World Explorer

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.

SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details. 

Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.

Antarctic Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you'll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the Antarctic night unfolds.

Camping in Antarctica is limited to 50 participants, all of whom will be briefed beforehand on the principals of basic camping. Prior to you settling down for the night, Quark Expeditions staff will prepare the site, including setting up a perimeter in safe, flat to gently-sloping and beautiful site. You’re free to choose where (within the perimeters) you want to settle down for the night.  

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

DOCTOR

Quark provides an English-speaking doctor on board who manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicine for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. Should you fall ill, the doctor will refer to the medical forms that you completed and returned to us; therefore it is vital that the information you provide is complete and accurate.

MEDICAL CLINIC

The Clinic is located on Deck 4. In case of emergency, the doctor is available 24 hours a day, and can be contacted through reception or any member of the Expedition Team.

Što nositi na brodu

• Udobna ležerna odjeća poput laganih košulja, hlača ili traperica (za slučaj da brod postane topao)
• Udobne, neklizajuće zatvorene cipele bez pete (papuče, sandale ili obuća za navlačenje nisu dopuštene zbog sigurnosnih razloga)
• Odjeća za vježbanje (za fitness centar i druge unutarnje aktivnosti)
• Kupaći kostim (za Polarni skok! Neki brodovi također imaju bazen, hidromasažnu kadu, saunu i/ili parnu sobu. Detalje potražite u brodskom vodiču.)

Podsjetnik: na našim putovanjima nije potrebna formalna večernja odjeća! (ali ako želite, možete ponijeti nešto elegantnije za kapetansku dobrodošlicu i oproštajne koktel zabave)

Dodatni predmeti

• Putovnica, vize, potvrde o cijepljenju, putni dokumenti i slično prema potrebi
• Foto oprema s punjačem, medijem za pohranu, torbom za transport i kompletom za čišćenje (krpica za leće itd.) te dodatnim baterijama
• Vodootporno kućište za mobitel ili zaštita od kiše za fotoaparat
• Čepići za uši i maska za oči za spavanje
• Transformatori napona i adapteri za utičnice (detalji u brodskom vodiču)
• Krema za lice i ruke (za zaštitu kože od isušivanja zbog vjetra i promjena temperature)
• Lijekovi protiv morske bolesti, probavnih smetnji, glavobolje i drugi potrebni lijekovi
• Mala količina lokalne valute (detalji u vodiču prije polaska)
• Sredstvo protiv insekata
• Mreža protiv komaraca

Za izlete na kopno i planinarenje

Uz obaveznu opremu (kao gore) za prijelaz s broda na kopno, preporučuje se ponijeti:

• Isprobanu planinarsku obuću: iako su Muck čizme osigurane i preporučene za većinu izleta, dodatna planinarska obuća (čizme s Gore-Tex postavom ili slične vodootporne planinarske čizme) povećat će udobnost, osobito ako ste strastveni planinar
• (Pametne) vunene ili sintetičke planinarske čarape za navedenu obuću (ponesite dodatni par)
• Lagane i brzo sušeće trekking hlače koje se mogu pretvoriti u kratke hlače* (*ovisno o vašoj termoregulaciji)
• Prozračne vodootporne hlače* i kišna jakna** za aktivnosti na otvorenom u lošem vremenu (*mogu biti iste koje koristite za vožnju Zodiacom / ** može biti vanjski sloj priložene Quark 3u1 parke)
• Udobna majica dugih ili kratkih rukava za planinarenje, izrađena od sintetičkog materijala koji brzo suši ili merino (pametna) vuna
• Planinarske rukavice (srednje debljine, poželjno vodootporne)
• Šešir, buff ili šal (za zaštitu od vjetra i vremenskih uvjeta)
• UV zaštita (šešir, polarizirane sunčane naočale, krema za sunčanje, balzam za usne)
• Sklopiva štap za hodanje (ako je potreban). Na svakom brodu dostupni su štapovi za posudbu.
• Dodatni višekratni termos ili boca za vodu (uz priloženu sklopivu višekratnu bocu)

