What I Learned (and Loved) on Quark’s Ultramarine: Real Stories from an Arctic FAM Voyage
I’d sold Quark’s Arctic adventures to clients for years, but stepping aboard Ultramarine as a guest—surrounded by shimmering sea ice, two helicopters perched overhead, and the promise of polar bears—gave me a whole new perspective. Here’s what I wish every traveler knew.
Anticipation and Arrival: First Glimpses in Resolute
Our journey began in Resolute, a frontier settlement that feels like the edge of the map. When the transfer bus rolled to a stop at the water’s edge, all eyes locked onto the ship waiting offshore: Ultramarine. Sleek, modern, unmistakably built for polar frontiers, she looked even more impressive with not one— but two—twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopters gleaming on the upper deck.
Getting to the ship was half the fun. We zipped across the bay by Zodiac, sea spray in the air and anticipation building. Boarding was seamless: we entered through the back watersports deck, a drop-down hangar that made us feel more like explorers than tourists. I was checked in and inside my cabin within minutes—a record, and a very welcome one after a long day’s travel.
Life onboard Ultramarine: Comfort with a View
My home for the voyage was a Deluxe Balcony cabin. Spacious, modern, and designed with polar conditions in mind—it had a double lounge, a private balcony for wildlife spotting, and subtle touches that reminded me I was truly at the top of the world. Stepping outside with my morning coffee, scanning for bears or narwhals, became a daily ritual I’ll never forget.
Dining was a culinary adventure all its own. Breakfast and lunch were buffet-style, always fresh, always satisfying—think hearty soups, crisp salads, and international comfort food. Dinner was à la carte, with dishes that far exceeded my expectations: perfectly cooked fish, tender meats, creative vegetarian options. The standout, though, was the Tundra to Table experience—a four-course journey into modern Inuit fusion cuisine, hosted by Inuit chefs who shared not just food, but stories and traditions. It was one of those rare travel dinners that changes how you see a destination.
Epic Itinerary: Chasing the White Horizon
Our planned route was ambitious: from Resolute, we aimed to reach Axel Heiberg Island, a feat made tricky by unpredictable sea ice. The legendary Ellesmere Island was also on the itinerary—a place of raw beauty and remote grandeur. But the Arctic has its own plans. Just as in previous years, thick sea ice blocked the path to Axel Heiberg, and proved too challenging this time. The mood on board wasn’t disappointment, though—instead, it was a shared sense of adventure and adaptability. The expedition team rerouted us to unforgettable spots and kept the energy high. We wouldn't have seen Narwhals if we hadn't of change course. Theres always something around the corner on a expedition.
Touching down by Zodiac on a glacier on our very first day set the tone: this wasn’t just a cruise, it was a true polar expedition. We explored historic Beechy Island, site of the mysterious Franklin expedition burials, and I stood on the very beach where 19th-century explorers faced the ultimate test of survival.
And then there were the helicopter rides. Soaring over Ellesmere Island, the world below stretched white and endless, broken only by ridges of ice and patches of indigo water. Seeing the Arctic from above—endless, silent, utterly untouched—was humbling in a way I never expected.
Wild Encounters: Polar Bears, Muskox, Narwhal & More
Wildlife was the reason many of us were here, and the Arctic delivered in spades. In total, we spotted a dozen polar bears—each sighting a jolt of adrenaline and awe. The most memorable moment? A mother and her cub cresting a ridge of sea ice while we bobbed quietly in Zodiacs, cameras and binoculars at the ready. The intimacy of that scene—the way the cub mirrored its mother’s every move—felt almost sacred.
Another day, as our group visited the graves on Beechy Island, the expedition leader’s voice crackled over the radio: polar bears approaching. We were swiftly and calmly evacuated, but not before everyone caught a glimpse of these silent kings of the Arctic, padding across the rocky beach. Muskox, seals basking on floes, even a few elusive narwhals—each sighting was a reminder of how alive the polar regions really are.
Who is this voyage for
Who should consider a voyage like this? Honestly—anyone with a sense of wonder. The ship hosted everyone from solo travelers to hardcore photographers to a young family with an adventurous 8-year-old (already on their third Quark back-to-back sailing!). If you’re fascinated by remote nature, polar history, or simply want to see the world from a new angle—this journey is for you.
What I wish Id Known: Insider tips
A few things I’ll be telling my clients (and packing for myself next time):
- Bring fingerless gloves, or the kind that flip up—perfect for fast photography on Zodiac rides when you need dexterity but can’t risk freezing fingers.
- Pack waterproof pants in your arrival bag—you’ll board the ship via Zodiac from the beach, and the Arctic is no place for soggy jeans.=
- Don’t forget binoculars—you’ll want to scan the horizon from your cabin balcony at all hours.
- Bring a swimsuit for the polar plunge. Yes, it’s cold, but the camaraderie and bragging rights are worth every shiver.