Ocean Nova: Intrepid
- capacity
- 80
- year built
- 1992
- remodeled
- 2006
- crew members
- 32
- length
- 240 feet
- beam
- 36 feet
- draft
- 12 feet
- cruising speed
- 12 knots
- flag
- Bahamas
- ice class
- 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruise Antarctica’s icy seas with up to 80 guests aboard Ocean Nova during her charters by Intrepid Travel. The Ocean Nova is a longstanding expedition ship and a great economical option for your cruise to Antarctica. With regular upgrades and refurbishments, this ship continues to stand the test of time and is a longstanding favorite among Antarctica travelers.
This version of Ocean Nova’s cabin categories and amenities is for her charter by Intrepid Travel. The Ocean Nova also sails with a slightly different deck plan for other itineraries. To see this version of the vessel, visit Ocean Nova.
Ocean Nova: Intrepid Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Nova: Intrepid 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.
OUR EXPERTS SAILED
You have questions.
We have answers.
Choose the Ocean Nova for an intimate polar experience. Her max capacity of 80 guests ensures everyone can explore onshore at the same time, and creates a convivial atmosphere on board. This simple, small and comfortable ship will leave you with newly made lifelong friends.
Onboard Facilities
All four guest decks aboard Ocean Nova: Intrepid offer public space, so guests can enjoy spreading out. With only 80 guests, travelers often become fast friends over a drink at the bar, wildlife viewing on deck, or at regular gatherings in the lounge.
Lounge, Bar, Library & Gym
The most popular space aboard Ocean Nova is her top-deck, glass-enclosed Panorama Lounge, complete with a hosted bar offering beer, wine, champagne, spirits and cocktails. All 80 guests can gather here for daily lectures and briefings, play games, or watch movies—including the live-action one of the polar wilds going by while underway. Step out towards the bow for access to the open-air Observation Deck, with views overhead of the Bridge.
For a quiet reprieve, Deck 4 offers a small aft saloon with attached gym and library. Circular arrangements of tables and chairs encourages travelers to share stories from the day’s activities, or new knowledge from the reference books. Field guides, reference and photo books cover topics including history, marine biology, ecology and geology.
The gym is small but mighty, with a wall of windows and standard workout equipment for those maintaining a fitness routine. Also on Deck 4 is the Bridge, which is open to guests when weather and sea conditions permit. And the saloon offers a coffee station and access to the aft deck, for more sheltered outdoor wildlife viewing.
Dining
Deck 3 of Ocean Nova: Intrepid features a spacious dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner features a delicious menu of made-to-order delights. While seating is unassigned and attire is casual, guests will appreciate the attentive dining room staff, elevated ambiance and walls of view windows. Meals are international in flavor, with vegan and vegetarian options such as pasta, grains and fruit. With advance notice, most specialty diets can be accommodated, with the exception of Kosher.
Outside of posted meal times, the dining room offers fresh-baked cookies and/or pastries every afternoon. And each day’s cocktail hour typically features hot and cold appetizers served in the Panorama Lounge. Ocean Nova: Intrepid is equipped with water filling stations throughout the ship (guests are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle).
Other Facilities
The lowest passenger deck—Deck 2—offers a medical clinic as well as the Zodiac access point. Guests can easily load and unload from the ship’s eight Zodiac boats via a ramp with guardrails. The medical clinic is staffed with an English-speaking doctor available 24/7. Laundry and ironing service is available for an added fee. Internet is available for purchase at the reception desk on Deck 3, as are phone calls. Finally, a polar boutique offers a limited selection of travel essentials, including clothing suitable for off-ship excursions, as well as souvenirs.
Cabins & Ocean Nova: Intrepid Deck Plan
Ocean Nova: Intrepid accommodates up to 80 passengers in 39 comfortable outside cabins across seven cabin categories. Every cabin offers a picture window with exterior view and is accessed via an interior hallway. Also common to all cabins is a writing desk and chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system and private bathroom with shower, toilet, bathrobes, shampoo, shower gel and a hair dryer. Cabins are cleaned daily. Electrical outlets are standard European two-pin round plugs, with 220 volts and 50Hz. North American guests may need to bring a 220v/110v converter.
