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Your once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure begins in Reykjavik before sailing into Iceland’s wild Westfjords aboard the Ultramarine. Crossing the Denmark Strait, you’ll explore the colorful sandstone valleys and untouched beauty of Northeast Greenland, all while preparing for the main event: a total solar eclipse in the remote King Oscar Fjord. Witness an extraordinary two-minute spectacle of darkness and awe in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Afterward, continue exploring Scoresby Sund’s towering glaciers, ancient Thule sites, and vibrant tundra landscapes. Finally, your journey comes full circle back to Reykjavik, leaving you with memories of a rare celestial phenomenon and the breathtaking Arctic wilderness.
Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer independently to your included hotel for the night. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore sites of the fascinating capital of Iceland.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to your ship, the technologicallyadvanced Ultramarine. Today we set sail for what’s often referred to as “Iceland’s best-kept secret”—the Westfjords. This rugged peninsula, on the remote northwestern tip of Iceland, is a stunning region of mountains and fjords, hence its anglicized name, Westfjords. Mountains slope down to the sea in a dramatic fashion, providing plenty of opportunities for incredible landscape photography. We’ll spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of one of Iceland’s oldest regions (home to volcanic rocks dating back 16 million years) by Zodiac and ship, and during guided shore landings.
The views are diverse: dramatic cliffs, gushing waterfalls, colorful beaches, rolling green hills, high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops and tiny lakes. You’ll likely spot Icelandic ponies and shaggy sheep grazing the hillsides. A few outposts of civilization include small fishing communities nestled on the edges of the fjord and along the shores of the Denmark Strait. These modest settlements preserve a maritime heritage that dates back to the heady days of the Viking era. Possible community visits include Vigur Island in Safjarðardjúp fjord, and the little town of Ísafjörður, noted for its wooden houses, fishing boats, and hospital-turned-community center.
As we sail north across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead—both on and off-ship. Our team of polar experts will present on a wide range of topics, including Arctic history, wildlife, geology, and climatology. The team will also search for seabirds soaring about the ship—and they’ll most certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.
Navigating within the boundaries of the Northeast Greenland National Park—the planet’s largest national park at 972,000 square kilometers—we will sail into Kangerluk Kong Oscar, also known as King Oscar Fjord, on the northern border of Scoresby Land peninsula. This major f jord system, poplar for its famously bright sandstone, stretches 110 kilometers long and 10 to 25 kilometers wide. When conditions allow, guests will have the opportunity to hike in Skipperdal Valley, where mineral deposits have painted the hills red and magenta—so landscape photographers take note.
As we prepare to position the ship in order to maximize views of the solar eclipse on Day 7, we’ll also have the opportunity to visit Blomsterbugten (also known as Flower Bay) on Ymer Island. The floral name was chosen by noted archeologists Gunnar Seidenfaden and Arne Noe-Nygaard during the Lauge Koch expedition in 1929 upon discovering an abundance of specimens for their botanical collection. Blomsterbugten is also home to a little hut known as “Varghytten” (the wolf hut). Built in 1929, the small hut is still used by the Sirius Patrol, a specialized military unit of the Danish Armed Forces. It’s possible we’ll also hike to the seldom-visited Noa Lake. There will be a palpable sense of excitement in the air as anticipation builds for our much-awaited eclipse viewing. Behind the scenes, your Expedition Leader, guest eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler and the Ship Captain will work closely together— monitoring sea and ice conditions and atmospheric forecasts—to strategically position Ultramarine in the best location possible to maximize your views of the solar eclipse. Relatively few humans get to experience the awe of a polar expedition—but even fewer get to combine the wonders of an Arctic expedition with a solar eclipse viewing.
Expect presentations by our two special guests, eclipse experts David Baron and Michael Zeiler, in the leadup to the August 12 Solar Eclipse. (See profiles, page 20). These veteran eclipse enthusiasts will draw on their vast knowledge to ensure you have an eclipse viewing like no other.
On the evening of Day 6, guest expert David Baron will deliver a keynote presentation titled “Scientific America: The Eclipse That Enlightened A Nation,” during which he’ll delve into the societal impacts of eclipses. Baron will discuss how epic events such as a solar eclipse have spurred societies—and specific individuals—to achieve scientific greatness.
