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 »
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011/2012
« 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
Antarctica is everything south of the Antarctic convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates between 50° and 60° South. For some, an expedition to the Southern Continent is not complete unless the Antarctic Circle is crossed. South of that invisible boundary, daylight lasts for 24 hours from mid-December to late February. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Crossing the Circle is the goal of this expedition. So, on some departures, the ship will push south rapidly, from Ushuaia.
Days 3-4 The Drake Passage
The Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. If so, we’ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room. We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings and, if you dare, polar dips.
Days 5-8 Exploring the Peninsula
The Expedition Team launches the Zodiacs to skim across the water to go ashore, or drift silently while you watch whales feed or penguins jump aboard ice floes.
Days 9-10 The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’S. Celebrate with a well -earned glass of champagne. Toast to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.
Days 11-12 Northbound Along the Peninsula
There’s a story behind every name on the map of Antarctica. Many of the French names that appear are the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure.
Days 13-15 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
As you cross the Drake once again, you’ll have time to adjust to a world where day and night are distinct. 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.
* A Quark Expeditions parka - yours to keep.
* Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
* 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.
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
* Comprehensive pre-departure package including a map and Reader.
* 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
* Passport and visa expenses
* Government arrival and departure taxes
* Any meals ashore, with the exception of breakfast at the hotel
* 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 and 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 |
