• A New Life for a Historic Ship: The RMS St. Helena, formerly the supply ship for the island of Saint Helena, is being refitted to become an Antarctic expedition cruise ship.
• Intimate Expedition Experience: The vessel will be operated by the new company Terra Nova Expeditions and will carry just 98 passengers on 10-day voyages.
• Inaugural Season: The ship is scheduled to begin its new operations in December 2026, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Unique Adventure Activities: The voyages will offer a range of expedition activities, including Zodiac landings, kayaking, and the rare opportunity for guests to camp overnight in Antarctica.

The beloved RMS St. Helena, a ship with a rich and storied history, is embarking on an exciting new chapter as a small expedition cruise vessel, bringing her unique character to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. This wonderful transformation gives the historic ship a renewed sense of purpose, allowing a new generation of adventurers to experience her charm.

After decades of serving as a vital lifeline between Cape Town and the remote island of Saint Helena, the vessel has been thoughtfully acquired by Terra Nova Expeditions. She is currently undergoing a beautiful refit to prepare for her new role, which will begin in December 2026. The ship will be reborn as an intimate, 98-passenger vessel, perfectly suited for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands on 10-day voyages from Ushuaia, Argentina.

This new life for the St. Helena is a testament to the vision of Terra Nova Expeditions, which celebrates ships with history and character. Guests aboard will enjoy a rugged yet comfortable expedition with a high crew-to-guest ratio, Zodiac landings, kayaking, and even the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic continent. It is a fantastic new way to explore one of the world’s most incredible destinations on a vessel with a truly special soul.