Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova was built in 1992 and was specifically designed to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The vessel carries around 78 passengers, making her a small expedition ship. She underwent a drydock refit and upgrade in 2000 and was refurbished again in 2006.

Ocean Nova is an extremely quiet and highly maneuverable expedition vessel, with a shallow draft of just 12 feet, allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. Her hull carries Ice Class 1B certification, and the ship is equipped with two fully enclosed lifeboats. Her size and design mean she can slip into waters where larger ships cannot, offering an intimate way to experience polar regions.

The principal charterer of Ocean Nova is Antarctica21 Air-Cruises, which also operates a UK-built BAE 146 aircraft with capacity for 71 passengers. This pairing gives Antarctica21 guests the option to fly directly to the Antarctic Peninsula rather than crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage by sea, getting explorers to the polar landscape in hours rather than days.

Wildlife sightings on excursions may include penguins, whales, seals and a variety of seabirds, with landings taking guests to some of the most remote and dramatic corners of the Antarctic coastline, including sheltered channels, glacier-lined bays and historic island anchorages. The vessel is an ideal choice for polar cruising in both the Arctic and Antarctica, thanks to her combination of small size, shallow draft and ice-strengthened hull.

Ocean Nova suits travelers who want a genuine polar expedition on a ship small enough to truly explore Antarctica's hidden anchorages and wildlife-rich coastlines, away from the crowds that larger vessels inevitably bring.

Have you cruised the polar world aboard the Ocean Nova? Log this expedition voyage on your account at The Cruise Globe to add it to your Passport and see your actual route!