Polar Circle Quest on the St Helena

12 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Small Expedition Ship
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    Sustainability

    Terra Nova’s EARTH Programme
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    Berths

    98
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    Zodiacs

    14
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    Ice Class

    1B
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Small Expedition Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Terra Nova’s EARTH Programme
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
98
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
14
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
1B

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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 Premium Suite 

Adventurer TNE Premium Layout
Adventurer TNE Premium Suite
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30 square metres. Double or twin beds, a separate seating area, desk, large windows and an en-suite bathroom with jet shower.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two bunk beds (pullman style)
Rooms 8 rooms
Footage 322 sq ft.
Windows Rectangular window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Deck “A”
Suitable for Solo passengers, groups of four, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Separate seating area, desk, large windows and an en-suite bathroom with jet shower.
More details

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About the Ship

Adventurer TNE3

With more than 600 polar voyages behind her, Terra Nova Adventurer has considerable experience navigating the Arctic and Antarctic. Her ice-strengthened hull, 1B ice classification and retractable stabilisers support expedition travel, while her practical layout keeps the focus on exploring beyond the ship. At 105.5 metres long, she combines the facilities needed for extended voyages with the familiarity of a smaller onboard community.

Adventurer Bar

Life Between Landings

Life aboard follows the expedition's rhythm. The lecture lounge provides a space for briefings and talks, while the library offers a quieter place to read and reflect. Birdie Bowers Bar is a natural place to compare photographs and share the day’s discoveries. Outside, open decks provide space to watch for wildlife and follow the changing coastline, keeping the surrounding environment central to the experience.

Terra Nova Expeditions

Terra Nova Expeditions

DECEPTION ISLAND Terra Nova

Active Antarctic Exploration

Guided landings and Zodiac cruises bring guests closer to Antarctica’s landscapes and wildlife, with kayaking, snowshoeing and camping also included within Terra Nova’s expedition programme, subject to conditions and availability. These activities offer different perspectives on the continent, from paddling at water level to spending a night ashore. On selected departures, optional day sailing aboard Icebird adds the opportunity to experience Antarctic waters from a small expedition yacht.

Terra Nova Expeditions

Terra Nova Expeditions

Heroic south Terra Nova (1)

Science and Understanding

Terra Nova’s programme connects exploration with learning, supported by onboard science facilities and specialist expedition staff. Selected voyages place a particular emphasis on research and education, giving travellers opportunities to develop their understanding of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic ecosystems. The experience extends beyond identifying wildlife to considering the relationships between the ocean, ice, climate and the species encountered along the way.

Adventurer TNE Premium Suite

Terra Nova Adventurer’s accommodation spans six categories, from shared Discovery cabins to Premium Suites, with dedicated Superior Single cabins for solo travellers. All cabins have private bathrooms and an outside view through a window or porthole. This range gives guests a choice between sociable shared accommodation, a private cabin and additional space for longer journeys.

Adventurer Restaurant

The restaurant brings guests together for meals between landings, activities and time on deck. Daily meals and snacks are included, alongside tea and coffee, with house beer, wine and soft drinks served during dinner. Dining also provides time to get to know fellow travellers and continue conversations sparked by the expedition team’s talks and the day’s encounters.

Adventurer Bar

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 Terra Nova Adventurer an integral and memorable part of the expedition experience.

Terra Nova Cabin And Public Spaces
Deck 2 Horizontal Ship Blueprint

Deck 2

  • Mudroom
  • Laboratory
  • Quad Cabins
  • Premium Cabins

 

Deck 3 Rotated Technical Deckplan 1

Deck 3

  • Spa
  • Deluxe Cabins

Deck 4 Cabin Layout Correction 5

Deck 4

  • Outside Deck
  • Lounge 
  • Bar
  • Reception
  • Medical Facility
  • Library
  • Gift Shop

Rotated Deck 5 Technical Deckplan 2 (1)

Deck 5

  • Outside Deck
  • Restaurant

Deck 6 Rotated Technical Deckplan 4

Deck 6

  • Bridge
  • Gym
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzi

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