s best kept secret,’ this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords and mountains sloping down to the sea in impossibly beautiful ways. We spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or horse grazing in the distance. A few little outposts of civilization, small fishing communities are nestled on fjord edges and the shores of the Denmark Strait, facing out into the mighty Atlantic and toward East Greenland—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the Viking days.

DAYS 4 – CRUISING

As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.

DAYS 5 – 12 – EXPLORING NORTEAST GREENLAND

During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Ø offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.

DAY 13 – CRUISING

As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie— there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

DAY 9 to 10 – DENMARK STRAIT AND ARCTIC CIRCLE

As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

DAY 14 – REYKJAVIK

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Ship Specifications
cruising speed: 12 knots, in open water
guests: 199
ice class: 1A+, PC6
length: 420 ft (128m)
life boats: 4, fully enclosed
registration: Marshall Islands
staff and crew: 140

In addition to the game-changing off-ship experiences, Ultramarine will provide you with an exceptional onboard experience. Ultramarine features 102 suites across nine
categories, including six solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and the largest entry-level twin suites of its class. Each suite has been meticulously designed to keep
guests inspired by, and connected to, the breathtaking polar landscapes outside. Learn all about what these cabins have to offer.

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.

SUITES

SOLO PANORAMA – Located on Deck 6 and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a single bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.

EXPLORER TRIPLE: Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has three single beds, two of which can be combined into a double bed, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe,TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors

EXPLORER SUITE –Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a picture window. Other amenities
include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility.

BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony*. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms.

DELUXE BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 299 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 sq.
m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

PENTHOUSE SUITE: Located on Deck 7 and approximately 369 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 sq. m) balcony *. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

TERRACE SUITE: Located on Deck 6 and approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

OWNER’S SUITE: Located on Deck 6 and approximately 446 sq. ft. (41 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*.
Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, two separate living spaces, powder
room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

ULTRA SUITE: Located on Deck 6 and approximately 563 sq. ft. (52 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*.
Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, two separate living
spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.

PUBLIC SPACES

POLAR BOUTIQUE
If you forgot any essentials or need a little souvenir from your voyage, the Polar Boutique on Deck 3 is our onboard gift shop. Opening hours will vary based on the daily expedition activities. Gifts and souvenirs are great to bring home as mementos of
your polar expedition. In addition to small souvenirs, our Polar Boutique offers a selection of expedition gear, including base layer clothing, waterproof pants, gloves and more.

RECEPTION AREA
A crew member is available at reception to assist you or answer any questions during posted hours. You can arrange for a wake-up call or settle your accounts at the end of the voyage.

LIBRARY
Located on Deck 7, the library offers a large collection of field guides, picture books and reference books, and also includes a selection of games for your entertainment. The Ultramarine collection includes books in multiple languages covering
subjects like wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology.

LOUNGE AREAS
On Deck 7 forward, the Panorama Lounge & Bar is used for special functions and events, and is a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy panoramic polar views. You can also grab a cup of complimentary coffee or tea here. On Deck 7 aft, Bistro 487 is a
light-filled space to enjoy a snack either inside or out on deck.

AMBASSADOR THEATER
Our auditorium on Deck 5 can easily accommodate everyone on board, so it serves as our main lecture hall where presentations and movies are provided for your enjoyment.

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.

GYM
Located on Deck 7, gym hours are posted at the door, with facilities available on a first come, first served basis.

SPA, SAUNA & STEAM ROOM
The Tundra spa is located on Deck 7, where you can take advantage of the services offered in calming spaces with panoramic views. Spa treatments and massages are bookable on board. The steam room is available for you to relax and rejuvenate after a hike or a workout. The sauna provides ample space to warm up with views to the icy waters of the Polar Regions. Bring your bathing suit so you can join us in the Polar Plunge, or to use the sauna or steam room. You might also appreciate having some waterproof shoes. It is recommended to wear closed-toed shoes while moving around the ship, but as long as your water shoes have a heel strap and fit securely, they can be
safely worn while using the wet facilities.

READY ROOMS
The Ready Rooms on Deck 2 offer an open storage locker for each person on board, where you can store and dry your gear between excursions. Enjoy ample space and plenty of benches to help you gear up to embark on the Zodiacs.

OBSERVATION DECKS
The promenade deck wrapping around Deck 5 is generally open for viewing wildlife and enjoying the open ocean. Our outer decks provide a good deal of open space and are accessible at any time (unless weather/sea conditions deem