Spirit of Terra Nova on the St Helena

11 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
  • Witness towering glaciers
  • Paddle through iceberg-strewn bays alongside curious penguins
  • Step foot on the 7th continent and experience its breathtaking stillness

Set sail on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, designed for those who want more time to explore the wonders of the White Continent. Aboard a comfortable expedition vessel, immerse yourself in an ever-changing world of sculpted icebergs, towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. Enjoy Zodiac cruising among penguins and seals. Join thrilling activities like kayaking and snowshoeing. Led by expert guides and shaped by weather, this adventure goes beyond the usual route — venturing into lesser-visited bays and landing sites. From epic landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters, this is a rare opportunity to connect with one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travellers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets off along the picturesque Beagle Channel. Relish your first evening at sea as the southernmost tip of South America disappears from view.

Start your Antarctic adventure with a crossing of the Drake Passage, a vast stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a vibrant ecosystem.

While at sea, attend expert-led talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Head to the open decks or the bridge to spot albatrosses, petrels, and even whales. Adventure activities, including navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, will also be held.

By the end of Day 3, the first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped peaks will signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.

The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.

Highlights Include:

Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim.

Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks.

Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviours as they care for their chicks or brave the frigid waters.

Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.

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.

As the expedition heads back north, there’s an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way. Take part in final lectures or workshops, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers as you reflect on the unforgettable journey.

Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.

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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