Ocean Nova

A true small expedition ship

View All Images

Ocean Nova

A true small expedition ship

The M/V Ocean Nova is a modern and very comfortable expedition vessel carrying just 71 passengers (67 for air-cruises). This makes her one of the very few genuinely small ships remaining in polar travel - a huge advantage when it comes to being able to land everyone at the same time. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her highly ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in the polar regions, which is why the M/V Ocean Nova offers both Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises

The Ocean Nova delivers clean, crisp Scandinavian styling, featuring comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including dedicated twin and triple cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, there is a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. In the dining room, you are treated to delicious meals, and in the panorama lounge, you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where the on-board specialists entertain and conduct lectures on flora, fauna, and history. Keep an eye on our polar cruise special offers to get discounts on Ocean Nova expeditions. We encourage anyone to get in touch if they have any questions about the Ocean Nova or any of our vessels.

The M/V Ocean Nova features comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including dedicated single, twin, and triple cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. The ship has Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

Ship Amenities

The ship offers three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with chair, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with shower. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary.

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 the onboard specialists entertain and conduct lectures on flora, fauna, and history. 

Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. There is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling on this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are used daily for disembarking and wildlife watching.

Flights to Antarctica

For the Ocean Nova's Antarctica Air-Cruise itineraries the aircraft BAE-146 is used in combination with the vessel. It was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements which make it particularly suited for these kinds of destinations. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

  • MODEL: BAE 146-200
  • ENGINES: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
  • CAPACITY: 67 passengers
  • LENGTH: 93 ft 8 in (28,55 m)
  • WINGSPAN: 86 ft 5 in (26,34 m)
  • CRUISE SPEED: 465 mph (750 km/h)
  • SERVICE CEILING: 31,200 ft (9.500 m)

Special Travel Credit!

Classic Antarctica Air/Cruise: M/V Ocean Nova

An unique 8 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Fly direct to Antarctica and then sail on the 67-passenger, ice-class expedition ship Ocean Nova

FROM 11495.00
Find Out More

Early Booking Prices!

Antarctica Small Ship Expedition: Ocean Nova

A boutique 10 day adventure cruise to Antarctica. Sail to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula on the small expedition ship Ocean Nova

WAS6795.00
NOW 5995.00
Find Out More

Antarctica Small Ship, Great Penguin Adventure

A magnificent Antarctica cruise on the modern and small ship Ocean Nova with the possibility of sighting 7 different species of penguin!

FROM 14690.00
Find Out More

Polar Circle Air/Cruise: M/V Ocean Nova

A 9 day Air/Cruise adventure to Antarctica including Polar Circle. Fly direct to Antarctica and join the 68-passenger expedition ship Ocean Nova

FROM 15995.00
Find Out More

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: M/V Ocean Nova

A 6 day air-cruise to Antarctica for those short on time or budget! Sail on the expedition ship Ocean Nova and then fly back directly from Antarctica

FROM 4995.00
Find Out More

Expeditions Online Newsletter

Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!