Na moru i u zraku

Svi transferi s broda na kopno, helikopterski letovi i vožnja Zodiacom/brodom

• Vodootporne hlače (obavezne za svaku vožnju Zodiacom i helikopterom. Gosti Ultramarinea koji sudjeluju u helikopterskim letovima preporučujemo da ponesu široke vodootporne hlače u stilu kišnih hlača, a ne uske skijaške hlače. Također ćete morati nositi suho odijelo, za što će vam naš tim pomoći na brodu.)
• Donji sloj od vune ili sintetičkog materijala – gornji dio*
• Donji sloj od vune ili sintetičkog materijala – donji dio*
• Srednji sloj topao ili od flisa – gornji dio*
• Srednji sloj topao ili od flisa – donji dio*
• Topla kapa koja pokriva uši (ponesite i rezervnu)
• Šal, buff ili druga zaštita za lice
• Tople vunene ili sintetičke čarape (držite suhi par u torbi i ponesite dodatne za slojevito oblačenje)
• Vodootporne rukavice ili mitske rukavice (ponesite i lakši par za planinarenje)
• Uložci za rukavice*
• Grijači za ruke i stopala*
• Dalekozor
• Polarizirane sunčane naočale s UV zaštitom (ponesite i rezervni par)
• Krema za sunčanje
• Skijaške naočale (za vožnju Zodiacom po snježnim ili vjetrovitim danima)
• Vodootporni, lagani ruksak ili suha vreća i/ili zaštita od kiše za fotoaparat ili vodootporno kućište za mobitel (za zaštitu foto opreme)

To protect the health and safety of its guests, Quark Expeditions® maintains a no smoking or vaping policy in the interior of the ship including cabins, near Zodiacs and on landings. Smoking or vaping on the ship is permitted in the designated smoking area only, which your Expedition Team members will be happy to point out for you. Always make sure to extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of them in the proper receptacle. Please, never throw cigarettes overboard.

Ako ne jedete meso, na raspolaganju vam je širok izbor povrća, tjestenine, žitarica i voća. Quark Expeditions® može udovoljiti većini posebnih prehrambenih zahtjeva, pod uvjetom da ste jasno naznačili svoje potrebe u potrebnim obrascima za ekspediciju prilikom rezervacije putovanja.

Jelovnici će biti jasno označeni za vegetarijanske i bezglutenske opcije, no molimo vas da obavijestite svog konobara o prehrambenim ograničenjima koja ste naveli u obrascu. Nažalost, ne možemo pripremati košer hranu.

Quark Expeditions welcomes passengers age of 8 and above on all trips with a signed waiver by a parent prior to trip commencement. There are however some caveats and restrictions to be aware of:

Children on Ship-based trips

Quark Expeditions welcomes passengers age of 8 and above and under the age of 16 at time of travel with a signed waiver by a parent prior to commencement on any Quark Expeditions trip, provided they meet height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2 m. tall). Children under 8 years old at the time of travel are not allowed to participate in the trip.

Children Ship-based Adventure Options

Adventure Options on ships are available for all persons over the age of 16. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in Adventure Options. Parents must be with children under the age of 16 at all times, so the parent’s participation in Adventure Options may be limited.

Kako izgleda život na ekspediciji? Tijekom dana na moru uživat ćete u predavanjima i radionicama koje vodi naš Ekspedicijski tim, dok ćete na palubi promatrati morske ptice i kitove. Drugi dani ispunjeni su brojnim iskrcajima, vožnjama Zodiac čamcima i aktivnostima. Bilo da ste iscrpljeni ili opušteni, osmijesi su svuda oko vas, kao i izvrsni obroci koje pripremaju naši brodski kuhari! Imamo niz pravila i procedura koje osiguravaju da sve na World Exploreru teče glatko, stoga vas pozivamo da ih proučite kako biste maksimalno iskoristili svoje vrijeme na brodu.

PROMJENE RASPOREDA

Iako će dnevni program biti objavljen, ponekad se neočekivane prilike pojave u posljednji čas – stoga očekujte neočekivano i uživajte znajući da je osoblje uvijek tu kako bi vašu ekspediciju učinilo nezaboravnom i ugodnom!

