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.
150 sq. ft. 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window.
Twin
Most Twin Cabins have 2 lower berths with private facilities and a window. But cabins 307, 308, 309 and 310 have fixed matrimonial bedding.
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.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
