SHOWERS AND TOILETS

Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower and heated floors, toilet and wash basin. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided for your use.

ELECTRIC CURRENT

The electrical supply on board is 220 V (European). Guests from Canada and the United States may require an adapter in some areas of the ship; most provided cabin outlets are universal plug-types but only supply at 220 V. Voltage Converters may still be needed depending on your device requirements. The outlets are located near the television, in the desk, and there are USB-A ports in the night lights. The bathroom outlets are suitable for shavers only. (Before you purchase a converter, ensure your electronics, cameras, computers, and devices are compatible with 220 V.)

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/terms-and-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.

LAUNDRY

A complete list of laundry fees will be provided on board. 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.

WATER

All passengers receive an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle in their cabin upon arrival. There are water filling stations throughout the ship.

ONBOARD ACCOUNTS

To make things as stress-free as possible, items you purchase from the Polar Boutique, lounge or specialty drinks not included in our complimentary beer and alcohol offering are charged to your ship account. Cabin charges can also include spa, laundry, postage, any communication charges beyond our complimentary Wi-Fi service (see chart on opposite page), and adventure options booked on board (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, MasterCard or American Express 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.

GRATUITIES

We understand this is a very personal subject and whatever amount you give is at your own discretion. At the end of the voyage you will have the option to charge a gratuity amount to your onboard account, or to place cash in

an envelope. Gratuities are shared among our hotel and expedition team members.

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.

DOCTOR

Quark Expeditions 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. We recommend that you pack an extra two weeks’ supply of medication in case of emergency. 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.

MAIL (Only available on Antarctic Expeditions)

Sending polar mail is still a rare and memorable way for loved ones to receive a memento from your voyage. Mail may be posted from the ship and will be charged to your on board account. Please deposit your mail at reception with your cabin number and name noted clearly in the upper right-hand corner of each card or letter.

If your voyage visits a research base, we may be permitted to leave mail. If we are unable to post the mail during your voyage, staff will attempt to do so on subsequent voyages.

Please note, delivery can take many months and cannot be guaranteed.

STAYING IN TOUCH WHILE ON BOARD

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.

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.

If you would like to make phone calls from the ship, Voice credits are also available for a small fee, and allow calling from your cabin to shore telephones at various rates per minute, depending on location and type of phone you are dialing (calling mobile phones tend to be more expensive).

Current prices for these optional services will be posted on board your ship. Please note we cannot provide refunds for unused voice or pay per minute calls.

ONBOARD WEBSITE

Our free onboard Web site is an excellent resource for daily programs, expedition team biographies, and other voyage information. Visit MyQuarkVoyage.com during your expedition to take advantage of the materials. Access to this site is available free of charge, even if you have not purchased data. Contact Guest Services if you experience any difficulty logging on.*

* Wi-Fi terms and conditions apply.

POLAR BOUTIQUE

If you forgot any essentials or need a little souvenir from your voyage, the Polar Boutique on Deck 5 is our onboard gift shop. Opening hours will vary based on the daily expedition activities.

Gifts and souvenirs are great to bring home as mementos of your polar expedition. In addition to small souvenirs, our Polar Boutique offers a selection of expedition gear, including base layer clothing, waterproof pants, gloves and more.

RECEPTION AREA

A crew member is available at reception to assist you or answer any questions during posted hours. You can arrange for a wake- up call or settle your accounts at the end of the voyage.

LOUNGE AREAS

GUESTS HAVE FOUR OPTIONS ON OCEAN EXPLORER.

OBSERVATION LOUNGE & BAR: The stylish Observation Lounge & Bar at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

LATITUDE BAR & LOUNGE: Popular social hub on Deck 5. The beautifully-lit bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.

THE DISCOVERY LIBRARY: Light-filled interior library on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase—at the bow of the ship—allows up to 47 guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes through the floor-to-

ceiling glass. The Ocean Explorer library collection includes books in multiple languages covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology.

