Antarctic Small Ship Expedition aboard Ocean Nova

Description

Antarctica
A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. Enjoy peaceful bays dotted with colossal icebergs; cruise along deep fjords and see massive glaciers.

Adventure
Feel the spray of seawater on your cheeks as you cruise in a Zodiac boat to shore. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you hike with Antarctica21. Join our optional Sea Kayaking and Hiking & Snowshoeing programs in Antarctica.

Wildlife
Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in the Southern Ocean during the austral summer. Present in large numbers, you will move along in their world, finding endless inspiration for photographs.

Memories
Setting foot on these distant lands is a privilege and an honor. You will bring home unforgettable tales, and your journey will arouse the curiosity and admiration of your friends and family.

Trip Name

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition aboard Ocean Nova

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 73 metres Passenger Capacity: 86 The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 / Ushuaia, Embarkation

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Boardyour ship and sail along the Beagle Channeltowards Antarctica. Important note: Boarding inUshuaia is exclusively between 3 PM. and 4 PM.At 4 PM. boarding will close. Please be on time.Keep your passport on hand and allow enough timeto clear port security and to reach the vessel.

Day 2 - Day 2-3 / Crossing the Drake Passage

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passagenamed in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great16th century British explorer. As you sail en routeto the South Shetland Islands, attend an engagingprogram of lectures and presentations. In thecompany of expert guides, watch for wildlife fromthe glass-enclosed lounge or from the outsidedecks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, suchas albatrosses and petrels, as well as differentspecies of whales on their way south to Antarctica.After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, theenvironment changes noticeably. Keep your cameraready, as this is the time to watch for the firsticebergs and the first glimpse of Antarctica.

Day 3 - Day 4-7 / Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and thewestern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailingalong ice-filled fjords and among spectacularicebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds,penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark byZodiac boat and explore the landscape together withexpert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacularvistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharingyour daily adventures with fellow guests.No journey is the same as flexibilityis the key to success in Antarctica. TheExpedition Team sets the voyage route to takeadvantage of the ever-changing opportunitiesprovided by Nature, crafting a unique andextraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes witheach expedition, you will exploreseveral spots that offer the bestpossible overview of the variedAntarctic environment. Yourvoyage may include visits to sitessuch as Paulet Island, Hope Bay,Port Lockroy, Petermann Island,Paradise Bay, Deception Island,the Lemaire Channel, or manyother magnificent places. Ouradventure will be very active, withseveral daily landings and cruisesin Zodiac boats, lectures, and avery enjoyable time on board.Departure from Antarctica willbe in the afternoon or evening ofDay 8, depending on weather conditions.

Day 4 - Day 8-9 / Sailing back to South America

Return to South America with a northboundcrossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and takethe time to watch for wildlife from the bridge oroutside decks, and take part in our program ofpresentations on Antarctic topics in the lounge.

Day 5 - Day 10 / Ushuaia, Disembarkation

The program ends upon arrival at the portin Ushuaia.

Day 6 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Visit the Seventh Continent
See an abundance of marine mammals
An affordable Antarctic experience