Ship:  Ocean Nova

Itinerary:  Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011

click to enlarge
Ocean Nova | slide show
Previous Image   Next Image Penguin FamilyPhoto by: Gerald Cubitt

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy | Testimonials

Day 1 : Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Days 3-4 : The Drake Passage
Days 5-8 : Exploring the Peninsula
Days 9-10 : The Antarctic Circle
Days 11-12 : Northbound Along the Peninsula
Days 13-15 : Drake Passage to Ushuaia
 Click for full itinerary
Days Dates Deck + Cabin Type
Triple Twin Single
15 Feb 11, 2011 $9,190 $12,990 $18,290
Camping Option: $195 per person.
Destinations : Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Polar Circle

- GUARANTEED NO FUEL SURCHARGE FOR CRUISES FROM APR 2009- MAR 2010
-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.
- Sea Kayaking Option: $795 per person for 2009/10
- Mountaineering Option: $550 per person for 2009/10 season
- Cross-Country Skiing: $550 per person for 2009/10 season
- Camping Option:$195 per person for the 2009/10 season. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.

Join a select group of travelers who have journeyed to the world's southernmost extremes and crossed that imaginary line in the polar sea: the Antarctic Circle. En route, you sail deep blue waters among calving glaciers and tabular icebergs; explore Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguin rookeries on the Antarctic Peninsula; then venture still further south along the White Continent as you probe the edge of the pack ice.

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.

Ship Description: Ocean Nova

click to enlarge
Ocean Nova | slide show
Previous Image   Next Image Ocean Nova sailing the seas

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 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

Ocean Nova - Triple
2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window
Ocean Nova - Twin
2 lower berths with private facilities and window
Ocean Nova - Single
1 lower berth with private facilities and window
 
Ocean Nova -

Request a Catalog   |   Contact Us   |   Book a Cruise