Ocean Adventurer

The Ocean Adventurer has modestly decorated 65 staterooms spanning five decks, each with outside views from large panoramic windows or portholes, and in suite facilities. There are three owner’s suites on Bridge Deck that have a double bed, sitting area and shower. Only one cabin (403) has a bathtub. All bathrooms are small, but well equipped with hairdryers, bathrobes, fresh towels and toiletries. There are also 215-267 square-foot Suites, and smaller size Deluxe cabins with two berths. The Superior cabins have two different configurations to choose from – two parallel beds or L-shaped corner beds. The Main Deck also offers triple cabins with two lower berths and an upper berth, as well as a private bath and porthole window. The twin porthole cabins and twin window cabins are small, about half the size of the suites, and are the most economical accommodations. Portholes on the lower decks may be closed during sea days for safety. 

With blue carpets, rustic wood furniture, and berth-size beds, the cabins are designed for true adventurers – to be comfortable to sleep and shower, not spacious to linger on. Still, you will likely appreciate facilities such as daily housekeeping, and a cabin attendant who brings extra pillows and towels. Laundry and ironing service is available onboard for an additional cost. 

Solo travelers can avail a Request-Share program if they don’t want to pay a single supplement for a cabin. In the case there are no matches (based on gender), the supplement fee will be waived. 

The cabins are accessible only by staircases, as there are no elevators on the ship. There are also high steps on many doorways leading to the outer decks.

The expedition cruise is not suitable for those with limited mobility, as they require transfers by zodiacs and walking on rough polar terrains under extreme weather conditions. The cabins are accessible only by staircases, as there are no elevators on the ship. There are also steep gangways and high steps on many doorways leading to the outer decks. 

Quark Expeditions does not recommend their trips to those who have difficulty walking, have a life threatening condition, or need an assistance device to move about. 

The Ocean Adventurer has one casual dining room located on the upper deck where guests can enjoy buffet style breakfast and lunch, while dinners are plated. The menus feature a variety of international dishes, including authentic Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Mexican cuisines. Dinner is à la carte and the menu changes every evening, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, sustainably caught seafood, and more. You are encouraged to mingle around during meals, and sit with other diners as no reservation or seating arrangements are prebooked. A selection of beers and wines from around the world are included with dinner.

The ship crew organizes grand welcome and farewell receptions, with food, drinks, a dessert display and introductions to the staff.

The main lounge on the upper deck serves as a gathering spot before and after off-ship excursions. A station for complimentary water, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, is here as well; beer, house wines, and snacks, such as sandwiches and cookies, are served in the late afternoon.

Additional alcoholic and specialty coffee drinks are available for purchase at The Clipper Club. 

Being a small adventure ship, there is no dedicated entertainment space. The main lounge doubles as a lecture hall, where staff naturalists and historians educate the cruisers about the landscapes, land and marine wildlife, and historical sights, aided by a few televisions screen displays. 

You can gather with other guests at the small wooden rustic bar with booths — Clipper Club for drinks and board games, and find books on marine biology, ecology and geology at the Polar Library. There is also a dedicate computer station where you can edit photos through your journey and share them with new friends. Access to WiFi is available sporadically based on the satellite signals, also at an additional cost.

There are no spa or wellness offerings on the Ocean Adventurer, but you will have plenty of opportunities to get workouts on daily expeditions that involve hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and Zodiac cruising. For an additional fee, you can rent kayaks for the entire during of the trip, and get an additional dose of adrenaline paddling next to humpback whales and towering glaciers. 

There is a small cabin in the lower deck that is used as a gym, but it has only a few outdated equipment and limited hours of operation. 

If you want to relax during your chilly Polar journey, you can hop into the heated jacuzzi tubs located outdoors.