Traveller Information page: Ocean Nova

Congratulations on booking your expedition to Antarctica!

We are thrilled to have you join us on this incredible adventure. Here, you will find the additional details that we require from you, information to help you plan your trip, and some ideas on other destinations you might like to visit in South America before or after your Antarctic cruise. If you wish to discuss the details of your voyage or additional travel arrangements, including flights, insurance, and pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements, please contact your booking agent.

Please take some time to review the Cruise Booking Conditions for your Ocean Nova Antarctic cruise.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Medical Information

Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment (see above). 

Some conditions may preclude you from travelling. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our travel requirements.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details.

Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.

Your travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship-to-shore transfer), and emergency repatriation. It must also cover all significant pre-existing conditions, particularly those that have the potential to cause issues on board.

Your insurance must include coverage for COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e., two doses + booster) to cover COVID-19-related medical, evacuation, and emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements.

We also strongly recommend that it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, personal accident, death, sickness, loss of baggage and personal belongings, and disruption to your travel plans. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance simultaneously as booking to ensure you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from when you confirm your Antarctic voyage. You need to know precisely what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from when you leave to when you arrive home.

If you plan to participate in adventure options, please ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers you for these activities. For more information, please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide. 

Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina

Day One is an arrival day. One night's accommodation is included at the Joining hotel in Ushuaia on Day One.

An arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the Joining hotel is included if you arrive on Day One. Please refer to your confirmed itinerary for more information.

Please discuss options with your booking agent if you wish to arrive in Ushuaia before Day One and wish to add additional arrangements before or after your Antarctic voyage. 

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

A transfer to Ushuaia airport or downtown Ushuaia is included on the debarkation day. 

Please do not book your flight to depart before 12 noon (midday) on debarkation day in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Cruise Enrolment

International Maritime Regulations require that we create a detailed manifest for each expedition. To fulfil our obligation, certain information is required for all passengers on board. Required forms will be made available approximately four months before departure and must be returned 95 days before departure. Based on the information provided, some passengers may be required to complete additional forms, which will be indicated to you. Your booking agent will notify you once these forms are available. 

Fuel Surcharges

Please note that your cruise booking may be subject to fuel surcharges should world oil prices increase significantly before the time of your departure. Cruise operators do attempt to factor this price into your tour cost. However, unexpected rises in the cost of marine fuel can result in a fuel surcharge that will depend on the cost of oil per barrel. By booking a tour with us, you agree that this may be the case with your booking. If this situation arises, you will be advised of any surcharge once we have been notified of the surcharges. 

International Flights to join your cruise

International flights to join your Antarctica cruise will be available for booking approximately 11 months before departure. Please get in touch with your booking agent to discuss flight options. 

Your Cruise Enrolment

International Maritime Regulations require that we create a detailed manifest for each expedition. To fulfil our obligation, certain information is required for all passengers on board. Required forms will be made available approximately four months before departure and must be returned 95 days before departure. Based on the information provided, some passengers may be required to complete additional forms, which will be indicated to you. Your booking agent will notify you once these forms are available.

English-speaking vessel

We are an English-speaking vessel. All announcements, safety briefings, and lectures are provided in English only. For safety reasons, all passengers must speak and understand basic English to ensure their safety during their expedition.

Our Travel Safe Strategy

We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination and an up-to-date influenza vaccine, considering the presence of Avian Flu in Antarctica. Additionally, we implement a range of health protocols to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and crew. 

EXPEDITION ESSENTIALS

What to Pack

Antarctica is one of the most extreme environments you are ever likely to find yourself in, and the first rule of packing for your cruise is to pack early! Staying warm and dry throughout your Antarctic voyage is vital when the weather is unpredictable. We have provided a detailed Packing List to help you pack, refer to the Expedition Gear & Packing section of the Antarctica Travellers Guide for detailed information.

Provided expedition gear

Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our quality manufactured expedition gear, is meticulously designed based on many years of experience in harsh environments to ensure maximum comfort on your Antarctic adventure. Once on board you will be provided with:

• Expedition Parka (on loan)

• Insulated Inner Jacket (yours to keep)

• Muck Boots (on loan)

We will request your sizing for your Inner Jacket, Expedition Parka and Muck Boots when you complete your Cruise Enrolment approx. four months prior to departure.

You can find a detailed packing list in the Antarctica Travellers Guide (linked below). Parents/Legal guardians may need to bring a waterproof outer shell jacket and Muck Boots for minors, depending on their size requirements. Additionally, a lifejacket that meets our safety standards is mandatory for all minors aged 15 years and under. Your booking agent can provide guidance on approved lifejackets.

IAATO GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS

How we're helping to protect Antarctica

We entirely operate under and comply with the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) guidelines in promoting and practising safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. IAATO, in cooperation with other Antarctic ship operators, has established extensive procedures and guidelines that ensure appropriate, secure, and environmentally sound travel to the Antarctic.

IMPORTANT: It is a mandatory requirement that all passengers review the IAATO documents below: 

Expedition Cruising to Antarctica

Antarctic Visitor Guidelines

Reducing Waste Guidelines

Don't Pack a Pest

Important Update on Avian Influenza in Antarctica

Update as of 03 June 2024

Since early 2024, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus has been detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This naturally occurring virus impacts birds and marine mammals, but the risk to humans is very low. 

To protect you and the environment, we have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, including thorough cleaning of equipment and pre-landing site inspections. If a landing site is affected, we will flexibly adapt and choose alternative sites.

Our goal is to protect the environment and preserve Antarctica's wonders for future generations while providing a unique and unforgettable experience for our travellers. We closely monitor potential impacts on your itinerary and will communicate any updates promptly. For more information, please read our please review of the Avian Influenza in Antarctica document.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Paid Adventure Options are available on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.  

  • Day Paddle - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team. Spaces are limited and, we recommend booking via your booking agent early to avoid disappointment. 
  • Camping - One-off excursion available on early-mid season voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Spaces are limited, and we recommend booking early via your booking agent to avoid disappointment.
  • Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on early-mid season voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

Additional resources

We have some additional resources to help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Antarctica.

Ocean Nova Ship Booklet

Ship booklet

The Ocean Nova will be your home away from home during your expedition. This Ship Booklet will help you get acquainted with the ship. It includes information about the facilities available and the procedures everyone adheres to while at sea.

Ocean Nova Ship Booklet

Antarctica Travellers Guide

Our Antarctic Travellers Guide includes essential information to help you prepare for your expedition ahead. It provides money and packing tips, outlines what life is like on board, provides packing lists, and provides many more details.

Antarctic Travellers Guide

Beyond Antarctica: Our tours in South America

See more of South America before or after your cruise with a land tour which could take you through the Amazon, on a hike to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise, or a dance club you can tango the night away in Buenos Aires.

Ocean Nova Antarctica voyages are operated by Polar Latitudes.