Ocean Nova Air Cruises
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 68
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and in less than 2 hours of flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipielago, you will be at the gates of the white continent. For the bulk of its sailing season this vessel offers these unique air-cruise options, however during special seasons select traditional round-trip sailing cruises can be found.
The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006 to include a glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck – and to offer travelers an even more comfortable retreat after days of exploring ashore. Carrying up to 68 passengers and classified to operate in ice-filled waters, the 73-meter vessel is guided by Danish officers with deep experience in polar navigation. With outside cabins only (all with private facilities) and a spacious dining room, the Ocean Nova is a perfect expedition ship for discovering Antarctica.
The Ocean Nova offers unreserved seating, buffet-style breakfast with table service, table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices from a changing daily menu, and afternoon cakes. The lounge and bar are open all day with a wide selection of wines and spirits. The Ocean Nova also features a library with a collection of polar-themed books, exercise room, and a clinic with a licensed doctor.
New for the 2012 season is an onboard gym. Built in a space carved out of the aft lounge, this new gym features big, bright windows and a selection of modern exercise equipment including a cross trainer, two bikes, a small rowing machine, an exercise ball, two stretching mats, and a workout bench with weights.
Cabins and Amenities
* 37 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities.
* Spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices from a changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon.
* Glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room.
* Lounge and bar, open late morning, afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits; coffee, tea available all day.
* Library with collection of polar-themed books.
* Ship-to-shore communications via satellite.
* Clinic with licensed doctor.
* Exercise room.
* Dedicated single cabins.
* Please note: there is no passenger elevator between decks.
Ship Specifications
Staff & Crew: 38
Passengers: 62
Length: 73.0 m
Breadth: 11.0 m
Draft: 3.7 m
Propulsion: Diesel engines – 2,000-horsepower
Ice Class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water
Registered: Bahamas
Antarctica (cruises)from:$3,995
| Itinerary | Days | Dates | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Small Ship Expedition - ... | 10 | Mar, Novshow dates | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |  |
| Antarctica Express Air Cruise | 5 | Jan, Novshow dates | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | 7 | Jan, Feb, Decshow dates | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Polar Circle Air Cruise | 9 | Jan, Febshow dates | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, South Shetland Islands | |
South America (cruises)from:$3,995
| Itinerary | Days | Dates | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica Express Air Cruise | 5 | Jan, Novshow dates | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window |
 | Twin 2 lower berths with private facilities and window |
 | Single 1 lower berth with private facilities and window |
