Even today after many decades of exploration, Antarctica remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier surpassing even the most jaded of travellers’ expectations. For this magnificent voyage we are working with our long time Swedish associates at PolarQuest who have chartered the 84-passenger Ocean Nova, and we will follow in the footsteps of researchers, pioneers, adventurers and discoverers on an expedition to the sixth continent. It is hard to put into words the sheer grandeur of an Antarctic landscape. This most southern of continents, this desert of ice, is so unique and uncommon to man’s experience, that even the most dramatic of photographs pale into insignificance when one is confronted by the sheer magnitude, beauty and wonder of an Antarctic landscape.
During this voyage which is timed for the Antarctic spring, there will be the possibility of sighting seven different species of penguin. The spring is mating season for penguins and other species, and you can witness their spectacular displays of courtship ritual, nest building and such antics as stone stealing. This is also the time the pack ice begins to melt resulting in dramatic icebergs and, when in the Falklands and South Georgia, the spring flowers will be in bloom.
We sail from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falkland Islands, a truly enchanting place with a unique character and staggering wildlife. This is the last sanctuary of the elegant albatross which soars gracefully against the blue sky, with colonies of elephant seals basking at the foot of vertiginous cliffs. Our next stop is the remote island of South Georgia, a wildlife haven reputed to have more wildlife per square metre than any other place on the planet. Watching the huge elephant seals fight for their harems and being greeted by hundreds of thousands of breeding king penguins are truly unbelievable experiences. We then continue to the most remote and isolated continent, Antarctica, where we explore dramatic landscapes with gigantic icebergs, scenic channels and bustling penguin colonies.
In between our landings and while at sea, you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team, including Alastair Fothergill, an ambassador for WWF UK, he will share fascinating insights from his many film projects around the world, particularly from the Polar regions.
Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2006 she was completely refurbished and now has a career as a small and comfortable, 84-passenger expedition ship.
Click here for an interactive tour of the ship.
Itinerary
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition in Antarctica. Although there is an itinerary outlined below, this is only a preliminary plan, the exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and the wildlife encountered.
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast we check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival we transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay and meet our fellow travellers.
Day 4 Ushuaia.
This morning is free to explore Ushuaia at your own pace. In the afternoon, we embark the Ocean Nova and cruise out through the Beagle Channel. If we are lucky, we might see Magellanic penguins as we sail.
Day 5 At Sea.
We spend a day at sea, accompanied by seabirds such as petrels, fulmars and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship. Whales and dolphins may also be seen in the surrounding waters, and the polar experts will begin their exciting lecture programme.
Day 6 West Falklands.
The plan for today is to explore the western islands of the archipelago, which are isolated and windswept but home to many seabirds including the black-browed albatross. Weather permitting, we will go ashore and explore Saunders Island, a penguin hotspot that is one of the few places on earth where four penguin species nest side by side. Here we can find gentoo, rockhopper, king and Magellanic penguin rookeries as well as nesting black-browed albatross. You can stand on the white sand beach watching the penguins come and go while the striated caracaras patrol overhead.
Day 7 Stanley, East Falklands.
Today we visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. Here, we wander through charming streets lined with small houses and learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the waters of Cape Horn.
Days 8 & 9 At Sea.
We sail southeast, bound for South Georgia. The anticipation grows, especially as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature. Shipboard presentations will continue, featuring the fascinating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. Wildlife will guide us to the island – keep a lookout in the ocean for whales, seals, and penguins.
Days 10 to 13 South Georgia.
Majestic mountains, mighty glaciers, and beaches full of king penguins greet us on the island of South Georgia. We arrive in spring, when there are few ships in the vicinity, and the peaks of the dramatic mountain ranges are still snow-covered. For wildlife enthusiasts, South Georgia is a true haven. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather at places like St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain. Huge elephant seals lounge on beaches, and at this time of year, we may witness dramatic fights for dominance among the males. The island is also home to several other penguin species, including macaroni, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, along with the playful and feisty fur seals. South Georgia played a significant role in Shackleton’s legendary expedition. After his ship Endurance sank, he and his crew crossed the treacherous ocean in an open lifeboat to reach the island. We hope to visit Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, once an active whaling station, now home to a charming museum.
Days 14 to 16 At Sea.
We now set sail towards the world’s most remote continent – Antarctica, faithfully accompanied by many seabirds. The onboard polar experts will continue to fill our minds with heroic stories of the early daredevils who explored Antarctica. We also keep our eyes open for the first iceberg, which could appear on the horizon at any time.
