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Discover the cultural, historic and geographic treasures of Canada's remote High Arctic region aboard Ultramarine.
Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute, Nuvanut. Upon arrival, you may have a chance to check out some of the town’s sites before being transferred to your ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on ship location and weather conditions).
Cruising around the remote islands of the Canadian High Arctic aboard Ultramarine, the newest ship in our fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Designed to give Polar adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest- to-reach places on the planet—and equipped with two onboard twin- engine helicopters for unparalleled access to areas only Quark Expeditions can bring you—this one-of-a-kind ship, in its inaugural year, will take you beyond the familiar in Polar exploration. Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer, including reaching Canada’s most northerly islands: Axel Heiberg Island and the rarely visited Ellesmere Island, at the top of the world.Remember that no two Polar voyages are alike, since each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. While this voyage has no fixed itinerary, our objective is to visit as many of the incredible highlights this season has to offer, using the opportunities provided by the weather and ice to give you the best experience. Each day, your highly skilled Expedition Team will read the conditions and choose the best course to set, but despite their extensive expertise in these areas, each visit brings something new to discover. That said, our expeditions will have some elements in common, including daily Zodiac cruising, land excursions, a robust education program, a community visit and wildlife viewing opportunities. And thanks to our onboard helicopters, you’ll also discover the ultimate Polar expedition experience: As stunning as Polar landscapes are from your ship, they’re even more striking from the air! Conditions permitting, you’ll enjoy ultra-immersive activities like flightseeing (short sightseeing flights around your ship and surrounding areas) and heli-landings (flying to places we could not otherwise access for shore excursions), two breath-taking options that are unique to Ultramarine and give you an awe-inspiring Polar experience like no other.While this waterway is known to European cultures as the Northwest Passage, this area has nurtured and sustained the Inuit and their predecessors who have called these shores home for almost 5,000 years. Moving through these remote landscapes you will be travelling through the ancestral homelands of this ancient culture, illuminated in person by Inuit guides onboard and ashore. Nunavut is an Inuktitut word meaning “our land” and the Nunavummiut (the people of Nunavut) are renowned for their incredible resourcefulness, hospitality, good humour, and a deep knowledge of the land and animals that has allowed them to thrive in the far north for millennia.Ultimately, your Expedition Team will keep its eye northward, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the lucky few Polar adventurers who have transited through the famous Hell Gate to reach the top of the world, the spectacular Ellesmere Island. If conditions are right, the soaring, ominous snow-capped peaks of this polar desert will come into focus as we approach. The northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Ellesmere is one of the most remote places on the planet, a land of deep fjords, jagged mountains and massive ice shelves. If we’re fortunate enough to reach here, you will be among the rarest of Polar explorers.One of this expedition’s objectives, weather and ice conditions allowing, is to visit the famous fossil forest on Axel Heiberg Island, Canada’s second most northerly island. Dating back more than 30 million years, the large mummified stumps were discovered in 1985 after erosion swept them clean. The original forest that was here flourished, with some trees reaching as high as 115 feet (35 metres) and growing for 500 to 1,000 years. Birders will want to have their binoculars and cameras at the ready, as the island also affords opportunities for sightings of Snow buntings, ptarmigans, jaegers and Arctic terns, among others.Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed, as many of the areas we hope to explore are home to a surprising number of birds and mammals that thrive in this challenging environment. It’s likely that you’ll see Polar bears, muskoxen and several bird species, such as gyrfalcons and dovekies (Little auks). If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive narwhal or Arctic wolf, though sightings of these iconic creatures in the wild are rare, even in these areas where we have the highest chances of encountering them.Coburg Island, for instance, is a wildlife reserve for such birds as Snowy owls and Peregrine falcons, while the impressive vertical cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are dotted with nesting seabirds like Northern fulmars and Black guillemots. The sheltered shores and steep cliffs of Arctic Bay, a hamlet located off of Admiralty Inlet, provide an ideal nesting habitat for various High Arctic birds such as Snow geese, Thick-billed murres (Brünnich’s guillemots) and kittiwakes. Occupied by Inuit and Thule cultures for almost 5,000 years, this traditional community is also an ideal spot to go ashore and learn more about the Inuit culture, sampling the local cuisine and mingling with artists, perhaps picking up carvings or other handicrafts as a memento of your Polar adventure.Devon Island is another possible locale for wildlife encounters, as walrus, Polar bears and Musk ox inhabit the area, which is also the location of the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost, established at Dundas Harbour in 1924 to curb foreign whaling and other activities. Nearby is a small cemetery, one of Canada’s most northerly, still maintained by the RCMP to this day. Another exciting excursion your Expedition Team might offer, conditions permitting, is the opportunity to fly up to explore the Devon ice cap, one of the largest in the Canadian Arctic. History buffs will also be intrigued by the chance to visit an abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at Fort Ross, at the southern end of Somerset Island, and pay their respects to the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845–46 at the gravesite of three crew members on Beechey Island, one of Canada’s most significant Arctic sites.You may have the opportunity to cruise in a Zodiac along the face of an active glacier near Croker Bay and possibly even witness the wonders of calving ice, at a safe distance. Listen closely for the steady crackle and loud roars as pieces of ice break off and crash into the water below. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for the walrus that are often seen in the area.There is no shortage of natural beauty, wildlife and history in Canada’s High Arctic. Each day, you’ll discover something new and inspiring, whether it is admiration of the tundra flora to survive the rugged environment, a rare bird species soaring overhead, a Polar bear on the hunt in its natural habitat, or the remains of a century-old hut.