As we begin to make our way home— still overwhelmed no doubt by the previous day’s eclipse experience—we’ll visit Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund), a large fjord system on the eastern coast of Greenland. Except for a small population of Inuit at Ittoqqortoormiit, near the mouth of the fjord, Scoresby Sund is largely uninhabited. Warm water polynyas (areas of open water surrounded by sea ice) near the mouth of the fjord support diverse ecosystems of f lora and fauna, which is unusual for the Arctic. Numerous mountains, valleys and glaciers line the fjords, giving rise to a spectacular collection of icebergs. We also plan to journey through Bjornar (Nannut Qeqertaat), a group of islands (also known as Bear Islands) located northeast of Milne Land, named during the 1891-92 Den Østgrønlandske (East Greenland) expedition. The collection of 11 main islands fascinates visitors with its maze of channels, steep cliff faces and fascinating geology.
While exploring this area, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also watch for grazing muskoxen as 40 percent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, where many icebergs are birthed, you’ll immediately appreciate why previous visitors have described it as the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. We’ll visit sites such as Vikingbukta, known for its shoreline of basalt columns, and Sydkap, where you can explore the colorful tundra and remains of ancient Thule settlements.
Our Arctic adventure winds down as we sail back across Denmark Strait, southbound this time. We invite you to use your remaining time onboard to attend an educational presentation by one of our experts, share your photos, book a massage in Ultramarine’s Tundra Spa, sip an icy cocktail in the bar—or ask any questions you may have for our enthusiastic Expedition Team, who will also alert guests of any wildlife sightings.
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s bustling capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked postexpedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
To confirm reservations, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the net, discounted rate (minimum US$1000 per person) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. The deposit must be paid by major credit card, wire transfer, check or money order. For any bookings within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Deposit amounts may vary for special promotions and are subject to the promotion terms and conditions. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. QEI reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.
CABIN DETAILS
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
132 ft2 (12 m2 )
Floor to ceiling windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
226 ft2 (21 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
299 ft2 (28 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
369 ft2 (34 m2)
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
446 ft2 (41 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
563 ft2 (52 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
132 ft2 (12 m2 )
Floor to ceiling windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
226 ft2 (21 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
299 ft2 (28 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
369 ft2 (34 m2)
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )
Walk out balcony
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
446 ft2 (41 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
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.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ultramarine are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
563 ft2 (52 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
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Imagine soaring over the polar regions from the comfort of a helicopter and enjoying the most astounding aerial views imaginable of the frozen Antarctic Ocean, of snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and of melt pools ranging from cerulean to deep, spectacular turquoise.
Flightseeing on polar vessels like Ultramarine and Kapitan Khlebnikov provides guests with an entirely different perspective of the polar regions. Helicopters take passengers to places Zodiacs and ships can’t reach.
Helicopter flightseeing typically includes 7 to 9 passengers. No experience is necessary. Bring your camera—and enthusiasm.
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.
No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
$295 Per Person
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions
$1,795 Per Person
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
$125 Per Person
The Tundra to Table experience by Quark Expeditions offers guests a rare culinary journey into the traditions of the Inuit people of Greenland and Nunavut. Hosted aboard the Ultramarine ship in its main restaurant, Balena, this on-ship Adventure Option allows participants to savor authentic Arctic dishes prepared by expert Inuit chefs. Featuring ingredients like fresh-caught seafood and free-roaming game, the menu highlights dishes such as beer-braised muskox, South Greenlandic lamb, honey-glazed ptarmigan, and pickled halibut. Guests enjoy a four-course modern Inuit fusion dinner while learning about the cultural significance of each dish through storytelling by the chefs. This exclusive experience, available only on select Arctic voyages, showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Inuit in a setting that emphasizes purity, tradition, and cultural connection.
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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.
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 and relies on its best-in-class 40-day operational range to do so.
Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean we can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.
Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.
Two twin-engine helicopters operated from two helidecks allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions than on any other ship.
An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels.
The wraparound deck located on Deck 5 of Ultramarine offers generous outdoor viewing opportunities to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
