Arctic Express: Heart of the Northwest Passage | Ultramarine
9 Days
Save Up To 50%
WAS From USD 11,590 Now From USD 6,792
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEAEC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Calgary, Canada
Finish: Calgary, Canada
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Canadian Arctic
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship & Hotel
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
Includes private helicopter
Designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Whale watching
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Daily excursions
When conditions allow, passengers will receive two excursions per day.
OVERVIEW
Discover the great sea route of the Northwest Passage as you explore the wonders of the Canadian Arctic. Wind your way through remote islands, each visit presenting new opportunities. Travel through the ancestral landscapes of remote Inuit communities, you may also spot polar bears, musk oxen and may even spot the elusive narwhal. Discover active glaciers near Croker Bay, before potentially witnessing the calving ice of Devon Island. This is a true expedition experience into the remote corners of the Canadian Arctic.
*Current Discounts, promotions and pricing are available until 30 Apr 2024, however discounts may be withdrawn or changed at any time and are subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment discount, which requires the full balance to be paid at the time of booking to apply. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. 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).
Winding your way 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 as they searched for the fabled Northwest Passage, the great sea route at the top of the world. 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 work hard to give you a taste of the best the Arctic has to offer, immersing you in the heart of the Northwest Passage in under a week.
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 breathtaking options that are unique to Ultramarine and give you an exhilarating 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 traveling 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 humor, and a deep knowledge of the land and animals that has allowed them to thrive in the far north for millennia.
Remote and rich in history, the Canadian High Arctic is as awe inspiring as it is informative. Your days spent exploring this mysterious region will have you traveling back in time to the Age of Exploration. While following in the footsteps of famous explorers like Sir John Franklin and Roald Amundsen, you’ll navigate the waters and visit the historic sites in the area around Lancaster Sound that were key to the discovery of the Northwest Passage. You’ll also learn about the scientific, cultural, geopolitical and environmental aspects of the route from our world-class experts, guides and the local communities. Reaching remote lands that have lured adventurers for centuries and few have ever set foot on will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Wildlife sightings are almost guara
After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Calgary, 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.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Search for unique Arctic wildlife including polar bears, musk ox and even have potential sightings of narwhal.
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Undertake incredible zodiac explorations to get up close with glaciers, fjords and massive icebergs.
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You have the opportunity to add additional heli-tours onto your voyage, as the incredible Ultramarine comes with two on board helicopters.
Ultramarine
Step onboard the Ultramarine! This premium expedition vessel takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board .The vessel is one of the few to offer a suite of flight-seeing activities, travelling in one of the two twin-engine helicopters. This really opens up the possibilities to go further and see more. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views and spa-inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine offers breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range, four embarkation points to load and embark zodiacs and get you to shore faster. The ship has a water level Zodiac hangar, which allows for more spontaneous off-ship adventures where the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get off the ship in less than half the time of some other vessels.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MorePricing per person
 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 15,290 USD 8,642Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 9,190 USD 5,592Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 11,590 USD 6,792Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 12,490 USD 7,242Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 14,390 USD 8,192Available Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 16,490 USD 9,242Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 15,290 USD 8,642Available Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 18,990 USD 10,492Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 50 % off USD 20,990 USD 11,492Available Enquire Now
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Important Information
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An Expedition parka (yours to keep)
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per personMANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE (INCLUDED)
Includes one night pre & post expedition accommodation in Calgary
Group transfers from Calgary Hotel to airport on day 2 and Calgary Airport to Hotel post=expedition
Charter flights between Calgary and Resolute
Group transfers between the Resolute Airport and the shipEXCLUSIONS
International flights to Calgary
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above
Passport and visa expenses
Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Optional Adventure Activities
- 2 (light adventure)
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, quad, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.Includes charter flights from Calgary to Resolute on a return basis
Departure date, seasonality, currency fluctuation and availability.