Small Ship Polar Adventures Since 1999 +46 31-333 17 30 info@polar-quest.com
© Evelyn Pfeiffer
© Erik Edvardsson

The ship Ocean Nova 78 passengers

About the ship

Passengers

78

Crew

46

Built

1992

Flag

Bahamas

Cruising Speed

12 kn

Draft

3,7 m

Length

73 m

Beam

11 m

IMO Number

8913916

Ice class

1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)

Guides

8-19

Inflatable boats

8

Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience in an intimate and welcoming setting. With only 78 guests on board, you never have to crowd on deck and Zodiac embarkation moves quickly and smoothly. The small scale of the ship enhances the feeling of being close to the landscapes and wildlife that define this remarkable region. Built in Denmark in 1992 and sister ship to our popular M/S Quest in Svalbard, she has since evolved into a vessel well suited for immersive expedition travel.

© Arne Nævra, Erik Edvardsson

ONE OF THE SMALLEST EXPEDITION SHIPS IN ANTARCTICA 

The compact size of the ship allows for smooth logistics both on board and during landings, giving you more time to explore. Ocean Nova is one of few expedition ships carrying less than 100 passengers, which means the Antarctic landing limit does not apply. All travellers can therefore go ashore at the same time, reducing waiting and maximising time on land.

  • Helena & Dan Delleborn, Sweden - November 2023

    Everything worked perfectly! Very good guides, good itinerary, exciting lectures and very good food on a very nice ship!
© Ender Semsedin

RELAXED ONBOARD ATMOSPHERE  

Ocean Nova offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxed and genuine expedition experience. Between excursions, you can unwind in the cosy library or the welcoming bar, or simply socialise with fellow travellers. Enjoy delicious meals in the dining room or gather in the lounge to listen to the guides’ engaging lectures. Travelling on a small expedition ship like Ocean Nova provides a completely different and more personal experience than a voyage on a larger, conventional cruise ship.

© Ender Semsedin, Nicolas Glidemeister, Yuki Davidoff

ENJOY PANORAMIC VIEWS AND SCOUT FOR WILDLIFE

In the Panorama Lounge you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding polar landscape, the perfect gathering point after a day’s adventures. Outside, the open observation decks offer constant opportunities to spot wildlife, watch towering icebergs drift past or simply enjoy the magnificent scenery. Guests are also welcome on the bridge at any time, where there is always something to discover as the ship navigates through the Antarctic environment. 

© Chimu Adventures

COMFORTABLE EN-SUITE CABINS WITH EXTERIOR VIEWS 

Ocean Nova accommodates up to 78 passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins, all with exterior views and private facilities. Each cabin includes a picture window, a desk with a chair, and practical storage space for clothes and equipment, as well as additional space under the bed for suitcases. The cabins are individually heat controlled to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay throughout the voyage. 

We always offer the possibility to share a cabin on board Ocean Nova as many of our guests are travelling on their own. The cabins are divided into women's and men's cabins.

  • Maximum 78 passengers

  • One of the smallest ships to explore Antarctica

  • Comfortable expedition ship

  • Panorama lounge

  • Spacious observations decks

  • En-suite cabins with sea views

  • © Erik Edvardsson
  • © Nicolas Gildemeister
  • © Yuki Davidoff
  • © Nicolas Gildemeister
  • © Erik Edvardsson
  • © Arne Naevra
  • © Marie Lannborn
  • © Adrian Nordenborg
  • © Sandra Walser
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Restaurant
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Library
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Double Cabin (2 Separate Beds)
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Double Cabin (Double Bed)
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Twin Cabin (Bunk Bed)
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Triple Cabin
  • © Chimu Adventures
    Single Cabin
  • © Antarctica21
    Bar
  • © Antarctica21
    Lounge
  • © Evelyn Pfeiffer
  • Erik Edvardsson
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Said about the trips

  • Anders Rosell Hultfeldt, Sweden - November 2023

    Absolutely unique experience. Once in a lifetime.
  • Bengt Dahlberg, Sweden - November 2023

    Fantastic trip with nice guides and perfect arrangements.
  • Helena & Dan Delleborn, Sweden - November 2023

    Everything worked perfectly! Very good guides, good itinerary, exciting lectures and very good food on a very nice ship!
  • Annika Johansson, Sweden - November 2023

    The whole arrangement was very well organised; everything from ships with crew, guides, excursion destinations, lectures, food and of course the destination which was absolutely fantastic.