Solo Travel Deals: Majestic Alpine Arctic Cruise with Quark

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

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

DAY 2 – EMBARK

This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel in Reykjavik and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead on this technologically-advanced ship Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to deliver unique off-ship experiences in South Greenland.

DAYS 3 & 4  – AT SEA

As you cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as whales that frequent the surrounding waters.

DAY 4 – CRUISING

As you  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 & 6 – THE WILD EAST

As you approach and arrive in Greenland, the first natural features you’ll see will be the towering steep-walled fjords and hanging glaciers. You’ll explore the uninhabited east coast offering opportunities for wildlife sightings, including the possibility of polar bears and humpback whales. Activities include heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings in this remote, ice-laden landscape of tumbling glaciers, alpine vistas and wildlife.

Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of PaleoInuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources provided by the sea—long before the arrival of European explorers and successive waves of migration prompted mass settlements. Traces of these early inhabitants can be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep–walled mountains.

The fjords are where you can observe plenty of wildlife, especially marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are also possible as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East–Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface.  The wild east is ideal for heli landings, paddle excursions, hiking, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

DAY 7 & 8 – THE WESTLANDS

You’ll sail along the spectacular west coast of Greenland into the Westlands, the same journey the Greenlandic Norse followed to reach the Western fjords. You’ll experience the contrast between the Greenland Ice Sheet—the second-largest body of ice on the planet—and the grassy valleys of the coast, which is steeped in Viking history, especially at landmarks such as the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site. The latter provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the region’s history and cultural traditions, as well as the interaction between Norse and Inuit cultures.

you will explore the mammoth Ice Sheet by helicopter, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise through ice-filled waters, and engage with local communities. You will visit the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, as well as the remains of Erik the Red’s estate of Brattahlíð, both of which offer further insights into South Greenland’s history and culture. You will appreciate quite quickly why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name: every direction you look rewards visitors with vistas of blue, ice-strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush, verdant valleys and green pastures bursting with blooms.

Unique to Greenland, and indeed the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still kept alive. Many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords, their lives very much attuned to the seasons as they produce a variety of organic homegrown produce (such as potatoes, turnips and kale).

Also in the West, we find perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which we’ll reach by helicopter. You’ll enjoy the most incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere f lowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this incredible body of ice during our included Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. Over these two days you will have the opportunity to explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure ice-filled waters, and engage with our local friends and partners during the most meaningful and in–depth community experiences offered on any Quark Expeditions voyage.

DAYS 9 to 11 – ARCTIC PATAGONIA

Today you will transit through the scenic 105-kilometer long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), and explore the dramatic fjords of South Greenland. The Quark team has planned a visit to the village of Aappilattoq, where you can experience local culture, music, and traditional foods. The journey continues to the steep-walled 70-kilometer Tasermiut Fjord, known as “Arctic Patagonia,” where overnight camping and various excursions are available amidst stunning glaciers and peaks. The maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)—one of the world’s most scenic fjords—will be truly unforgettable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and spectacular vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts.

The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. As mentioned above, you may visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund, to introduce you to our local partners and friends. Quark want their guests to have the opportunity to listen to inhabitants’ stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator. Your time in Arctic Patagonia will allow you to marvel at the impressive glacier at its head, with rivers of ice tumbling toward the sea, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq that dominate the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter excursion.

DAYS 12 & 13 – SAILING SOUTHBOUND ACROSS DENMARK STRAIT

As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about any aspect of your voyage.

DAY 14 – DISEMBARK IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

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