SIGURNOST NA BRODU I NA KOPNU

Vaša sigurnost i zaštita prioritet su našeg Ekspedicijskog tima i posade. Znati kako se sigurno kretati brodom, ponašati na kopnu te upravljati mokrim i suhim iskrcajima pomoći će vam da vaša ekspedicija protekne bez poteškoća. Molimo vas da pažljivo pročitate upute u ovom važnom odjeljku o sigurnosti.

SIGURNOST NA PALUBI

Budite oprezni dok hodate po vanjskim palubama jer podloga može biti skliska. Uvijek koristite rukohvate i nosite prikladnu zatvorenu obuću s protukliznim potplatom. Sandale na navlačenje, papuče ili japanke nisu sigurne niti prikladne za nošenje na brodu.

STEPENICE I VRATA

Mnogi prolazi prema vanjskim palubama imaju visoke pragove, stoga pazite na korak i krećite se oprezno. Prilikom prolaska kroz vrata ili hodanja po svojoj kabini, nemojte stavljati ruke na rubove vrata. Imajte na umu da vrata koja nisu pravilno zatvorena ili osigurana mogu predstavljati opasnost te se mogu naglo i neočekivano otvoriti ili zatvoriti dok se brod kreće morem.

SIGURNOSNI BRIEFING I VJEŽBA SPAŠAVANJA

Prema međunarodnom pomorskom pravu, morate sudjelovati u vježbi za hitne slučajeve unutar 24 sata od polaska. Po ukrcaju održat će se sigurnosni briefing koji će vas upoznati s pravilnim ponašanjem na brodu i postupcima u hitnim situacijama. Nakon toga slijedi vježba upoznavanja s vašim čamcem za spašavanje, prslukom za spašavanje i rutom evakuacije. Ova obavezna vježba bit će zakazana što je prije moguće od strane Voditelja ekspedicije. Detaljne informacije dobit ćete nakon ukrcaja.

PONAŠANJE NA KOPNU

• Iz sigurnosnih razloga nikada ne hodajte sami na kopnu. Uvijek putujte s nekim ili kao dio grupe.
• Ako se vremenski uvjeti pogoršaju, kapetan će dati signal za povratak na brod (neprekidni kratki zvučni signali). Ako čujete ovaj signal, odmah se vratite na mjesto iskrcaja ili slijedite upute osoblja.
• Nemojte ostavljati smeće. Uzmite samo fotografije, ostavite samo otiske stopala.
• Budite točni jer pravovremeni ukrcaj i učinkoviti iskrcaji znače da ćemo imati više vremena za istraživanje na budućim destinacijama.

WATER

All passengers receive an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle in their cabin upon arrival. You can refill your water bottle at any of the bars on board, or at the self filling stations on Deck 4 across from the Polar Boutique, or on Deck 3 in the mudroom.

ON BOARD ACCOUNTS

To make things as stress-free as possible, items you purchase from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account. Cabin charges can also include laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting). Payments of shipboard accounts are made towards the end of the expedition, at the reception area. The US dollar is the standard currency on board. You can use cash, Visa or MasterCard credit cards to pay your shipboard account. Personal checks are not accepted.

Note: If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise reception.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements over the ship’s public address system will alert you to wildlife sightings, itinerary changes, and landing instructions for going ashore. Announcements can be heard in cabins and all public spaces.

On some voyages, where Quark Expeditions Language Programs are scheduled, announcements in English will be repeated in other languages. Out of courtesy to other travelers, we ask that you remain quiet during all announcements – even those made in languages that are not your own.

BRIDGE VISITS

During your voyage you may be given access to the Bridge, where you can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the ship. However, the Captain and Bridge officers do restrict access during arrivals and departures from port and during times of complicated navigation. As the Bridge is an important working area on the ship, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum to avoid distracting the officers from conducting their jobs efficiently. Understandably, Bridge etiquette includes a ‘no eating, drinking or smoking’ policy.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Help us take care of our environment! To keep our land and waters clean, kindly use all trash receptacles on board. Never throw anything over the side of the ship. Due to the complicated process of desalinating sea water for use on board, guests are asked to practice water conservation at all times.

BATTERY DISPOSAL

Please do not throw old batteries in your cabin garbage. Kindly bring them to reception for proper disposal.

