ocean Ship

Ocean Nova

by Antarctica 21

About this ship

The Ocean Nova Ship

  • Built in

    1992

  • Remodeled in

    2006

  • Capacity

    72

  • By

    Antarctica 21

The Ocean Nova is the rugged adventurer of the Antarctica21 fleet, offering a classic "base camp" experience for travelers who prioritize agility and immersion. Originally built in Denmark to navigate the ice-choked waters of Greenland, this expedition vessel is celebrated for its incredibly strong ice-class hull and maneuverability, allowing it to reach deep into fjords and bays that larger ships simply cannot access. With a capacity limited to just 67 guests on air-cruises, the Ocean Nova excels in logistical speed; the entire group can disembark into Zodiacs at once, maximizing your time hiking near penguin colonies or kayaking among the floes rather than waiting in line.

On board, the atmosphere is warm, social, and unpretentious, featuring clean Scandinavian styling that makes the ship feel like a cozy floating lodge. While the vessel does not feature balconies, every cabin is an outside stateroom equipped with a large picture window, ensuring you remain connected to the polar environment even while resting. The heart of the ship is the glass-enclosed observation lounge on the upper deck, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the Antarctic landscape and serves as the perfect spot to swap stories with fellow explorers or spot whales while enjoying a coffee. For those seeking a genuine, close-knit expedition atmosphere without sacrificing comfort, the Ocean Nova is an exceptional choice.

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

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Twin Cabin

108 sq. feet

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Twin Cabin featuring bathroom, window, desk and chair, and two lower twin beds.

Single cabin-SOLO

86 sq. feet

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Single Cabin, featuring bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.

Itineraries on this ship

Antarctica 21: Boutique Air-Cruise Experiences

Why Antarctica 21

Antarctica 21: Boutique Air-Cruise Experiences

Antarctica21 pioneered the air-cruise to Antarctica, a way to reach the continent in comfort and without wasted time. Where traditional Antarctic cruises spend two days crossing the Drake Passage, the open and often rough stretch of ocean south of South America, Antarctica21 flies guests straight to King George Island. That skips the long sea days and leaves more time for exploring. Once there, guests board one of Antarctica21's small expedition ships, built for an intimate, personal experience in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Each voyage is built around a memorable polar adventure, with expert-led excursions, Zodiac landings (Zodiacs are the small inflatable boats used to go ashore), and guided hikes that bring you close to glaciers, towering icebergs, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and comfort, these boutique expeditions carry fewer guests, which means more personal service and a deeper connection to the Antarctic environment. On board, you will find comfortable accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and expert lectures that deepen your understanding of the continent's ecosystem and history.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

At Small Ship Travel we focus on the world's finest small-ship expeditions and hold each one to high standards of comfort, authenticity, and responsible exploration. Antarctica21 has been carefully vetted and chosen as a partner in our collection, which reflects our commitment to the best small-ship experiences available.

With its mix of adventure and comfort, Antarctica21 fits our aim of offering journeys that are both immersive and well-run. We are a small specialist agency, and we work closely with Antarctica21 to build tailor-made itineraries so every part of your Antarctic voyage, from first planning to final departure, is handled with care.

Book with Confidence

As specialists in small-ship travel, Small Ship Travel offers priority access, expert guidance, and concierge-level service to improve your Antarctica21 experience. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-expedition stays, private transfers, and gear recommendations, we take care of every detail.

Plan your Antarctic voyage with Antarctica21 and Small Ship Travel, where smart logistics, exploration, and comfort come together for a trip to the White Continent. Contact us today to start planning your expedition.

Other vessels by this cruise line

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