Polar Circle Air Cruise
« All Ocean Nova Air Cruises cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Triple | Twin | Single | |
| Jan 1 '14 Feb 16 '14 |
$12,695 | $13,995 | $19,795 |
| Optional Sea Kayaking: $895 per person Jan 1 '14 - Optional Snowshoeing: $195 per person |
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- 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 Punta Arenas
Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel and attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world. Note: Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 15:00 hours.
Day 2 Fly to King George Island
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Days 3-8 South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink.
The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The
Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 9 Fly back to Punta Arenas
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas.
A transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas. One
complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas is offered upon request on Day 7 of the Travel Program.
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 overnight in Punta Arenas at Hotel Rey Don Felipe or other hotel of similar category and a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1
· 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 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 |
