World Explorer

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.

To Wear on Board

• Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)
• Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
• Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities)
• Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)

Just a reminder: no formal evening wear required on our voyages! (but if you want to you can bring a little something more dressy for the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell cocktail parties)

Additional Items

• Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required
• Camera gear complete with charger, storage medium, transport & cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries
• Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
• Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
• Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
• Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes)
• Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
• Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
• Insect repellant
• Mosquito netting

For Shore Excursions & Hiking

In addition to the mandatory gear requirements (as above) for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring:

• Worn-in Hiking footwear: While Muck-boots are provided and encouraged for most shore excursions, additional hiking footwear (Goretex-lined boots or similar water-proof hiking boots) can add to your hiking comfort, especially if you are a keen hiker
• (Smart) Wool or synthetic hiking socks for above footwear (bring an extra pair)
• Lightweight and quick-dry, trekking pants that may or may not convert to zip-off shorts* (*depending on your thermo-regulation)
• Breathable waterproof pants* and rain jacket** for outdoor activities in inclement weather (*can be the same pair you use for Zodiac operations / ** can be outer shell of complimentary Quark 3in1 Parka)
• Comfortable long or short-sleeve shirt for hiking either synthetic/quick-dry or merino (smart) wool
• (Hiking) gloves (medium thickness, waterproof preferred)
• Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection)
• UV protection (hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm)
• Collapsible Walking stick for hikes (if required). Quantities are available on every vessel to borrow.
• Additional reusable thermos or water bottle (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)

By Sea & Air

All transfers ship to shore, helicopter flights & Zodiac/ship cruising

• Waterproof Pants (Mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride. For Ultramarine guests who are participating in Helicopter flights, we recommend packing loose fitting rain pant style waterproof pants, rather than fitted ski pants. You will also be required to wear a drysuit, which our team will help you prepare for on the ship.)
• Base-layer wool or synthetic top*
• Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece top*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom*
• Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
• Scarf, buff, or other face protection
• Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
• Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking)
• Glove liners*
• Hand and feet warmers*
• Binoculars
• Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
• Sunscreen
• Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
• Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack &/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera & gear dry)

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.

If you do not eat meat there is a wide selection of vegetables, pasta, grains and fruit available. Quark Expeditions® is able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicated your needs on the required expedition forms when you booked your voyage.

Menus will be clearly labeled for vegetarian and gluten free options, but please do notify your server of the dietary restrictions you indicated on your form. We regret that kosher food cannot be prepared.

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.

What is life like on an expedition? During days at sea, you’ll enjoy lectures and workshops presented by our Expedition Team and spend time on deck looking for seabirds and cetaceans. Other days are packed full with multiple landings,

Zodiac cruises and activities. Exhausting or relaxing, smiles abound as do great meals from your onboard chefs! We have a number of policies and procedures that help make sure things run smoothly on the World Explorer, so take a look below to help get the most out of your time aboard.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

While a daily program will be posted, sometimes new opportunities present themselves on short notice – so expect the unexpected and enjoy knowing that staff members are always here to make sure your expedition is as memorable and enjoyable as possible!

SAFETY ON BOARD AND ASHORE

Your safety and security is a top priority for our Expedition Team and crew members. Knowing how to safely move about your ship, act ashore and handle both wet and dry landings will help ensure you have a hassle-free expedition. Please take time to read the instructions in this important safety section.

SAFETY WHILE ON DECK

Be careful while walking around the outer decks, as footing can be slippery. Always use the handrails and wear proper closedtoe, nonslip footwear. Slip-on sandals, slippers or flip flops are neither safe nor suitable for wearing on board.

STAIRS & DOORS

There are high steps in many doorways that lead to the outer decks, please watch your step and proceed with caution. When passing through doorways or walking in your room, do not place your hands around the edges of doors. Be aware that if doors are not closed or latched open properly, they present a danger and can open or close violently and unexpectedly as the ship moves across the sea.

SAFETY BRIEFING & LIFE BOAT DRILL

By international maritime law, you must participate in an emergency drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, you will have a safety briefing to outline appropriate behaviour on board, and emergency procedures. Afterward, a drill will be conducted to familiarize you with your lifeboat, life vest and emergency evacuation route. This mandatory drill will be scheduled as soon as possible by the Expedition Leader. You will be provided with full details after you embark.

CONDUCT ASHORE

• For safety reasons, never walk alone while ashore. Always travel with someone else, or as part of a group.
• If weather conditions deteriorate the Captain will sound the return to ship signal (continuous short blasts). If you hear this, immediately return to the landing area  or follow instructions from staff members.
• Do not litter. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
• Be punctual, as on time boarding and efficient landings mean we’ll have more time to explore at future landings. 

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

When you are not busy exploring the natural beauty of the Polar Regions, you may wish to connect with family and friends back home to share some of your voyage highlights. Guests on Quark Expeditions can now enjoy free Wi-Fi as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. This complementary Wi-Fi service permits basic Internet browsing and voice applications.

Please note that we travel to some of the most remote parts of the world. As we utilize satellite equipment for our connection, Wi-Fi signal may be intermittent.

To access email or internet on your personal computer, tablet or smart phone, connect to the network on your device, where you can access our complimentary plan, or purchase Priority Wi-Fi.

Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Lower speeds
• Suitable for basic internet browsing, texting and voice calling using text and voice apps
• Some site filtering
• No charge
• One device logged in at a time

Priority Wi-Fi

• Higher speeds
• Suitable for larger data volume apps, video calling, video streaming (in lower resolutions) etc.
• See rates by logging in
• One device logged in at a time

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.