Polar Circle Quest on the St Helena

12 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Medium Expedition Ship
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    Sustainability

    Low Impact
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    Berths

    98
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    Zodiacs

    12
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    Ice Class

    1C
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Medium Expedition Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Low Impact
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
98
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
12
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
1C

Expedition overview & highlights

  • Encounter extraordinary wildlife including penguins, seals and whales
  • Cross the legendary Antarctic Circle
  • Step ashore at remote landing sites, setting foot on wild, untouched terrain
  • Paddle among sculpted icebergs

Embark on this exhilarating 12-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond the Polar Circle. Venture into a realm of sculpted ice, towering glaciers and surreal stillness aboard the St Helena. Each day in Antarctica offers new adventures, including Zodiac landings on untouched shores, kayaking alongside whales and snowshoeing across pristine terrain. Visit bustling penguin colonies and keep watch for orcas cutting through the icy waters. Guided by polar experts and nature’s rhythm, this journey offers a rare chance to connect with the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the Antarctic.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Board your ship in the afternoon and meet your expert expedition team and lecturers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Take in the breathtaking scenery of rugged coastlines and sea cliffs as your Antarctic adventure begins.

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. This biologically rich region, where cold polar waters meet warmer currents, supports a thriving ecosystem that attracts seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.

Take advantage of your ship’s open bridge policy, joining the officers to learn about navigation, scan for whales, or simply enjoy the vast horizon. Meanwhile, the lecture team will share insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, and wildlife.

By Day 3, the first sight of the South Shetland Islands will appear—remote islets first discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. Weather permitting, you may step ashore for your first encounters with penguins and seals.

Explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where towering icebergs, pristine glaciers, and dramatic landscapes define the ultimate polar wilderness.

Adventure Highlights:

Kayaking: Paddle through serene, icy waters, surrounded by sculpted icebergs, curious seals, and diving penguins.
Snowshoeing: Trek across snowy ridges and glacial terrains to reach stunning viewpoints.
Zodiac Cruises: Navigate ice-filled waters for close-up views of wildlife and ice formations.

Scenic Waterways:
Sail through some of Antarctica’s most iconic passages, such as the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, and Lemaire Channel, often referred to as the "Kodak Gap" for its spectacular scenery.

With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Our expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but our deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds.

Guided by our experienced crew, you’ll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise—it’s a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.

Join us for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by close encounters with Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins, as well as crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals. Keep an eye out for Minke, humpback, and orca whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. This journey sets the compass south, aiming for the elusive Polar Circle – a true expedition for explorers.

Say goodbye to the icy wilderness as we embark on our return journey across the Drake Passage. Reflect on the incredible sights and adventures of the past days. Attend final lectures and workshops or unwind on deck, keeping an eye out for seabirds and marine life. Conclude your Antarctic expedition with a farewell dinner on the final evening.

Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, disembark your ship, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey to the southernmost corners of the Earth.

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Discovery Quad Cabins 

Discovery Quad Cabins St Helena
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The Quad Cabins located on Deck “A” measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, two bunk beds (pullman style) and en-suite bathroom.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds Two bunk beds (pullman style)
Rooms 1 room
Footage 150 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Deck “A”
Suitable for Solo passengers, groups of four, families
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Discovery Triple Cabin 

St Helena Discovery Triple Cabin 4155
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The Triple Cabins located on Deck “A” measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, a bunk (pullman style) and one single bed and en-suite bathroom.

Capacity Up to 3
Beds One bunk (pullman style) and one single bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 150 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Deck “A”
Suitable for Solo passengers, groups of three, families
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Odyssey Twin Cabin 

Odyssey Twin St Helena 4157
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The Odyssey Twin Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” measure approximately 10 square metres (107 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style) and an en-suite bathroom.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One bunk bed (pullman style)
Rooms 1 room
Footage 107 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Decks “A” and “B”
Suitable for Solo passengers, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Odyssey Single Cabin 

Sthelena Odyssey Single Cabin
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The Odyssey Single Cabins located on the Boat Deck measure approximately 8 square metres (85 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one single bed.

Capacity Up to 1
Beds One single bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 85 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Boat Deck
Suitable for Solo passengers
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobe, chair, mirror
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 Superior Cabin 

Superior Cabins St Helena 4161
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The Superior Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” measure approximately 14 - 16 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, two single beds and an en-suite bathroom. Superior Cabins on deck B feature a slightly larger size and a sofa bed and porthole (instead of window).

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two single beds
Rooms 1 room
Footage 150 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window or porthole
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Decks “A” and “B”
Suitable for Groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Deluxe Cabin 

Sthelena Deluxe Cabin
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The Deluxe Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 15 square metres (162 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One double (King-sized) or two single beds
Rooms 1 room
Footage 162 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Promenade Deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Premium Cabins 

Sthelena Premium Cabin
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The Premium Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 18 square metres (194 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One double (King-sized) or two single beds
Rooms 1 room
Footage 194 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Promenade Deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom with a shower, wardrobes, desk with a chair, mirror, individual reading lights
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 Owner's Suite 

Owners Suite St Helena Bedroom 4159
Owners Suite St Helena 4158
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The spacious Owner’s Suites located on the Boat Deck measure approximately 40 square metres (430 sqft)* and feature a seating area, a meeting area, en-suite bathroom, walk in closet and one double (King-sized) bed.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One double (King-sized) bed
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 430 sq ft.
Windows Large windows
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Boat Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities En-suite bathroom, seating area, meeting area, walk in closet, desk with a chair, mirror
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About the Ship

RMS St Helena Terra Nova Expeditions 4134

Originally built to serve one of the world’s most remote communities, the St Helena carries a proud maritime legacy of resilience and connection. British-built and extensively refurbished in 2022, this small expedition ship combines seafaring heritage with modern comfort. With a capacity for 150 but carrying just 98 guests, she offers a spacious yet intimate atmosphere, where newly updated cabins with ocean views and inviting social spaces provide a welcoming base for adventure. Her panoramic lounges, open decks and refined interiors make her a uniquely character-rich platform for exploration.

Sthelena Interior

Built for Exploration

Designed for discovery, St Helena is ice-strengthened and equipped with powerful engines, ensuring safe navigation of Antarctica’s remote coastlines and beyond. Guests can look forward to Zodiac cruises, kayaking, camping and a dynamic science program supported by onboard experts.

St Helena Restaurant 4165

Dining aboard the St Helena combines comfort, tradition and a warm sense of community. Guests enjoy freshly prepared international cuisine, with buffet-style breakfasts and lunches followed by multi-course dinners, all offered with open seating. Meals take place in an elegant dining room where round tables dressed in white tablecloths create a classic yet welcoming atmosphere.

St Helena Restaurant 4164

This relaxed dining style provides the perfect setting to share stories of the day’s adventures with fellow travellers. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, while house beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Generous portions, quality dishes, and a convivial atmosphere make dining aboard the St Helena an integral and memorable part of the expedition experience.

St Helena Deckplan Promenade Deck

Promenade Deck

  • Deluxe Cabins
  • Premium Cabins

 

St Helena Boat Deck

Boat Deck

  • Owner’s Suites
  • Odyssey Single Cabins

St Helena Deckplan A

Deck A

  • Odyssey Twin Cabins
  • Superior Cabins
  • Odyssey Single Cabins
  • Discovery Quad Cabins
  • Discovery Triple Cabin

St Helena Deckplan B

Deck B

  • Superior Cabins
  • Odyssey Twin Cabins

St Helena Deckplan C

Deck C

  • Restaurant

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