Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova, Antarctica21’s ice-strengthened expedition vessel, carries just 67 guests—small enough to land quickly yet robust enough for Antarctica’s shifting pack ice. Originally a Greenland research ship, she blends Scandinavian practicality with a friendly, informal ambiance. Glass-walled lounges frame penguin-dotted shores; nimble Zodiacs launch in minutes for close-up wildlife encounters. Travelers choose Ocean Nova to skip the Drake Passage by air, maximize time on the Peninsula, and share the adventure with a tight-knit cohort of like-minded explorers.
[voyage_widgety_ship_gallery]
Ship Statistics
2010
Launch Year
10944
Gross Tonnes
142
Length
18
Width
EUR
Currency
14
Max Speed (Knots)
264
Capacity
145
Crew
132
Cabins
Facilities
Accommodation
All 38 outside cabins feature picture windows, private bathrooms with showers, writing desks, and individually controlled heating—simple yet cozy sanctuaries after a day on the ice.
Stateroom & Suite Categories
- Single Cabins (≈ 8 m² / 87 ft²) – Dedicated solo layout with one lower single bed, large window, compact wardrobe, and ensuite shower.
- Twin Cabins (≈ 10 m² / 106 ft²) – Two lower beds, picture window, reading lights at each berth, writing desk, and private bathroom.
- Triple Cabins (≈ 14 m² / 150 ft²) – Two lower beds plus one upper berth, ideal for families or friends sharing, with same amenities as Twin category.
Dining
Culinary Philosophy
Menus favor hearty, internationally inspired dishes that warm adventurers returning from brisk landings. Fresh Chilean produce, Patagonian seafood, and house-baked breads are accompanied by Chilean wines and local beers served with lunch and dinner.
Restaurants & Bars
- Main Dining Room — Open seating for buffet breakfast and multi-course plated lunches and dinners.
- Panorama Lounge Bar — Coffee, tea, and pastries all day; evening briefings segue into social cocktails with glacier backdrops.
Onboard Facilities
Ocean Nova’s public spaces blend blond wood finishes with large windows and polar photography, fostering both comfort and discovery on Antarctic voyages.
Indoor & Outdoor Common Areas
- Glass-Enclosed Observation Lounge / Lecture Room – Venue for expert presentations, daily briefings, and wildlife watching.
- Library – Curated collection of polar field guides, maps, and DVDs.
- Small Gym – Treadmill, stationary bike, and free weights for light workouts.
- Open Bridge Policy – Guests may visit the bridge for real-time navigation insights.
- Wrap-Around Observation Deck – Ideal for 360° whale spotting and photography.
- Mudroom – Lockers for expedition gear and easy Zodiac staging.
- Infirmary – Fully equipped medical clinic staffed by a physician.
Deck Plans
[voyage_widgety_ship_deck_plans cols=”2″]
More Information About Ocean Nova
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Family, Kids, and Special Traveler Services
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
Brand Heritage
Antarctica21 pioneered fly-and-cruise expeditions in 2003, allowing guests to bypass the Drake Passage and board Ocean Nova directly at King George Island—maximising time amid Antarctic scenery.
Design & Aesthetics
Built in Denmark in 1992, Ocean Nova sports an Ice-Class 1B hull, generous freeboard, and a pronounced knuckle bow for ice deflection. Interiors favour Scandinavian minimalism—blond woods, nautical blues, and floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the seascape ever present.
Unique Features & Innovations
- Ice-Class 1B Hull – Engineered for safe navigation in pack ice.
- Panorama Lounge – Nearly 360-degree vistas for unrivalled observation.
- Seven Zodiac RIBs – Enable efficient simultaneous shore landings.
- Dedicated Single Cabins – Rare solo accommodation without the usual supplement.
- Ongoing technical upgrades, including energy-efficient engines and modern waste-handling systems.
Ocean Nova´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal
