Frequently asked questions

  • The voyage aboard the RMS St Helena includes:

    • Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.

    • Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during pre-dinner hours.

    • Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises as well as standard optional adventure activities

    • Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.

    • Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.

    • Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.

    • Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.

    • Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.

    • Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi complimentary; upgrades available for a fee.

    • Tips / Gratiuities


    Exclusions:

    • Personal Expenses: Includes bar charges and Boutique Charges. Final payments must be made in cash (US Dollar or Euro).

    • Additional Excursions: Any excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary.

    • Accommodation Upgrades: Single room supplements and stateroom upgrades.

    • Off-ship Meals: Meals not provided aboard the ship.

    • Beverages:Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of Lunch and Dinner times - Polar Sky. Alcoholic drinks and sodas are not included on other vessels.

    • Optional Services: Examples include onboard boutique purchases.

    • Unlisted Items: Anything not specified under "Inclusions."

  • The RMS St Helena accommodate up to 112 passengers in comfortable suites. Passengers come from various regions, predominantly Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

    The average age is around 45, reflecting a varied mix of experienced travellers, with the majority aged between 35 and 65. We welcome people of all ages seeking an active, adventurous expedition. Overall, our demographic tends to be slightly younger than that of other operators.

    The crew consists of approximately 85 members, including the captain, officers, and staff, as well as an expedition team of 12 to 14 members.

  • Multiple languages contribute to the onboard experience. English and Spanish are the primary languages used aboard. Our crew members all speak English, in line with international protocols for passenger ships. We also have guides who speak a multitude of languages and aim to have English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese speakers on every voyage, in addition to other languages including French and Mandarin.

  • Passengers should be in good general health and capable of participating in onboard and shore activities, which may involve moderate physical exertion and require a high degree of independence. We always offer a range of activities suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

    Please be aware that boarding Zodiacs takes place on a moving surface, and disembarkation ashore can involve slippery rocks and steep climbs.

  • Parents are fully responsible for their children’s supervision and safety at all times, both ashore and onboard. Our staff does not provide childcare services. Children must remain with their designated groups, adhering to the Expedition Leader’s and staff’s instructions. Children must be supervised at all times and are not permitted to run onboard or on deck. Small children should wear harnesses and be accompanied by a parent while on deck.

    Children are required to wear special life vests when boarding Zodiacs. However, the captain will determine whether children can disembark at each landing site based on prevailing conditions, prioritising safety.

    Our vessel does not have dedicated children’s facilities or provide toys, colouring books, etc. Parents should bring their own entertainment for their children.

    We do not carry children’s medication onboard, including seasickness medication. Parents must bring an adequate supply.

    In the event of a medical emergency requiring evacuation to a hospital, please be aware that there are no hospitals in Antarctica. Evacuation to the mainland may take several days or may not be possible. Our onboard infirmary is equipped for first aid only.

    Passengers must carry appropriate insurance, including evacuation and repatriation coverage. All evacuation costs are the passenger’s responsibility.

    We regret that we cannot offer children’s discounts.

    We do not recommend children under 12 years old. If you have any questions, please contact us.

  • Our COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for passengers, crew, and staff can be found here.

  • Since 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks have caused widespread seabird mortality globally, also affecting marine mammals. In February 2024, the first Antarctic Treaty Area cases were confirmed. The Antarctic community, including Treaty parties, scientists, National Programs, and IAATO, is concerned about the potential impact on local wildlife. We are committed to robust biosecurity measures to protect Antarctica from pathogens and invasive species and maintain heightened vigilance this season.

    Here's how you can help prevent the introduction and spread of avian influenza:

    Before your trip: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all clothing and equipment that may contact the Antarctic environment. Consult IAATO’s “Do Not Pack a Pest” guidance.

    In Antarctica:

    • Adhere to existing biosecurity protocols, including maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife.

    • Do not sit, kneel, or lie down.

    • Do not place equipment on the ground or snow. Consult your guides if unsure.

    IAATO manages visitor access areas. While some landing sites may be closed due to avian influenza, many remain accessible. Our guides and scientists will assess each site before landing to ensure no sick animals are present. Please await their clearance before disembarking.

    Station visits were prohibited by all National Programs during the 2023-24 season to mitigate the risk of disease transmission and protect scientific research. This agreement was made between COMNAP and IAATO operators.

    As of this publication, the decision regarding station visits for the 2025-26 season is pending. Further updates are expected as the season progresses, potentially based on observations from operators and scientists in the region.

    Safety is paramount at Terra Nova Expeditions. We will actively monitor updates and adjust our onboard protocols to protect passengers, wildlife, and the Antarctic environment. See the IAATO Avian Influenza leaflet here.

General FAQ’s 

Onboard The RMS St Helena:

  • Casual, expedition-style attire is recommended for the voyage, with clothing that is both comfortable and adaptable, as outlined in the detailed packing list. For shore excursions, casual clothing in the spirit of exploration is ideal. The type of clothing you’ll need ashore will depend on your route and travel method. Rubber boots or Wellingtons are provided onboard in a variety of sizes, but if you require a special size, we suggest bringing your own. For rental options, click here for more details.

  • Our South America to Antarctica expedition takes place during the Austral summer. Typical daytime temperatures in Antarctica range from -7°C to 4°C (20°F to 40°F). While sunny days are possible, be prepared for rain, snow, fog, and significant wind chill.

    For more details, please see our information on Antarctic seasons.

    Our itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The captain and/or expedition leader will make adjustments to optimise the experience based on prevailing conditions. Flexibility is crucial for a successful voyage.

  • We aim to make two daily landings in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula using our fleet of 13 Zodiacs. Many of the locations we visit are unique, and we take pride in our strong commitment to conservation and respect for the ecosystems we explore. We ask for your cooperation in preserving this reputation. Your expedition team will guide you on shore excursions and provide detailed information. You will also receive our Antarctic Guidelines with your travel documents.

  • Internet access is available for basic browsing. More intensive use can be made via prepaid data cards. Wi-Fi is strongest in the lounge, bar, and library areas, and passengers can connect using their own devices. Please note that some streaming sites, such as Netflix, are blocked onboard. As we operate in a remote area, internet connection can be inconsistent.

  • The ship’s electrical system operates at 110V/60Hz. Please bring a two-flat-pin American adaptor for the 110V plug socket. If required, a small supply of adaptors is available from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise. There is also an adaptor extension box with USB ports in the suite.

  • The RMS St Helena is equipped with a fully stocked infirmary and a licensed physician to ensure your health and safety throughout the journey. Given the remote nature of the expedition, we advise all passengers to have comprehensive medical insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies and potential evacuation, as we will be far from the nearest hospital or medical facility.

  • Passenger and crew safety is our top priority. Our vessel adheres to all international safety standards, and our officers and crew are highly trained and regularly practise emergency procedures. Within 24 hours of embarkation, all guests are required to participate in a mandatory emergency drill to familiarise themselves with emergency protocols. Onboard announcements, including those regarding wildlife sightings and potential emergencies, are made via the public address (PA) system.

    The RMS St Helena fully complies with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations, and the ISM Code (International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships). This includes annual flag state inspections, internal and external safety and environmental audits, and annual classification society inspections. The vessel holds valid Safety Management and Passenger Ship Safety Certificates. Compliance with these rigorous standards is mandatory for operation and insurance coverage.

    All Antarctic tourism activities are governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which addresses environmental protection and safety. Administered by signatory states, the Treaty requires tourism operators to report to their national governments. Our operations have been reviewed and approved by the United States government as fully compliant with the Antarctic Treaty. The Treaty also includes on-site inspections to evaluate equipment, activities, and operational procedures.

    Terra Nova Expeditions is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), an organisation established in 1991 to promote safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic tourism. IAATO facilitates the sharing of best practices, including stringent safety and emergency procedures, across the industry.

  • Communication with the RMS St Helena is influenced by satellite coverage and weather conditions, and reaching the ship may require multiple attempts. Beyond 70–74 degrees south, communication is typically unavailable due to satellite limitations. Public phone calls are also available. Rates and details can be obtained from the Hotel Manager.

  • For embarkation in Ushuaia, no ground transfers are provided. Please make your way to the pier in the town centre by 3:30 pm for check-in, with embarkation beginning at 4:00 pm. The pier is located on Maipú Avenue, with the main entrance on Lasserre Street. We recommend arriving a day early to allow for potential delays. Disembarkation is usually between 8:00 and 8:30 am, so please avoid booking early flights. We offer passengers disembarking a transfer to the airport if their flights depart on the same day as disembarkation. Please note that up-to-date information about your specific voyage will be provided prior to departure, as departure times from the pier can vary.