Ultramarine versus Ocean Explorer

Alex Burridge – October 2026

ONE OPERATOR – TWO DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT SHIPS

What ties these two modern ships together is their operator Quark Expeditions.  So from the perspective of the operational structure they are similar – you’ll be looked after by an experienced Expedition team and Captains, well that, and, they are both purpose-built polar expedition cruise ships.

The differences are in large part driven by two quite different ships.  It’s far more than just the size of the two vessels; Ocean Explorer maximum 138 guests 104 metres in length v Ultramarine maximum 199 guests 128 metres in length.

OCEAN EXPLORER
BUILT: 2021
MAXIMUM # GUESTS: 138
STYLE: EXPEDITION / LUXURY

The Ocean Explorer is a purpose-built Expedition – Luxury ship carrying a maximum of 138 guests.  Given the 100 person ashore limits that apply in Antarctica and the Arctic this number can have a significant impact on the maximum time you can spend ashore or out zodiac cruising.

ULTRAMARINE
BUILT: 2020
MAXIMUM # GUESTS: 199
STYLE: LUXURY / EXPEDITION

She’s again a purpose-built polar expedition ship.  We rate her as Luxury – Expedition.
When full she carries a maximum of 199 guests; this does impact on how shore-excursions are operated (given 100 guest ashore limit).

Explorer Lounge – Presentation room

The 138 maximum # of guests is also effected by the numbers of people who’ve signed up for the Sea Kayaking programme – if that’s full then the maximum number of shore landing guest to be catered for drops to 122 and that’s if the ship is full.  As a result, a very high percentage (sometimes that will be everyone) of guests can spend the maximum time allowed at any given site.

She’s a stable, X-bow hulled, ship and part of that purpose-build has practical mud rooms (where your life vests, muck boot (wellingtons) and other wet weather gear can be stored and where you put the final layers on to get ready for excursions). She also has sea-level access to her 15 zodiacs; this makes getting an out of zodiacs easier and safer.

Ambassador Lounge Bar

If the Ultramarine is full, 199 guests, then zodiac and shore-excursions need to be well-managed.  It’s true that at some sites in Antarctica a dual operation can work; roughly 100 guest in zodiacs (there’s always plenty to see) and the other guests making a shore landing.  Then you swap, those ashore go on a zodiac cruise (some may choose to return to the ship) and those who were zodiac cruising head ashore.  All possible – and the fact is that as all sites have a time duration 3-4 hours this has to effect how much time you can spend ashore.  That’s an independent specialist’s objective conclusion.  AND she is one very nice ship.

Ultramarine has a high ice rating of 1A+, PC6 (as does Ocean Explorer) which means she can take you safely into the Polar regions she explores. Again, as with Ocean Explorer, she has well sized mud room/ready room and sea level loading platforms (4 of them which can be useful in certain wind/sea conditions) that make getting into and out of the zodiacs (she has 20 + 2 spares) easy, efficient and safe.

CABINS AND AMENITIES

Veranda Suite – Ocean Explorer

Her cabins are comfortable and well-designed, ranging from Studio Singles (15.4 metres sq), to Suites with balconies (16.9 to 25 square metres sq) all the way through to the Owner’s Suite (41.2 metres squared).  In very simple term the larger the cabin (or having a balcony) the higher the price.

She has a main dining area, an observation bistro, a private dining area (max 36 guests), as well as a lounge/bar, a dedicated presentation lounge/theatre, a library, shop, an external bar

That’s all in addition to a spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis and an observation lounge.
The food is of a good quality and there is ample choice and you will very likely come home with a few kilos of excess baggage (just the type you don’t have to pay for).

CABINS AND AMENITIES

Ultra Suite

Her cabins a very well designed, many with balconies, with suites being generally larger than on-board the Ocean Explorer.

She has a main dining area, an observation bistro, a private dining area (max 36 guests), as well as a lounge/bar, a dedicated presentation lounge/theatre, a library, shop, an external bar and of course two heli-landing pads on Deck 8.

The Ultramarine alos has a Tundra spa and sauna, a spacious fitness centre, so after your excursions and on any sea days you have opportunity to relax and enjoy a very comfortable ship.

Cuisine on-board the Ultramarine is going to be a notch above that on-board the Ocean Explorer – in keeping with her overall standards.

Outdoor Jacuzzi – Ocean Explorer

Ultramarine’s Ready Room, where to ‘ready yourself’ to explore

SUMMARY

In simple terms there are three stand-out differences – beyond the size of the ship and number of guests:

1. Cabins – Ultramarine cabins are generally larger.
2. Dining – she has three dining venues (as does Ocean Explorer) the difference is that the meals on-board, particularly dinner, are of a higher quality.
3. This is the unique difference – The Ultramarine has two-onboard helicopters.
   This allows her to operate cruises to visit Emperor Penguins at Snow Hill.
   They also offer flight-seeing excursions and landings in Greenland
   NOTE: Helicopters cannot operate in Svalbard and there are limitations as to where and in what conditions the helicopters can operate. Is it a very special experience? – it sure is!

Observation area – Ocean Explorer

Kayaking & Paddling are offered on both ships

Birds eye view from Ultramarine’s two helicopters

We have first-hand knowledge of both ships and the operator.  With one of our team having worked with Quark on-board (after working with us for 9 years prior to Covid) and then re-joining us in 2025.

If the adventure and maximising time ashore or exploring in zodiacs then it is likley the Ocean Explorer is better suited to your needs.

If you like your creature comforts, like the possible opportunity to fly above and perhaps even land on Greenland or go to Snow Hill and see the Emperor penguins then the Ultramarine is for you.

The goals are the same – to explore the incredible beauty of the Polar regions.