Only 100 travelers are allowed ashore in Antarctica at the same time. With a maximum of just 67 passengers, Ocean Nova ensures smooth logistics and no daily waiting times for landings on the continent.
Ocean Nova: Ship, Routes & Consulting
Possible expeditions, information about the ship and answers from our experts to all your questions about the cruises of the Ocean Nova
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the Ocean Nova
- The Ocean Nova is a nimble, small expedition-style ship, offering one of the best crew-to-passenger ratios in Antarctica, with 67 crew members and around 12 experienced expedition guides.
- In just two hours, you’ll fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to your ship—the Ocean Nova—waiting for you off the coast near Chile’s Frei Research Station on King George Island.
- The Ocean Nova is a refurbished expedition vessel accommodating 67 passengers, designed for Air Cruise journeys to Antarctica.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the Ocean Nova
Small Ship
Ocean Nova is a sturdy expedition vessel designed for polar travel and accommodates up to 67 guests. It offers one of the best passenger-to-crew ratios in its class. Thanks to its compact size and maneuverability, the ship can venture deep into Antarctica’s ice-filled waters.
Cabins With Ocean Views
The cozy Scandinavian-style cabins all feature windows. They are ideal for adventurous travelers looking for an authentic expedition experience at a more accessible price, and without having to cross the Drake Passage by ship.
Flexible Expedition Experience
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Cabins and Suites on the Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova is a small former Greenland ferry built in 1992, now featuring renovated cabins designed for affordable Antarctica air-cruise itineraries. It is also one of the few smaller vessels offering both triple and single cabin options.
| Double Cabin | 10 M2 |
| Twin Cabin | 10 M2 |
| Triple Cabin | 14 M2 |
| Single Cabin | 8 M2 |
Double Cabin
- 10 m² cabin on the Bridge Deck and Upper Deck
- 2 single beds or 1 queen-size bed
- Desk with chair
- Window with sea view
- Private bathroom
Twin Cabin
- 10 m² cabin on the Bridge Deck and Upper Deck
- 2 single beds that can be combined into a queen-size bed for couples
- Desk with chair
- Window with sea view
- Private bathroom
Triple Cabin
- 14 m² cabin available three times on the Upper Deck
- 1 bunk bed for two travelers and one single bed
- With desk and chair
- Window with sea view
- Private bathroom
Single Cabin
- 8 m² single cabin on the Upper Deck
- 1 single bed
- Desk with chair
- Window with sea view
- Private bathroom
Ocean Nova is a small, well-built expedition ship that offers great value and the option to book a fly-cruise itinerary, avoiding the Drake Passage entirely.
Meinhard Mooslechner
Polar Travel Expert
Ocean Nova Deck Plan
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Itineraries of the Ocean Nova in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Nova
What makes the Ocean Nova special?
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and highly maneuverable expedition vessel.
Built in 1992 in Denmark for navigating the icy waters around Greenland, she was fully refurbished in 2006 for Antarctica fly-cruise operations and has benefited from ongoing upgrades every year since.
With 12 expedition staff for just 67 guests, Ocean Nova offers one of the best passenger-to-staff ratios of any ship sailing in Antarctica.
Design and layout:
- Ocean Nova features a clean, Scandinavian-inspired design with a true expedition feel and Ice Class 1B certification for sailing through first-year thick ice.
- With capacity for fewer than 67 passengers, the experience remains personal and intimate.
- The compact cabins all include private bathrooms, making Ocean Nova an affordable and comfortable choice for fly-cruise itineraries without sailing the Drake Passage.
Technical background:
- Ocean Nova is a small polar-built vessel originally used as a ferry in the icy waters of Greenland.
- Her compact size and ice-strengthened hull allow her to navigate deep into Antarctica’s remote regions.
Onboard experience:
- Facilities include a spacious dining room, bar, library, small gym, and medical clinic.
- A glass-enclosed observation lounge offers a 200° panoramic view across the Antarctic landscape.
- Guests enjoy expert-led lectures and presentations from the expedition team, scientists, and specialists.
Expedition equipment:
- Ocean Nova carries a fleet of seven Zodiacs, each accommodating up to 12 passengers. This ensures there are no delays during landings, as all guests can participate in excursions at the same time.
- The vessel is fully equipped for a wide range of activities, from guided hikes to optional kayaking.
What technical details are there about the Ocean Nova?
- Built: 1992, fully refurbished in 2006 with ongoing annual upgrades
- Passenger capacity: up to 67 guests in Antarctica, allowing all travelers to land at the same time
- Crew: approximately 46 in Antarctica
- Expedition team: around 12 specialists onboard
- Ice class: 1B, certified for navigating first-year thick ice
- Dimensions: length approx. 72.80 m, width approx. 10.99 m
- Speed: 12 knots
How is the Ocean Nova equipped?
Ocean Nova is a former ferry that once operated in the icy waters of Greenland.
She was fully refurbished in 2006 for Antarctica fly-cruise operations and has continued to undergo annual upgrades since.
- This small, durable vessel—with its ice-strengthened hull—can access key destinations along the Antarctic Peninsula and even reach the Antarctic Circle.
- Amenities include a library, lounge, and fitness center.
From the spacious, glass-enclosed observation lounge, guests enjoy a sweeping 200° panoramic view of Antarctica. - A fleet of seven Zodiacs allows all passengers to make quick and safe landings at the same time. The ship is also equipped for a wide range of excursions, from guided hikes and snowshoeing to optional kayaking.
Which services are included and excluded with the Ocean Nova?
Included:
• Return flight to Antarctica with transfers to the expedition vessel
• Antarctic voyage aboard a small expedition ship
• Full-board dining with daily breakfast and dinner
• Dinner with a choice of three main courses
• Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with meals
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks available onboard
• Complimentary waterproof expedition boots for landings
• All guided shore excursions, lectures and onboard programming
• Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee
Excluded:
• International flights (can be added for an additional cost)
• Optional adventure activities such as kayaking
• Optional purchase of an expedition parka
• Recommended gratuities at the end of the voyage
• Personal expenses such as purchases in the onboard shop
• Internet access onboard
• Drinks from the bar
• Massages and similar wellness services
• Personal travel insurance
Is my international flight already included with the Ocean Nova?
When booking an Air Cruise with Ocean Nova, the round-trip flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island is included. For the Express Air Cruise, the flight is only included in one direction, while the return or outbound journey is made by ship across the Drake Passage.
International flights are not included. We will provide a tailored travel offer that includes suitable international flight options connecting to your departure from Punta Arenas and back home. We are also happy to advise you on optional pre- or post-travel extensions in Patagonia, Chile, or other regions.