LOST & FOUND

If you find any misplaced items, please bring them to reception or give them to a member of the Expedition Team. If you lose anything yourself, advise our staff so that they can assist you

Dok ne istražujete prirodne ljepote Polarnog područja, možda ćete poželjeti ostati povezani s obitelji i prijateljima kod kuće kako biste podijelili najzanimljivije trenutke svog putovanja. Gosti na Quark Expeditions sada mogu uživati u besplatnom Wi-Fi pristupu kroz naš program „Nazdravite i ostanite povezani besplatno“. Ova komplementarna Wi-Fi usluga omogućuje osnovno pregledavanje interneta i glasovne aplikacije.

Molimo imajte na umu da putujemo u neka od najudaljenijih područja svijeta. Kako koristimo satelitsku opremu za povezivanje, Wi-Fi signal može biti povremen.

Za pristup e-pošti ili internetu na vašem osobnom računalu, tabletu ili pametnom telefonu, povežite se na mrežu na svom uređaju, gdje možete koristiti naš besplatni plan ili kupiti Priority Wi-Fi.

Besplatni Wi-Fi

• Niže brzine
• Prikladno za osnovno pregledavanje interneta, slanje poruka i glasovne pozive putem tekstualnih i glasovnih aplikacija
• Djelomično filtriranje sadržaja
• Bez naknade
• Jedan uređaj prijavljen istovremeno

Priority Wi-Fi

• Više brzine
• Prikladno za aplikacije s većim podatkovnim prometom, video pozive, streaming videa (u nižoj rezoluciji) i slično
• Pregledajte cijene prijavom
• Jedan uređaj prijavljen istovremeno

SHOWERS AND TOILETS

Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided for your use. The toilet system is very sensitive and can only handle toilet paper. Please do not deposit any tissues, paper towels, feminine products, etc. in the toilet. 

ELECTRIC CURRENT

The electrical supply on board is dual voltage 220/110 volts. You will find standard European round-pin and North American flat-pin electrical outlets as well as USB outlets in your cabin and around the ship.

Please be aware that the electricity supply may not be sufficient to power your electronic devices at all times. It is recommended that you check the voltage of your device before plugging it in, as the device may be damaged if the incoming voltage is higher than that for which it is manufactured. Please see QuarkExpeditions.com/en/termsand-conditions for more information.

HAIRDRYERS

There is a hair dryer included in each cabin.

BATHROBES

The bathrobes in your cabins are on loan for you to enjoy for the duration of your expedition.

VALUABLES

Please store your valuables in the safe in your cabin. We recommend you travel with as few valuables as possible.

CABIN TEMPERATURE – CLIMATE CONTROL

You may control your cabin temperature by adjusting the thermostat. If you are sharing a cabin with other travelers, please be considerate of their temperature preferences as well.

SHARED CABIN COURTESY

Many travelers elect to share a cabin with passengers they may not have previously met. All passengers have their own schedules and preferences. Please be courteous towards the needs of your fellow cabin mates.

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE

Your cabin will be cleaned on a daily basis. Your towels will be changed along with your bed sheets every third day, subject to the length of the voyage and in accordance with Quark Expeditions®’ sustainability practices. If you would like your towels changed more frequently, please inform your cabin attendant. Leaving a towel on the rack indicates you will be using it again, while putting a towel on the floor or in the shower or sink means you would like it to be washed.

LAUNDRY

A complete list of laundry fees will be provided on board. Request forms and bags are provided in your cabin. Laundry is collected each morning; please allow 48 hours for your laundry to be returned. Ironing services are also available at a minimal charge. We encourage you to take advantage of the laundry services, as it will mean you can pack fewer articles of clothing.

If you prefer to hand wash small items in your cabin, please remember to bring environmentally friendly detergent.

SPRINKLER SYSTEM

The sprinkler heads located throughout the ship, and in your room, are very sensitive. They can be activated by even the slightest touch. Please do not hang any items from the sprinkler heads, or smoke anywhere on the ship outside the designated smoking area. Guests activating the sprinkler system may be responsible for damages that occur.

LIFE JACKETS

Each cabin is equipped with orange SOLAS life jackets. These life jackets are to be used in case of a ship emergency and during emergency lifeboat drills.