Antarctic Small Ship Expedition - Cruise Only
« All Ocean Nova Air Cruises cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Triple | Twin | Single | |
| Nov 11 '13 Nov 20 '13 Mar 1 '14 |
$5,395 | $5,995 | $8,590 |
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| $1000 | All departures | |
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy.
- Solo travelers can request the Twin Share Program where you will be matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate cannot be found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Solo travelers not wishing to opt for the Share Program can book a dedicated single cabin at published rate, or book a twin cabin for single use with a 85% supplement.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Deposit & Payment - Solo travelers can request the Twin Share Program where you will be matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate cannot be found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Solo travelers not wishing to opt for the Share Program can book a dedicated single cabin at published rate, or book a twin cabin for single use with a 85% supplement.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Your Antarctic cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the Ocean Nova and embark on an exciting cruise-only polar adventure. You will sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage
Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land.
Days 4-7 Antarctic Exploration
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your Antarctic cruise may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Your polar adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board.
Days 8-9 At Sea
Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks.
Day 10 Disembark in Ushuaia
The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.
Itinerary Notes
INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE FARE:• Comprehensive pre-expedition information material
• Expedition along the Antarctic Peninsula with daily shore excursions (based on local conditions)
• Loan of waterproof boots for every passenger for wet landings
• Briefings and recaps pre- and post-excursions given by expedition staff
• All guided shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Lectures and presentations given by Antarctic specialists
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch offering a wide choice of dishes
• Daily served dinner offering a choice of three main courses
• A selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks throughout the expedition
• Post-expedition information file including a gallery of images from the trip
NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE:
• Juice, soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits, and mixed drinks served at the bar
• Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers in Ushuaia
• Personal travel medical insurance (required)
• Any personal expenses, such as for communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• Gratuities for the shipboard personnel (suggested USD 10 per person per day).
• Visas or Passport expenses and/or any other arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1200 for Antarctic Express and Small Ship Expedition Itineraries, $2200 for all other itineraries, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 130 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more | 65% of initial deposit |
| 119-60 days | 35% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 65% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
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
| 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 |