EXPLORER LECTURE LOUNGE: Located on Deck 5, the Explorer Lecture Lounge can seat every guest on the ship, and features the best in A/V equipment, including state-of-the-art systems for on-board presentations.

ELEVATOR

The onboard elevator system is available for travel between decks. However, for your safety this elevator will be shut down during any periods of inclement weather.

OUTDOOR OBSERVATION DECKS

Observation areas on Decks 7, 8 and 9, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.

POLAR DECK & BAR: The Polar Deck & Bar on Deck 7 is an excellent spot to enjoy a drink—and the incredible polar views—at the same time.

GYM

Located on Deck 5, gym hours are posted at the door, with facilities available on a first come, first served basis. Please refrain from bringing glass bottles into the gym. We kindly ask that you take care using these facilities and when you leave, please ensure the equipment is as clean and tidy as when you arrived. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear if you will be taking advantage of the facilities.

TUNDRA SPA & SAUNA, AND JACUZZIS

After a day of exciting off-ship adventures, guests can head to our Signature Tundra Spa and Sauna on Deck 7 to unwind. Relax on traditional wood benches in our Dry Sauna, which accommodates 15 people, while gazing at the polar wilderness

through the large sauna windows. Guests can also enjoy a variety of massage, body and facial treatments in Quark Expeditions’ signature Tundra Spa, also located on Deck 7. We have partnered with Voya, an industry leader in organic wellness and beauty products. All treatments use products made from organic hand- harvested seaweed.

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Bring your bathing suit so you can join us in the Polar Plunge, or to use in the sauna. You might also appreciate having some waterproof shoes. It is recommended to wear closed-toed shoes while moving around the ship, but as long as your water shoes have a heel strap and fit securely, they can be safely worn while using the wet facilities.

READY ROOMS

The Ready Rooms on Deck 3 offer a designated open storage locker for each cabin, where you can store and dry your gear between excursions. Benches are available to help you gear up for Zodiac embarkation.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The Medical Facilities are located on Deck 3. 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.

DINING

THE OBSERVATION BISTRO: with its marine blue and

off-white colors—is your go-to spot for lighter fare and grab- and-go snacks. This relaxed eatery seats up to 44 guests, who can take in full views of their polar surroundings and wildlife while enjoying a light bite.

MAIN DINING ROOM: Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art.

Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND ALLERGIES

All guests—including vegetarians, meat-eaters, as well as those who follow a gluten-free diet—will be equally impressed with the dining options on our ships. Quark Expeditions® is able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicate your needs on the required expedition forms when you book 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.

FOOD PREPARATION

Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs. Working in a small kitchen, our chefs are able to monitor and control the quality of food being served, ensuring you receive top quality meals during the course of your expedition.

DRESS CODE

The dress code on the ship is casual, though some may choose to dress up a little for the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

PERSONAL ALCOHOL POLICY

Consuming personal alcohol is prohibited anywhere on the ship.

BAR AND WINE SERVICE

Guests on all Quark Expeditions voyages enjoy complimentary bar service as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. Standard beer, wines, spirits and cocktails will be available to you at no charge during bar service hours and dinner. Specialty alcohol, such as champagne and premium spirits, costs extra. Due to safety reasons and off-ship excursion activity, our

on-board bar service hours are typically limited to pre-dinner and evenings. Soft drinks, juices, and water are also available at no cost.

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 Ocean 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 are 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 closed-toe, nonslip footwear. Slip-on sandals, slippers or flip flops are neither safe nor suitable for wearing on board.

STAIRS AND 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 AND LIFEBOAT DRILL

By international maritime law, you must participate in an emergency drill prior to leaving port. Upon embarkation, you will have a safety briefing to outline appropriate behavior 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. If you hear this, immediately return to the landing area or follow instructions from staff members.

For further information on onboard safety, please refer to our safety card here, or review the copy in your cabin.