In this Ultramarine review, you’ll find everything you need to know: the trip, the ship, and all the nitty-gritty in between.
Svalbard is a world of extremes, where snow-streaked mountains rise sheer from fjords, cliffs are blanketed with birds, and polar bears roam the sea ice in search of their next juicy meal. In June, as the winter snow still hangs on, the endless sun casts its glow over everything here, turning days into a near-continuous golden hour.
Her group got lucky. The weather was exceptional, allowing for many excursions, and the wildlife seemed to appear on cue.
“We saw four polar bears on this trip,” Rachel said, “including one feasting on a seal carcass. To watch them so close, completely unbothered by us, felt like such a privilege.”
There were unexpected moments, too, the kind that always tend to define a great expedition. When a planned landing had to be rescheduled, the team surprised guests with a campfire and cocktails on the beach overlooking a glacier. “It was a perfect moment,” Rachel said. “A reminder that the little touches make such a big difference.”
Another epic moment came when the ship reached 88° north, becoming the most northerly passenger vessel in the world at that moment. The crew organised a party on the helipad, where the champagne was flowing, the tunes blasting and the guests got to dance in the snow under the midnight sun. “It was completely surreal,” Rachel laughed. “One of those pinch-me experiences you know you’ll talk about forever.”
THE SHIP – About Ultramarine
Ultramarine is Quark Expeditions' newest purpose-built ship, launched in 2021. She only carries 199 passengers and is designed for comfort and immersive exploration. Unlike older vessels, converted from other uses, Ultramarine was created from the keel up for travellers, and it shows.
Rachel, a veteran of multiple expeditions in both polar regions, stayed in an Explorer Suite, the most popular cabin type. "I loved the spaciousness," she said. "There's a ton of storage, a lovely bathroom with heated floors, and extra-large windows so you can watch the icy world drift by. It was my sanctuary every day, and felt as if I were all alone in the Arctic. Magical."
That sense of comfort ran throughout the ship. Lounges were modern but welcoming, restaurants lively without being formal, and the observation lounge became her favourite hangout. “It had a bar, snacks, tea and coffee on tap, and the views were amazing. I also loved that there were always binoculars available — such a thoughtful touch.”
The observation lounge became a favourite for Rach — views, binoculars, coffee, and always a friendly chat.
Ultramarine At a Glance
If you've never voyaged on an expedition ship, you might not realise that many, as stated earlier, started life as research vessels. While the conversions to commercial passenger outfit are usually superb, you can tell that many ships were not originally meant to be enjoyed by guests.
What sets Ultramarine apart is her design for seamless movement and expeditions.
-
Internal Zodiac hangar keeps the boarding sheltered, so you're in and out in a jiffy and in comfort. Ultramarine can store and launch 20 Zodiacs at once, making it one of the fastest ships for getting guests ashore.
-
Ready rooms mean you gear up indoors, then step straight into boats.
-
Wraparound deck for wildlife spotting at any angle. Wonderful!
-
Spacious cabins, many with balconies.
-
Two restaurants, a wellness area with sauna and spa, and panoramic lounges.
-
199 guest capacity means Ultramarine is perfect for polar explorations. More on why this is important, later on.
Rachel found the flow intuitive: “The ready rooms were brilliant. You’re warm, comfortable, and before you know it, you’re stepping into a Zodiac. It makes the whole process effortless. I guess it’s something that can only be achieved when you include it in the original design. Just brilliant.”
Quick Zodiac launches mean more time exploring and less time waiting.
What's Life Like Onboard Ultramarine?
Days on Ultramarine are relaxed and sociable, erupting into an excited frenzy when marine life is spotted. The crew is professional yet approachable, often joining guests at meals to share great stories. Rachel found the lectures to be both informative and entertaining. "Delivered with loads of humour, which made them easy to enjoy even after long days out."
Evenings had a buzz — photos swapped in the lounge, trivia, or impromptu deck parties. “It never felt fussy,” Rachel said. “Just blissful to return to every day. The balance of comfort and adventure was exactly what I hoped for.”
After a full day of exploration, chilling out in the Ultramarine’s library is perfection!
About the Ship Size & Layout
At 128 metres (420 feet), Ultramarine feels big enough to be stable yet small enough to slip into Svalbard’s fjords. The layout makes it easy to move from cabin to deck in moments — crucial when wildlife suddenly appears.
“One evening we had whales near the ship,” Rachel recalled. “Within minutes, everyone was outside on deck. You never missed a thing.”
How Many Passengers on Ultramarine? (and why it matters)
With fewer than 200 passengers, Ultramarine avoids the limitations larger ships face. To protect the extremely wild yet fragile Arctic environment, AECO regulations cap landings at 200 people on key Svalbard sites, so on a smaller vessel, everyone can be ashore at once. No staggered groups, no missed opportunities, only maximum experience.
Rachel’s journey was even more intimate, as she was joined by a small group travelling with Viva Expeditions. "It felt like travelling with friends," she said. "We shared everything: Zodiacs, meals, laughs, and even the champagne at 88° north."
Ultramarine, Quark Expeditions’ flagship, cutting through the ice on her way to explore Svalbard’s remote fjords and wildlife-rich shores.
