Ocean Nova

(68 Passengers)

Chuck's Comments

"We have completely inspected and sailed on the Ocean Nova, and can attest to its suitability for Polar travel in Antarctica and the Arctic.

The ship is extremely quiet and with bow and stern thrusters, the ship is highly maneuverable. Her draft will allow her to go where other ships cannot, which is certainly a plus for polar explorations.

The Ocean Nova is, for all intent and purposes, a new ship with state-of-the-art safety features. The observation lounge is spectacular, with full view windows, the latest lecture and presentation equipment, and a complete bar. The aft library/lounge has wrap-around windows, comfortable chairs and a complete Polar library.

I like the Ocean Nova very much. It has lots of outside deck space and a great Zodiac platform for passengers. You cannot go to the bow, but there is a very nice viewing platform above the bridge, just outside the observation lounge, so everyone has easy forward outside access.

The cabins are similar and all have private facilities. Cabins on the Upper deck have nice-sized porthole windows, as do the Bridge Deck cabins. In addition, Bridge Deck cabins have a promenade outside the portholes. As with all modern vessels, the portholes/windows do not open."

History of the Ocean Nova

Built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, the Ocean Nova was designed to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The Ocean Nova is a perfect expedition ship for discovering Antarctica.

Upgrades

The expedition ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished again in 2006 to include a glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck – and to offer Expedition travelers an even more comfortable retreat after days of exploring ashore.

Deep Experience in Polar Navigation

Carrying up to 68 passengers and classified to operate in ice-filled waters, the 73-meter vessel is guided by a highly-experienced crew with experience in polar navigation. The ship has outside cabins only (all with private facilities), a spacious dining room, and a comfortable library.

There is a magnificent top-deck observation lounge and presentation room, a library with large collection of polar-themed books, a clinic with a licensed doctor, and an exercise room. Ship-to-shore communications are available via Fleet 77 phone and mail/Internet.

Specifications

Passengers: 73
Length: 73.0 m
Breadth: 11.0 m
Draft: 3.7 m
GRT: 2,118 tons
Propulsion: diesel engines ^ 2,000 hp
Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Cabins & Amenities:

• 37 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities
• Spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table service lunch and dinner with main course choices from a changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon
• Observation lounge and presentation room
• Lounge and bar, open late morning, afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits; coffee, tea available all day
• Library with collection of polar-themed books
• Ship-to-shore communications via Fleet 77 phone, e-mail
• Clinic with licensed doctor
• Exercise room

Please note: there is no passenger elevator between decks.

Itineraries may be subject to change.

Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image.

Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image.

Ocean Nova Deck Plan