Skip to main content

Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine Will Be a Polar Exploration Ship Unlike Any Other

Travel has changed an awful lot in the last century. A few short decades ago, the idea of boarding a plane for a vacation to, say, the Caribbean was a pipe dream for most middle-class Americans. Today, entire fleets of ocean liners are at the ready to ferry average-income travelers to every corner of the globe. In many cases, passengers can expect all the comforts of home, even while adrift in the high Arctic or anchored offshore in Antarctica. Next year, Quark Expeditions looks to define a new standard in polar cruising with one of the greenest, most luxurious, most technologically advanced ships in the world.

Quark Expeditions Ultramarine cruise
Quark Expeditions

Quark’s recently announced Ultramarine will be a class-leading expedition vessel set to explore Spitsbergen, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic. The concept photos reveal swanky, designer staterooms with a long list of upscale amenities. Spa-inspired bathrooms, heated bathroom floors, HDTVs, and private balconies — unheard of even on many of today’s upscale cruise lines — will be standard in most rooms. Onboard amenities will include a fitness center with a yoga room, a beautiful spa and sauna with panoramic windows, and a high-end restaurant and lounge.

What truly sets Ultramarine apart, however, is the extensive list of excursion options. Like most other polar expeditions ships, typical activities like hiking, Zodiac cruises, and professional lectures will all be included. Depending on their chosen destination, however, Ultramarine guests can also take part in sea kayaking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, polar mountaineering, and heli-hiking. In Greenland, passengers will even be able to overnight at a unique, authentic shore camping experience.

Quark Expeditions Ultramarine cruise
Quark Expeditions

Arctic and Antarctic cruises have come a long way since the days of Shackleton. Even up until a few years ago, many cruise-goers were sailing Earth’s polar reaches aboard repurposed Russian research vessels. Most lacked what many passengers might expect as “essential” modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, spa services, and private bathrooms throughout. If the photos are any indication, Ultramarine will redefine what passengers expect in a polar expedition cruise.

Recommended Videos

Passengers can book their cruise aboard Ultramarine now, with the first departures scheduled for May 2021. Seven-day itineraries to Spitsbergen start at less than $4,000 (not including flights) per person. The two flagship, 17-day journeys through the Northwest Passage are priced north of $14,000.

If penguins and the Southern Lights are more your speed, check out your five best options for visiting Antarctica.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Inside Hawaii’s iconic pink palace: A stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Although there are 22 Marriott Luxury Collection resorts in the United States, only one is located in the beautiful state of Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki. This stunning "pink palace" holds significant importance both to travelers and residents of the island of O'ahu, symbolizing both Hawaiian elegance and architectural beauty. You can read about the fantastic history of this resort online, but experiencing it in person is an entirely different experience. The resort immerses you in not just the history of the building, but also teaches you essential lessons about Hawaiian history and culture.

As one of the first luxury hotels in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian has earned a hefty reputation due to its stunning pink architecture and elegant feel. Here's what you can expect during a stay at this luxury resort and what you don't want to miss.

Read more
This surprising state just ranked No. 1 for summer road trips
Minnesota offers road trippers endless adventures
Minneapolis

When it comes to epic summer road trips, most people think of California’s coastline or the wide-open highways of Texas. But the top spot for summer road trips this year? It’s Minnesota.

According to WalletHub’s latest ranking, Minnesota edged out all 50 states thanks to its winning combo of affordability, safety, and non-stop summer fun. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is a dream for outdoor lovers, with some of the country’s highest spending on parks and recreation and the third-most fairs and festivals per capita. Translation: there’s always something cool happening.

Read more
The perfect New England hotel just reopened in Kennebunkport — here’s why you should go
The beautiful Breakwater Inn reopened on July 1
Breakwater Inn

If you’re craving a classic New England summer, Kennebunkport, Maine, is calling. This charming coastal town is famous for its laid-back beaches, busy harbor, affordable lobster rolls, and small-town charm that feels straight out of a postcard. Long known as a summer retreat for the Bush family, Kennebunkport offers coastal elegance and the quintessential New England experience.

And now, there’s an even better reason to visit. The beloved Breakwater Inn just reopened on July 1, 2025, after a full-scale renovation that breathes new life into this historic waterfront property. Perched where the Kennebunk River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the inn has been thoughtfully refreshed while preserving its 1880s cottage charm.

Read more