About the Cabins
Rachel’s cabin review is promising, as she thought the Explorer Suite was a standout. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows and storage, the bathroom was larger than most ships of its size. Other categories on Ultramarine include rare solo staterooms and spacious suites with separate living areas.
Her packing tip? "I was so happy I brought my UGG boots," Rachel laughed. "They were the first thing I put on back on board. Definitely suggest warm, comfy slip-ons for time around the ship."
Even the most affordable balcony stateroom on Ultramarine feels luxurious.
Food and Dining Options
Dining was a highlight for Rachel. Breakfasts and lunches are buffet style, dinners à la carte. The range was particularly impressive, “They really catered for everyone, every preference and diet.”
Her favourite meal was a "fabulous" lobster dinner, but Rachel also loved that if you didn't fancy a big dinner, you could just order a cheeseburger. "Sometimes after a long day on shore, that was exactly what hit the spot."
This flexibility makes the dining experience on Ultramarine more relaxed than on other expedition ships, where things are kept a little more formal.
Who needs candlelight when you’ve got the midnight sun and a sprinkling of snow? On Ultramarine, even lunch becomes part of the adventure.
Activities & Excursions
Although the ship is a standout, the heart of this expedition is the daily outings. "At the end of the day", says Rachel ", That's why you travel to the Arctic."
Aside from the Zodiac outings, Rachel also joined a day paddle kayaking excursion, which is only possible on a few departures each season in Svalbard. "It was fantastic," she said. "I've spotted a lot of wildlife in my travels, but being at water level in the Arctic is another story. Such a unique and immersive perspective."
Kayaking in Svalbard let Rachel see wildlife at eye level, an experience she says she won't forget in a hurry.
Rachel’s favourite landing memory was the walrus haul-out. “They were enormous, noisy, piled together in the sun. We just sat and watched them. It was unforgettable.”
Did you know? Walruses hold a record you probably didn’t expect: their penis bone, called a baculum, can reach 1.3 metres. Arctic hunters once fashioned them into tools, jewellery, and even chairs.
These walrus look pretty pleased with themselves, lounging on the ice like they own the Arctic.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
Aside from the daily excursions, the ship keeps everyone engaged. Lectures from geologists, historians, and wildlife specialists bring a lot of knowledge and context to each day. And then there were the parties.
“Not many people can say they’ve drunk bubbles and danced in the snow so far north on our planet!”
Entertainment was balanced by quieter evenings in the lounge, where you can always find a corner to read a book if you crave quiet but do not want to be in your cabin.
“Watching ice drift past while chatting with fellow travellers is a wonderful way to cap off a great day exploring the Arctic.”
Who Will Love Ultramarine?
As an expert reviewer who has travelled on multiple expedition ships, Rachel believes Ultramarine is perfect for travellers who want adventure without sacrificing comfort. “The excursions were fabulous, but coming back to such a lovely ship with all the trimmings was a real treat.”
It’s ideal for first-time polar travellers as well as those who’ve already been south to Antarctica and now want to see the Arctic.
> See all Viva’s expedition cruises to Svalbard
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will find this trip especially rewarding. Sightings like this polar bear are moments that matter most.
Top Tips for This Trip
Rachel’s advice for anyone planning their own trip to the Arctic on the Ultramarine:
-
Pack warm and comfortable leisure gear. “Comfy shoes and clothes are perfect to slip into of an evening”
-
Bring binoculars. Even though the lounge had some, having your own with you at all times just makes wildlife spotting easy.
-
Dress in layers. Proper thermals and waterproofs are essential.
-
Don’t overthink meals. Don't be shy to ask for something simple; sometimes, a cheeseburger is exactly what you need.
-
Book extras early. Kayaking spots and suites sell quickly, often a year in advance. Book those extras when you book your Arctic expedition.
Overall Experience – The Details
Rachel’s verdict? “We had amazing weather, saw incredible wildlife, and did so many excursions. The professionalism of the crew and guides was outstanding. The ship was fabulous, and the little touches, down to the quality of the jacket we were given, made it even better.”
An unforgettable journey to the Arctic, leaving a lasting impression. Perfect weather provides the ideal backdrop for wildlife encounters and thrilling daily activities.
Her journey on the Svalbard Explorer aboard Ultramarine was one of Rachel’s most outstanding trips. “It’s a destination that gets under your skin,” she said. “Wild, raw, beautiful, but supported by a ship that made it all feel effortless.”
Quark Expeditions has long pioneered polar exploration, and with Ultramarine, they’ve created a ship that delivers both adventure and comfort in one remarkable package.
Keen to know when Ultramarine sails, or learn more about any of Viva Expeditions' other Arctic expeditions?
Contact our Destination Specialists today, and we'll help you find the right trip and ship for your own memorable Arctic adventure.
Laura Pattara
At Viva Expeditions, Laura Pattara writes about the Arctic with a focus on wildlife, seasonal travel, and small-ship voyages. She holds a BA in Interpreting and Translation and uses those storytelling skills to shape expert insights into guides that bring the polar north to life. Her most recent cold-climate thrill was spending a morning with puffins in Newfoundland, camera in one hand and coffee in the other.
|
