We sailed for days to cross the Drake Pass and arrive at Antarctica. There I saw ice, penguins,
more ice, and more penguins and it was very cold. That was my trip to Antarctica. Did you think
that ... Full Journal »
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula
« All Ocean Nova (QU) cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Triple | Twin | Single | |
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Deposit & Payment -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
This expedition is perfect for first-time polar travelers, adventurers who want to push the envelope or time-constrained people. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will sail down the Beagle Channel. Keep watch on deck for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.
Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if your crossing is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing.
Days 5-9 Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Many factors play a role in shaping the expedition’s progress. We attempt to leave the ship to explore in a range of activity levels at least twice a day. Perhaps, you’ll feel salt spray on your face as the Zodiac weaves in and around grounded icebergs in Pleneau Bay. You could scramble to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of an icy chasm near Port Lockroy. You could sit quietly on a pebbled beach and wait for a curious penguin chick to approach or plunge into the frigid Antarctic waters.
Days 10-12 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Activities during the return voyage depend on the conditions of the Drake. A smooth crossing is a busy crossing. You will be transferred to the airport from the ship when you disembark in Ushuaia.
Itinerary Notes
This expedition includes* 1 night of pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast.
* Group transfer on Day 2 from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship.
* Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping.
* Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
* Shore landings per the program delivered on the ship each day.
* Professional Expedition Leadership.
* All Zodiac excursions and transfers.
* Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team.
* Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
* An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
* The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage.
* Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
* Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin.
* Comprehensive pre-departure package including a map and Reader.
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
* All shipboard luggage handling.
* Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
* Group transfer from the ship to the Ushuaia airport.
* Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the hotel on Day 1.
This expedition excludes
* Any airfare.
* Passport and Visa Expenses.
* Adventure options - kayaking, mountaineering, camping or cross-country skiing
* Any meals ashore, with the exception of breakfast at the hotel.
* Government arrival and departure taxes.
* Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
* Excess baggage charges.
* Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges.
* Shipboard and land telecommunication charges.
* Gratuity for ship's crew, Hospitality or Expedition Team members.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 20% (minimum $1000), 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 |
|---|---|
| 180 days or more | $1000 per person |
| 179-120 days | Entire deposit |
| 119-0 days | 100% cruise cost |
Ocean Nova (QU)
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 68
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 on an Antarctica cruise 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.
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: 68
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 |
