An official delivery ceremony was held on April 1, 2021, at the Brodosplit shipyard in Split, Croatia for the new polar cruise ship of Quark Expeditions - Ultramarine.
The technologically advanced ship is the first company-owned vessel for the American company, part of the UK Travelopia Group. The pioneer in expedition cruising Quark Expeditions plans to offer a new level of luxury for a polar expedition.
Prior to the health crisis, expedition travel was among the fastest-growing segments of the industry. Seeking to capture the increased interest in “bucket list” voyages to exotic destinations, a total of 40 ships were ordered for the cruise segment with a plan to introduce ~8000 berths by 2023 dedicated to expedition travel.
Launched in May last year and ready for sea trials in February 2021, Quark Ultramarine is scheduled to enter service in June with her first voyage due to sail from Oslo to Spitsbergen Island Norway. The ship will then spend the summer in the Arctic.