Ocean Nova polar ship with blue hull & white upper decks sits among iceberg bits on a sunny day in Antarctica.
Dining room on Ocean Nova polar ship with view windows & 4- & 6-top tables set in white linens & upscale dinnerware.
Library on Ocean Nova polar ship with red, round swivel chairs by fixed small tables & bookshelves beside view windows.
Observation lounge on Ocean Nova polar ship with red, round swivel chairs by fixed small tables & panoramic walls of windows.
Double bed in white linens in twin cabin with blue & gold accents, small desk & wooden armoire on Ocean Nova ship.
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Ocean Nova

capacity
67 guests
year built
1992
remodeled
2006
crew members
1992
length
240 feet
beam
36 feet
draft
12 feet
cruising speed
12 knots
flag
Bahamas
ice class
1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)

Carrying only 67 passengers and classified to operate in ice-filled waters, Ocean Nova is guided by Danish officers with deep experience in polar navigation. With all outside cabins, each with private facilities, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library, the Ocean Nova is a perfect expedition ship for your cruise to Antarctica. This version of Ocean Nova’s cabin configurations and amenities is for her charter by Antarctica21. Although the ship’s capacity is for 71 passengers, guests will be limited to only 67, ensuring the ultimate small ship polar air cruise experience.

Ocean Nova Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Nova review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our Antarctica experts have been aboard the Ocean Nova firsthand. Please read our Ocean Nova review below then contact our experts to compare the Ocean Nova with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Antarctica cruises and Antarctica air cruise itineraries.

The Ocean Nova, formerly the Sarpik Ittuk, was built in 1992 in Denmark to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was significantly refurbished in 2006 to include a glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck and to offer travelers an even more comfortable retreat after days of exploring ashore. She has since benefited from annual upgrades and improvements and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.

Choose the Ocean Nova for an intimate polar experience. A maximum of only 67 passengers ensures everyone can get ashore together and creates a familial atmosphere onboard. Modern, small and comfortable, you’ll say goodbye to Antarctica, the Ocean Nova and newly made lifelong friends.

Common Areas Aboard Ocean Nova

In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, bar, library, small gym and infirmary. She has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

Ocean Nova provides access to free onboard intranet and a number of resources, including on-demand movies, daily programs and landing site information, photos from the voyage, live camera feeds, international news, a full gift shop catalog and information about the ship and the team. Wireless internet is included and available throughout the ship, and wireless receivers offer simultaneous translation for guests who do not speak English.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova accommodates 67 passengers in comfortable outside cabins in three cabin categories, all of which feature a picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system and private bathroom with shower.

2 lower & 1 upper twin bed in white linens in triple cabin with blue & gold accents, small desk & armoire on Ocean Nova ship.
Triple

#317, 319-321 on Upper Deck: 2 lower berths and 1 upper berth. Approximately 150 square feet.

2 twin beds in white linens in twin cabin with blue & gold accents, small desk & wooden armoire on Ocean Nova ship.
Twin

#301, 308, 311-315 & 318 on Upper Deck; #401-416 on Bridge Deck: 2 lower berths and 1 upper berth. #306-307, 309 & 310: fixed queen. Approximately 106 square feet.

Twin bed in white linens in single cabin with blue & gold accents, small desk & wooden armoire on Ocean Nova ship.
Single

#302-305 & 316 on Upper Deck: 1 lower single berth. Approximately 87 square feet.

Two deck plans for polar ship Ocean Nova, showing capacity for 67 or 71 guests across 2 decks. 2025-2026 air cruises deck plan for polar ship Ocean Nova, showing capacity for 67 guests across 2 decks.
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