Days 17 to 20 The South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula.
This is a true Antarctic expedition cruise, and our exact route over the following days is subject to weather and ice conditions. We hope to go ashore at Elephant Island, where we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. In 1916, Shackleton and his crew sought refuge on this island after their ship was crushed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea. Following the loss of their ship, they reached Elephant Island after a harrowing ordeal on drifting ice floes. They established a camp at a location they named Point Wild, after Shackleton’s commander, Frank Wild. Today, this area is home to nesting chinstrap penguins. We will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands, just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of the islands, including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos, or Livingston. Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins thrive here, along with several species of seals. Hopefully, we will also have the chance to visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Along the coastline of the South Shetlands, we keep our eyes open for humpback whales foraging for krill. Continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula, we navigate through vast expanses of pack ice covering large parts of the bays, watching as our experienced officers skilfully steer our ice-strengthened ship. We cruise through labyrinths of icebergs, some of which may be occupied by curious penguins. In good ice conditions, we hope to set foot on the Antarctic continent at Hope Bay or Paradise Harbour. The scenery here, from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking.
Days 21 & 22 Drake Passage.
As we leave this magical place and head across the Drake Passage, you can spend time reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days. On our approach to the South American continent, it is possible to see whales, dolphins, and seals. Celebrate the conclusion of your Antarctic expedition with a farewell dinner on board.
Day 23 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 24 Buenos Aires to London.
After breakfast we check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 25 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 26 October to 19 November 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Triple Cabin - Bunk beds | Not Available | |
| Twin Cabin - Bunk beds | On Request | |
| Double cabin - Double bed or 2 lower berths | On Request | |
| Twin Cabin for sole use - Bunk bed | On Request | |
Tour Reference Code: SCON261026
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • Overnight hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast • 19 nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis • Expedition team • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Excursions • Use of rubber boots on board Ocean Nova • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, drinks, lunch on day 4, lunch and dinner on days 2, 3 & 23.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Antarctica Deckplan
Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2006 she was completely refurbished and now has a career as a small and comfortable, 84-passenger expedition ship.
Click here for an interactive tour of the ship.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the Ocean Nova for your upcoming voyage and hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel.
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built: 1992 (Denmark)
Registered: Bahamas
Draft: 4.5 metres
Gross tonnage: 2180 tonnes
Length: 73 metres
Breadth: 11 metres
Passenger capacity: 84
Staff & crew: 32
Ice class: Ice 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising speed: 13 KnotsAIR-CONDITIONING
The Panorama Lounge and dining room are air-conditioned and all cabins have outside airflow that can be individually controlled. The ship is heated throughout.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
BAR/BEVERAGES
A bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks is available in the Panorama Lounge. Wine and beverage service is also available in the dining room. Individually purchased drinks consumed throughout your journey should be settled at the end of your voyage. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day in the Bar and Library.
BRIDGE
Permission to visit the ship’s Bridge may be requested. Please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted, for example, during manoeuvres or bad weather conditions.
CABINS
There are 39 passenger cabins on board, all outside facing and with en-suite bathroom facilities. All cabins have upper and lower beds, however, in twin cabins only the lower beds will be used. Each cabin features a window, mirror, writing table and chair, hairdryer and telephone. All cabins are cleaned daily and towels are changed as required.
COMMUNICATION
Telephone: The ship can be contacted by satellite phone (tel: + 870 77306 4426). Passengers will be able to receive and make satellite phone calls via the telephone on the Bridge and the charges will be added to their onboard account. Since all communication by phone or email is through a satellite system, coverage and availability can vary throughout the cruise, depending on the signal. Satellite Internet & Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available throughout the vessel and Wi-Fi cards are available to purchase at Reception. Depending on the ship’s location, there may be times when the connection is very slow or is disrupted and the same level of connectivity that you enjoy at home cannot be expected on board.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is Euros. Your ship account will be payable at the end of your cruise by cash (in Euros) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Please note that debit cards are not accepted.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department in advance. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Hotel Manager at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DRESS CODE
On board the emphasis is on comfortable and casual clothing at all times. It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes with rubber soles or other non-slip soles when moving around inside the ship.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply aboard ship is 220 volts. AC and outlets take Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend that you take an adaptor with you.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. There is a medical doctor and a first aid station on board.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FITNESS ROOM
An exercise area is available on the Bridge Deck and contains a variety of equipment. If you intend to use the gym please ensure you wear suitable clothing.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at all important contact points around the vessel.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned twice a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available at an additional charge (price list is available in your cabin). Laundry will be collected in the morning and will be returned to you in approximately two days. Ironing facilities are also available for a fee, however, please note there is no tumble drying or dry cleaning on board.
