MS ULTRAMARINE

• Antarctica

Like all our partners, the operator of this ship is a member of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

For decades, the IAATO has been committed to ensuring that travel to Antarctica is conducted responsibly. Members are required to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that every expedition respects and preserves the fragile ecosystem of the polar regions. From maintaining a safe distance from penguins to strict biosecurity measures, every detail of your trip is designed to protect this special place for future generations.

What does this mean for you? It means that your adventure is linked to the highest standards of sustainability, wildlife protection, and preservation of the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica.

• Arctic

The Arctic, with its fascinating wilderness and unique wildlife, is also under special protection. The operator of this ship is also a member of the AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Just like the IAATO in Antarctica, the AECO is committed to ensuring that expeditions in the Arctic are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner.

AECO develops strict guidelines to preserve the Arctic's sensitive ecosystems, whether by preventing pollution, protecting wildlife such as polar bears and walruses, or promoting respect for the region's indigenous communities. As part of this initiative, all members work closely together to ensure that even the most remote and untouched places in the Arctic remain intact.

• Other commitments:

Our expedition provider goes far beyond the strict requirements of IAATO and AECO and is passionately committed to additional sustainability initiatives. These include, for example:

• In 2023 alone, the company Invested $800,000 in the efficiency of its shipsThe ship Ultramarine uses advanced, environmentally friendly technologiesthat optimize energy consumption and minimize the ecological footprint:
  • Micro Auto-Gasification Systems: State-of-the-art waste management technologies that drastically reduce waste. A high-temperature process converts waste into harmless solid carbon, which not only reduces waste but also minimizes the space required on board.

• Climate targets: The company is committed to reducing emissions per passenger by 20% by 2025 compared to 2019. Transparency is a key focus: in 2023, the provider conducted a comprehensive analysis of its own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions together with its parent company Travelopia and an independent CO₂ expert. This data helps to identify the greatest potential for savings and to take targeted measures.

• Plastic reduction: The expedition operator is reducing single-use items on ships, such as straws and napkins, which are now only available on request. This reduces waste and promotes a sustainable culture among guests, staff, and crew. Results of the reduction: 700 fewer parka bags, 360,000 fewer water bottles, and 68,000 fewer single-use containers for shampoo and soap.

• Waste management: The goal is to reduce, reuse, or recycle 100% of the waste generated on board our own ships. By 2025, no waste should end up in landfills.

• Sustainability Committee: Since 2024, the Sustainability Committee has been bringing together people from different areas who are passionate about environmental protection and responsibility. It serves as a central point of contact for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and inspiring employees to get involved in sustainable initiatives. With fresh ideas and practical solutions, the committee drives improvements, helps reduce the environmental footprint, and promotes the protection of the polar regions.

• Supporting local communities:
  • The Tundra to Table program, developed in collaboration with the Inuit cultural group Igapall, gives guests an understanding of the connection between food, culture, and nature in Inuit culture. At Ultramarine's main restaurant, Balena, the program offers an authentic experience that connects guests with this unique region and its people. Small groups allow for high-quality, personalized participation that promotes cultural exchange and strengthens support for local communities.
  • Nalunaiqsijiit, the Inuit cruise training initiative, promotes sustainable economic development in Nunavut by training Inuit in practical skills in hospitality, leadership, and nature interpretation for the expedition tourism industry. The expedition operator supports the program by hiring interns to participate in Arctic expeditions. Many of these interns later take on leadership roles as guides in the Arctic and Antarctic, which both strengthens communities and provides authentic experiences for guests.
  • Ittoqqortoormiit: The company supports the restoration and modernization of the museum in Ittoqqortoormiit, founded in 1924, in order to preserve the cultural heritage of this remote Arctic location. With modern exhibitions, the museum will become a place of inspiration for future generations, where children can discover their roots and strengthen their cultural identity.

• Support for polar research: The provider actively promotes polar research by inviting researchers on board its ships and giving them access to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This enables them to collect important data that broadens our understanding of polar ecosystems and advances nature conservation.
  • UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT): The UKAHT is responsible for protecting historical sites in Antarctica. During the 2022/23 season, the expedition operator provided logistical support to the team by picking them up from their base in Port Lockroy at the end of their five-month mission in challenging and changeable conditions.

• Support for the protection of the polar regions:
  • Together with its sister travel companies, the provider plans to donate at least £1 million over the next three years to promote nature conservation and the restoration of 7,000 hectares of critical marine ecosystems through seven international projects.
  • In 2023, guests who traveled with this expedition operator donated nearly $200,000 to polar conservation, science, and community projects through onboard charity auctions. Thanks to the generous support of guests, donations went to initiatives such as Penguin Watch for penguin conservation, Centro ICEA for the protection of southern ecosystem biodiversity, Seabird Watch for seabird monitoring and protection from avian influenza, the restoration of the museum in Ittoqqortoormiit, and Ilisaqsivik's health promotion programs for Inuit communities in Nunavut.
  • The South Georgia Heritage Trust is committed to protecting South Georgia's unique wildlife by eliminating invasive species, such as rats, that threaten native birds. The expedition operator supported the rat eradication project from the outset. Thanks to a careful baiting campaign, the island was successfully declared rat-free in 2018, which significantly ensured the preservation of bird populations.

• Education and awareness raising:
  • The company offers an immersive journey that provides guests with a deep understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic, their wildlife, and conservation issues. Experts from various fields such as ornithology, biology, geology, glaciology, history, photography, and culture lead engaging lectures and wildlife observations, while guests learn even more about the regions and their culture through direct interactions with indigenous communities. The goal is to deepen guests' connection to the polar regions, turn them into ambassadors for environmental protection, and recruit 5% of guests to the Polar Ambassadors Program by 2025 so that they continue to actively support the protection of the polar regions even after their trip.
  • The company promotes cultural exchange through sporting events. Soccer and hockey games are regularly organized in Greenland and Nunavut, giving guests the opportunity to interact with locals in a friendly atmosphere. These events not only help raise awareness of local traditions, but also strengthen understanding and connections between cultures.

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The company actively promotes diversity and equity by encouraging policies that support gender equality in leadership positions and create a safe environment for underrepresented groups. An open recruitment strategy also attracts diverse talent, which enriches the company and enables it to continue growing.

• Employee training and education: The Quark Academy ensures that every expedition team is optimally prepared before setting off for the polar regions. The curriculum teaches not only technical skills, but also soft skills such as cultural sensitivity, storytelling, and the ability to safely guide guests through unique experiences. In addition, employees benefit from a diverse learning platform that offers e-books, podcasts, videos, and articles for professional and personal growth. Certifications and specialized training are also supported to expand expertise and skills in a targeted manner.