Have questions? We're here.
Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova

Talk with an expert
Build your ideal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
Max Passengers: 71
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: Antarctica 21

With the expedition ship Ocean Nova, you will arrive at the gates of the white continent after flying over Cape Horn and the fabled Drake Passage in less than two hours from Punta Arenas to King George Island, the largest island in the South Shetland Archipelago. This vessel offers these unique air-cruise options for most of its sailing season, while select standard round-trip sailing voyages are available during particular seasons.

The Ocean Nova (previously known as Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the rskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-bound waters off Western Greenland. The ship was refurbished in 2000 and again in 2006 to feature a glass-enclosed forward viewing area on the top deck and provide guests with an even more comfortable retreat following days of sightseeing onshore. The 73-meter yacht, which can carry up to 72 passengers and is authorized to operate in ice-covered seas, is steered by Danish officers with extensive experience in polar navigation. The Ocean Nova is an ideal expedition ship for discovering Antarctica, with just outdoor cabins (all with private facilities) and large dining spaces.
0

Photo Gallery

Ocean Nova Ocean Nova Ocean Nova Library Lounge at the Ocean Nova Lounge at the Ocean Nova Dining area at the Ocean Nova Dining at the Ocean Nova Bridge

Departures

Select a Departure Date

Available Itineraries

Ice in Antarctica
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
8 Days from $11,495
Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Ocean Nova Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you meet your ship. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula as you search for wildilfe and explore the surrounding landscape.
Incredible ice formations
Antarctica Express Air Cruise
6 Days from $4,995
The fastest possible trip to Antarctica, and one of most economical is this 6-day cruise/flight starting in Ushuaia. Sail the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and mythical Drake Passage to experience a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica! Return on a flight from King George Island to Patagonia's Punta Arenas, Chile.
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
10 Days from $5,495
Leaving from Ushuaia, Argentina, this 10-day small ship expedition cruise of Antarctica is an excellent value and takes you through the Beagle Channel and across the mythical waters of the Drake Passage. These cruises are at the beginning and end of the season, are economically priced, and recommended for travelers on a budget.
Air Cruise Flight
Polar Circle Air Cruise
10 Days from $15,495
This Antarctic experience flies from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island where you embark on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands for a full 6 days before flying back to Chile. This tour is excellent for those who wish to maximize time in Antarctica and minimize time sailing the high seas crossing the Drake Passage.

Cabins

Accomodations at the Ocean Nova
Triple
150 sq. ft. 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window.
Accomodations at the Ocean Nova
Twin
106 sq. ft. 2 lower berths with private facilities and window.
Accomodations at the Ocean Nova
Single
87 sq. ft. 1 lower berth with private facilities and window.

Deckplan

Ocean Nova Cabins, Staterooms, and Suites

Sixty-seven guests can be comfortably accommodated in Ocean Nova's outside cabins during air cruises. There are three types of cabins onboard the ship: single, twin, and triple. Besides the picture window, writing desk with chair, and wardrobe, each cabin has its own thermostat for heating and cooling. Dedicated Single rooms are available. Please see Ocean Nova's deck plan and cabin photos above. There is no passenger elevator between decks.
 

Dining

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 ship's dress code is casual.
 

Onboard Amenities

An onboard gym is a brand-new feature for the 2012 season. Modern fitness equipment includes an exercise ball, two stretching mats, a workout table, and a cross-trainer. The gym is located in the aft lounge and offers large windows and a selection of modern exercise equipment.

The lounge and bar are open 24 hours a day and provide an extensive wine and alcohol selection. Additionally, the Ocean Nova has a spacious observation deck, a library filled with polar-themed novels, and a clinic staffed by a doctor. Seven Zodiac boats are available for daily use onboard the ship for disembarking and wildlife viewing.

Ocean Nova gives free onboard internet access to on-demand movies, daily programs, landing site information, images from the voyage, live camera feeds, worldwide news, a full gift shop catalog, and information about the ship and personnel. Guests can use their tablet, laptop, or smartphone to access the internet from anywhere on the ship.

Ocean Nova Ship Specifications

Flag: Bahamas
Year Built: 1992
Last Refurbished: 2006
Built in: Orskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark
Owner: Noble Caledonia UK
Former Name: Sarpik Ittuk
Crew: 46
Passengers: 72 (67 for air cruises)
Length: 73 m
Breadth: 11.0 m
Draft: 3.7 m
Speed: 12 knots
Ice Class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)

Ocean Nova Antarctica Itineraries

Ocean Nova offers 6-10 days Antarctica Express Fly Cruises. Antarctica21 offers scheduled roundtrip flights to the Antarctic Peninsula from its homeport of Punta Arenas (Chile). The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers seeking an affordable and fast Antarctica expedition cruise, as well as those who are not interested in crossing the Drake Passage. The 6-day Antarctica cruise includes visits to Cape Horn, a voyage via the Drake Passage, a landing in Antarctica, and a return flight.

 

About Antarctica21

Ocean Nova joins Magellan Explorer on adventures to Antarctica and the rest of the world. These small-group, tailor-made trips provide the intimacy of a small ship with the opportunity to spend more time visiting remote sites.

Three planes are utilized for Antarctica flights: the BAE 146-200, the RJ 85, and the 100. All three are quite similar in design. British Aerospace was the corporation responsible for manufacturing these aircraft in the United Kingdom (which later became part of BAE Systems). Because they are high-wing aircraft, they require a short runway, making them suitable for Antarctic landings.

Antarctica21 was established at Punta Arenas, Chile's historically significant gateway to Antarctica. It offers the most comprehensive flying cruises to Antarctica in the world. As the world's leading boutique tour operator for Antarctica excursions, they constantly seek ways to innovate and improve their environmentally responsible Antarctic trips.
 

Ocean Nova Ship Reviews

Passengers are quick to praise a “quick and affordable” Antarctic expedition on the Antarctica Express Air-Cruise, designed as an intro to expedition cruising, which departs from South America, visits Cape Horn, sails across the Drake Passage, and offers one day in Antarctica.

To secure your space on one of these Ocean Nova air cruises, please contact our Antarctica experts today.

Inquire

Travel Agents
headshot Kevin Moore
Kevin M

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

headshot Kevin Moore
Kevin M
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118