Antarctica Express Air Cruise
« All Ocean Nova Air Cruises cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Triple | Twin | Single | |
| Nov 29 '13 Jan 14 '14 |
$3,995 | $4,595 | $5,995 |
- 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 journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the Ocean Nova and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn. Please note: Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr and 16:00 hr. At 16:00 hr. boarding will close.
Day 2 Cape Horn
After crossing Nassau Bay, wake up in front of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, put into the water via the Zodiacs and visit the lighthouse and the Chilean station in charge of keeping it beaming. Back on board, get ready to sail towards Antarctica and start crossing the famous waters named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
Day 3 Drake Passage
Sailing through Drake Passage, en route to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). You are invited to relax and enjoy life on board and to take the time to watch wildlife from the bridge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent birds such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as Humpback and Minke whales swimming on their way down to Antarctica.
Day 4 South Shetland Islands
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. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Tanking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.
Day 5 King George Island / Flight to Chile
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay, where you will have the chance to enjoy the Antarctic scenery and visit some interesting places around the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Gather at the aerodome where you will board the flight taking you back to Punta Arenas, Chile. The program ends upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas.
NOTE: Upon request, a complimentary transfer and hotel night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe will be provided in Punta Arenas.
Itinerary Notes
Included in the rate:· Transfers airport/hotel/airport in Punta Arenas foreseen on the first and last day of the voyage (in case of using the complimentary hotel upon return from Antarctica, no transfer is included the following day)
· 1 complimentary hotel night upon request in Punta Arenas on the day of return from
Antarctica
· Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program
· Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program
· Full board including drinks and open bar during the ship cruise
· All guided shore excursions
· Lectures and entertainment on board
· Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
· Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica
Not included in the rate
· Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the program
· Personal insurances
· Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
· Tips (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 |