After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Toronto, where you’ll spend the night at your included hotel.
Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend the day exploring this fascinating city.
9 nights in a choice of cabin types, all with en suite facilities, 2 nights
hotel in Toronto.Expedition cruising in comfortable condition
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
9 nights in a choice of cabin types, all with en suite facilities, 2 nights
hotel in Toronto.Expedition cruising in comfortable condition
Travelling ConditionsThe voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible,
taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as
passengers' wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere
on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists
and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all
over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet/mud
room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.On
the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the
potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed
appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of
landings are wet which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to
slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land
(wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no
paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep
snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna
and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.Optional activitiesSea KayakingImagine
gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers.
Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your
surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times
per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.The number
of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only
during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must
be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking
should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.Paddling ExcursionIf
you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less
demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a
one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks—perfect for anyone with
minimal or no kayaking experience. Rotating groups of passengers will be
taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide
instruction and help connect you with the Polar sea.Polar ItinerariesAll
Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only - it is possible that,
amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice,
intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or
the expert opinion of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments to the route
published.Booking ConditionsPlease note that, as with all Polar holidays and
voyages, the booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard
conditions. The required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel
arrangements (minimum £1000 per person or equivalent in booking currency)
and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at
least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is non-refundable, and
at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation penalties are 100% of the
holiday cost. COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that as a condition of
travel on any of our Polar voyages, clients must be fully vaccinated against
COVID-19. Clients must provide proof of their vaccination status to Quark
staff before boarding the ship. For full terms and conditions please refer
to our Quark Book and Travel with Confidence Policy, found here:
https://www.exodus.co.uk/quark-book-and-travel-confidence If you have any
questions, please contact our specialist Polar sales team on 020 8003 9957 or
at polar@exodus.co.uk for further details.
ULTRAMARINEThe Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel
Heiberg Islands is offered on the Ultramarine which is a Polar Adventure
ship. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis
in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Polar Adventure
ShipsThese are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters.
Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and
staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and
plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions,
trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about
accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the
technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure
Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the
Poles.
Ultramarine[[{"fid":"246396","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]The newest ship in Quark’s fleet,
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, breath-taking 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.[caption caption="Balcony Suite -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Panorama Lounge -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Dining Area -
Ultramarine"][/caption]Cabin Class:SOLO PANORAMA: Located on Deck 6, and
approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests
who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort
of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
available onboard any ship in its class. Features: single bed,
floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower
and heated floors.EXPLORER TRIPLE: Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285
sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want
to share their experience with other like-minded travellers of the same
gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate
single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests. Features: three
single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area,
picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and
heated floors. EXPLORER SUITE: Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq.
ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo
guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes
interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay
connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest
available on a ship of this class.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower and heated floors.BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and
6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52
sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the
largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests
who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four
connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for
families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their
expedition.Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa
bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower
and heated floors.DELUXE BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and 6, with
approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft.
(6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living
space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are
the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an
enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get
ready together in the morning.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.TERRACE SUITE: Located on
Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and
a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting
generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship.
Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion
from the comfort of these suites.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator,
TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.PENTHOUSE
SUITE:The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369
sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony.
This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar
views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites
offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and
generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness
centre.Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed,
private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower,
bathtub and heated floors.OWNER’S SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with
approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft.
(4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large,
luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and
two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who
want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.Features: one double or two
single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa
bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder
room.ULTRA SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2)
of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is
perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and
most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage
space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travellers who want all
the comforts of home onboard the ship.Features: one double or two single beds
in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and
additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV,
private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder
room.DECKPLAN:
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed,
intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to
facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction
with our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join an
international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally
some of these may be younger than 12 years old, the Exodus' stated minimum
age for this trip. We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar
Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history,
geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew have
many years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a
safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the
housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive
restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
Travelling land only: 12 days starting and ending in TorontoYour trip starts
at our hotel in Toronto in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary listed.
Details of how to reach the start point are given in the Final Joining
Instructions.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.Parkas – A complementary Quark parka will be provided on the
ship.Trousers – Waterproof trousers are essential for Zodiac travel as well
as activities on shore.Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a
minimum of two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be
worn underneath warm outer gloves.Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat
or cap that covers your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face
protection.Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs
of socks to wear inside the rubber boots.Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or
fleece jumpers and tops, plus several turtlenecks for layering.Underclothing
– Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you warm without
adding bulk.Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting
photograph, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.Shoes
– Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
SwimsuitSunglassesBinocularsCamera, extra batteries, film or memory
cardsProtective sunscreenElectric converter with adapter plug setSmall
medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter medication
for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches and
seasicknessSnow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. At the conclusion of
your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This will include any
drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for which you have
signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card (Visa or
MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars Traveller’s Cheques.Please note: on the last
evening, once your ship account has been settled, credit card payments are no
longer accepted. It is therefore advisable to bring at least some US$ cash if
you wish to purchase drinks from the bar or any items from the on board shop
at this time.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated)
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsMandatory transfer package (including return charter flights
between Toronto and Resolute) which is £1700 per person (or equivalent in
booking currency) paid on booking
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.