LIBRARY
A small selection of books is available for use on board. A laptop with internet access is available here as well as complimentary tea and coffee.
LIFT
There is no lift on board the vessel.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The dining room is located on the Upper Deck and seats all passengers at a single sitting. The chef will serve three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner is a combination of self-service and served items. All tables seat at least five people.
MOSQUITOES
Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.
OBSERVATION DECK
The Observation Deck is available to passengers throughout the sailing. However, please note the deck may have to be closed during periods of inclement weather.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The vessel operates a signed-chit system whereby no payment is immediately required (the vessel only requiring a signature for your purchase) and, only at the end of the cruise will you be presented with your final itemised bill to settle.
POST
The vessel’s crew will be happy to send any post you may have on your behalf (although please note that as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself).
QUESTIONNAIRES
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed during peak hours. You will always be able to contact a member of the crew 24 hours a day.
SAFE
A safe is available in the hotel manager’s office for valuables but we recommend leaving valuables at home or keeping them on your person.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
WATER
The water on board is safe to drink. There are strategically placed water bottle filling stations where water is additionally filtered for taste and quality
V.1 JULY 2022
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Deck Plan
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Antarctica Deckplan
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Antarctica Deckplan
What makes South Georgia special?
In the middle of the Southern Ocean lies South Georgia. With nearly 3000 metre peaks, impressive glaciers and sandy beaches, the island offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Everywhere, on the beaches and rocks, in the water and air, wildlife abounds. The sound of hundreds of thousands of king penguins is very powerful, and it is an incredible experience to be among all these curious creatures. Here, we also have the chance to meet the huge elephant seals; the males which can weigh as much as four tons can have over 200 females in one single harem. The newborn seal pups will have just begun to explore the world and are eager to get acquainted and their immense, black eyes win every visitor’s heart. With no land-based predators on the island, the wildlife has no fear of humans, and this creates a truly magical setting for meeting the animals and watching them go about their day undisturbed.
Small Groups - Great Experiences
On all of PolarQuest’s expeditions sustainability is at the heart, with a focus on travel in small groups and striving to minimise the environmental impact. A small ship such as Ocean Nova also offers a more relaxed atmosphere, greater focus on the destination and more time ashore, compared to a larger vessel. Most vessels visiting Antarctica carry between 120 and 500 passengers, and only 100 people are allowed to go ashore at any one time. Since Ocean Nova accommodates just 84 passengers, everyone can go ashore together, enjoy the same experiences, and spend more time on land. This allows for a more exclusive and more sustainable adventure. Ocean Nova also boasts one of the lowest fuel consumptions per passenger in the industry.
Guest Lecturer
Alastair Fothergill
Alastair Fothergill has had a long and highly acclaimed career and has been at the forefront of natural history programming for over 30 years. He studied zoology at the University of Durham and made his first film, on the Okavango, while still a student. Alastair is now a director and co-founder of Silverback Films. Recent productions include Sir David Attenborough’s "A Gorilla Story", "Wild Isles" and "Our Planet" for Netflix. Alastair is behind 5 of the top 10 grossing natural history cinema films ever. He joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1983 working on a wide range of the department’s programmes and was appointed Head of the Unit in November 1992, aged 32. Alastair’s collaborations with Sir David include "The Trials of Life", "Life in the Freezer", "The Blue Planet", "Frozen Planet", "Planet Earth" and its companion feature film "Earth". In November 2012, Alastair left the BBC to set up his own production company Silverback Films. He was the Executive Producer of a new landmark series for BBC 1, "The Hunt", and Producer of a 3D Giant Screen version of the series, "Incredible Predators". He is the Co-Director of Disney nature’s "Monkey Kingdom" released in 2015 ,"Penguin" released in 2019 and then again in April 2022. Alastair is a fellow of the Royal Television Society and of the Royal Geographic Society, who awarded him their gold medal in 2012. He has honorary doctorates from the University of Durham, Bristol, Hull and York St. John. In 2017 Alastair was the BBC Grierson Trustees’ Award winner and he was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019 for his services to Film. Alastair is also an ambassador for WWF UK. On board, he will share fascinating insights from his many film projects around the world, particularly from the Polar regions.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000