We Aren’t Everything to Everyone… But Who Would Want to Be?
When we launched Terra Nova Expeditions, we knew we weren’t going to be everything to everyone. And honestly .. why would we want to be? Our purpose has never been about chasing numbers or fitting into the mould of mainstream cruising. It’s about crafting an experience so personal, so immersive, that every moment feels like it belongs to you.
The Power of 98 Passengers
Our flagship, the legendary St Helena, carries just 98 passengers. A deliberate choice that sets us apart in today’s market of 150,170, 200+ passenger “expedition” ships. On our voyages, there’s no waiting for your turn to go ashore and no complicated rotation systems. Everyone gets the opportunity to step onto the ice, feel the crunch of snow under their boots, and truly experience the wilderness.
This smaller group size also means less impact on the pristine sites we visit. We can explore without leaving a heavy footprint, ensuring that Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems remain as untouched as possible. And when we return to the ship after a day of adventure, we’re not just faces in a crowd.. we’re part of a small, tight-knit group of like-minded explorers.
Why 98 is the Magic Number
When it comes to polar expeditions, smaller truly means smarter. Here’s why 98 passengers is the sweet spot:
No waiting, ever. Every guest can go ashore on every landing, with no splitting into groups or watching from the deck while others explore.. and no missing out on thing that others “Saw” simply because you had a different allocated timeslot!
More time on shore. Less time rotating passengers means more time walking among penguins, hiking, or exploring ice formations in a zodiac.
Lighter environmental impact. Fewer boots on the ground means less disturbance to fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Intimate camaraderie. With fewer than 100 guests, everyone has the chance to form genuine connections with fellow travelers and the expedition team.
True expedition feel. The experience is personal, immersive, and free from the big-ship vibe that can dilute the sense of adventure.
Camaraderie That Feels Authentic
There’s an intimacy on a 98-passenger ship that simply can’t be replicated on larger vessels. Conversations flow naturally, friendships form easily, and the sense of shared discovery is tangible. You’re not just one of hundreds lining up for a Zodiac or listening to a lecture—you’re part of an expedition family, where everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the adventure.
This is the essence of true expedition cruising, Something that’s been a little diluted as bigger ships have entered the market under the banner of “expeditions.” With Terra Nova, we’re taking it back to what it should be: raw, real, and personal.
Why Small is Smarter
With fewer passengers, every guest has more time with our world-class expedition team. Whether you’re kayaking alongside seals, joining a Zodiac cruise into a hidden bay, or standing in awe as a glacier calves, you’ll have space, silence, and connection, which we thinkthe things that make Antarctica extraordinary.
We don’t believe in offering every possible onboard distraction, we serve champagne and nice wines - but it isnt the focus of what we do!. Instead, we focus on delivering what matters: unforgettable encounters with nature, meaningful education, and the freedom to experience Antarctica in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply respectful.
Terra Nova Expeditions isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly how we like it. We’re for travelers who value authentic exploration over mass market cruising, who want to share stories with fewer than a hundred fellow adventurers rather than be lost in a crowd of 200 or more.
If you want an expedition that gives you front row access to the world’s most remote wilderness, with zero compromise on intimacy, sustainability, or camaraderie, then St Helena may be the ship you’ve been waiting for.
After all, who would want to be everything to everyone?
