Antarctic Explorer: Ultramarine

Antarctic Peninsula

If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage on your polar-class vessel; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way!

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Be aboard a specially designed ice strengthened vessel
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!
  • READ THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS
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    Jan 24 2024
     
    The staff on board are professional, helpful, friendly and always had a smile on their face. Thumbs up to these dedicated staff and crews - Jasmine, Dirko, Peter, Rose, Jimmy, Michelle and Slyvia, for making sure we have a remarkable voyage. Their passion for their work are outstanding. Please do share them our high appreciation on their great hospitality services.

    BIG positive is the stability of the cruise. The weather and sea condition was rough during our return journey on 26th December 2023, however she was in good performance considering on her size.

    Zodiac lecturer can be more interesting and shorter. The time used for helicopter flightseeing session can be reduce by 50%. The Polar plunge, the gangway with limited space is too slippery, we hardly stand on the grips before jump, suggest to have some anti-slip strips on it.

    The food quality was above average but limited variety. Suggest to have an Indian chef for proper Indian cuisine throughout the voyage. Other Indian guests on board also commented on the same issue.

    BIG negative about the cruise was the unpleasant smell from the toilet / shower room. Cabin #638 had sewer gas smell from the drainage of the shower room, we have to keep the door open all the time to ventilate the area. We did reported the defect to the reception, however they claimed this is due to the ship rolling, this explanation was not true. We also learned from the crew onboard, other guests from previous voyage did complained on the same issue. We suggest to install the U-shaped traps to prevent the unwanted flow of sewer gases pass through.

    Overall Ultramarine is a new, modern and comfortable ship for exploring the polar regions, and the ship & expedition staff are all amazing, informative and happy to help. Thank you again for this incredible and amazing experience.

    Översikt

    If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage on your polar-class vessel; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way!
    Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package). Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia & Embark After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic! Days 3 and 4 Crossing the Drake Passage Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. Days 5 to 8 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world. Days 9 and 10 Crossing the Drake Passage The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica. Day 11 Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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    Inkluderad
    • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
    • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
    • All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.
    • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
    • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep. Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
    • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
    • A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
    • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
    • All luggage handling aboard ship.
    • Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
    Exkluderad
    • Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package ($995 per person) BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).
    • Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
    • Passport and visa expenses.
    • Government arrival and departure taxes.
    • Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
    • Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
    • Excess baggage charges.
    • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
    • Telecommunications charges.
    • The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
    Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites). Deposit Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require 100% payment. Final Payment Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellation All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online.
    • Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$500/€450/AUD650/GBP400/SEK5500 per person. 
    • If cancellation is received between 119 days and 90 days, the deposit is forfeited.
    • If cancellation occurs between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 75% of the expedition cost. 
    • If cancellation occurs between 59 days and departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the expedition cost.
    If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, we highly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Flexible Cancellation Fees!  All cancellation Fees are eligible to be applied to a future voyage booked within 1 year of cancellation date.  No surcharges - ever. For peace of mind, the shipping company will not apply fuel or any other surcharges—for any reason—to a booking once it’s confirmed. The price you book, is the price you pay. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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