RMS St. Helena Rises Again: Antarctic Cruises from a Historic Ship
The iconic RMS St. Helena, once the lifeline between Cape Town and Saint Helena, is embarking on a thrilling new chapter as an Antarctic expedition cruise ship. This transformation presents exciting opportunities for African travel agents seeking unique and historically rich travel products.
After her retirement in 2018 following the opening of Saint Helena's airport, the RMS St. Helena narrowly escaped being scrapped. She served briefly as a floating armory and then supported the Extreme E motorsport group before being acquired by Terra Nova Expeditions. This newly formed company, founded by Greg Carter, is committed to sustainable and meaningful travel experiences.
“There’s something special about a ship with history, character, and a renewed sense of purpose," says Carter. "St. Helena embodies what Terra Nova is all about … going further with less, and doing it with meaning.”
The ship underwent extensive renovations in 2022, receiving updated engines, modernized systems, and redesigned cabins and lounges. Now equipped to accommodate 98 passengers across 51 cabins, with a crew of 81, the RMS St. Helena is poised to offer intimate and immersive Antarctic expeditions.
Beginning in December 2026, the ship will sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, venturing to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. African travel agents can leverage this unique departure point, offering clients a seamless extension to their African adventures.
Reaching Ushuaia from major African cities requires connecting flights, typically through hubs like São Paulo or Buenos Aires. While not direct, these routes provide relatively smooth transitions, with Aerolineas Argentinas offering frequent domestic flights to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires.
Terra Nova Expeditions offers a range of Antarctic itineraries, including 10-day voyages across the Drake Passage. These expeditions feature thrilling activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, and the exhilarating "polar plunge." The ship is equipped with twelve Zodiacs for landings and exploration, and up to 40 guests per sailing can experience the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic continent.
The RMS St. Helena's unique history and design offer distinct selling points for travel agents. Originally built with cranes for offshore cargo transfers, the ship is ideally suited for navigating the challenging Antarctic waters. Her smaller size allows access to remote coves and landing sites inaccessible to larger vessels, enhancing the expedition experience.
Terra Nova Expeditions is committed to sustainable tourism, with all voyages being carbon-offset. The company integrates citizen science projects into every departure, providing guests with opportunities to contribute to ongoing research. A dedicated science lab onboard further enhances the educational and immersive nature of the expeditions.
The company also operates Icebird, a six-passenger sailing yacht, creating the world’s first sail/cruise expedition option. This companion experience offers a unique opportunity for clients seeking a more intimate and adventurous Antarctic experience.
For African travel agents, the RMS St. Helena's transformation presents a compelling opportunity to tap into the growing Antarctic cruise market. By partnering with Terra Nova Expeditions, agents can offer clients a unique blend of history, adventure, and sustainability, all while supporting a company committed to responsible travel.
Bookings for the 2026-27 season are now open. Given the ship's limited capacity, early reservations are highly recommended. Terra Nova Expeditions provides a dedicated travel agent portal with resources and booking tools, making it easy for agents to access information and manage client reservations.
The RMS St. Helena's journey from a vital supply ship to a cutting-edge expedition vessel is a testament to her enduring legacy. African travel agents can now be part of this story, offering clients an unforgettable Antarctic adventure aboard a ship steeped in history and purpose.
