Your questions, answered.
FAQsAn Antarctic expedition is a significant commitment, in time, money, and planning. It's natural to have questions, and we'd rather you ask them now than wonder later.
Browse the FAQs below for everything from what to pack and how to prepare physically, to how payments work and what happens if your plans change. If your question isn't covered, get in touch with our team directly. They've helped hundreds of travellers through exactly the same process and will answer any question you might have.
The expeditions
Itinerary differences, the Icebird, activities, and travelling with children.
Classic Antarctica 10 days. The Antarctic Peninsula in full — daily Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and optional activities including kayaking and snowshoeing. The right choice if you want the core expedition experience without the extended commitment.
Spirit of Terra Nova 11 days. The same Peninsula, with more time ashore and greater flexibility in the daily programme. If the question is whether one extra day makes a difference in Antarctica, it does.
Polar Circle Quest 12 days. Goes further south than the standard Peninsula voyages, crossing the Antarctic Circle. Fewer operators attempt this crossing — conditions are more demanding and the scenery more remote.
Ultimate Antarctic Adventure 20 days. Combines the Classic Peninsula expedition aboard St Helena with five nights aboard the Icebird yacht, accessing areas and anchorages the larger ship cannot reach. Our most immersive departure and the only one of its kind currently on the market.
All four voyages include expert-led landings, Zodiac cruising, and optional activities. The main differences are duration, how far south you go, and — on the Ultimate departure — the addition of the Icebird. View all departures →
IAATO guidelines cap shore landings at 100 guests per site at a time. St Helena carries a maximum of 98 guests, which means everyone goes ashore together — no split rotations, no waiting onboard while others land. On larger vessels carrying 190 or more passengers, guests land in groups and spend a meaningful portion of their shore time waiting for their turn.
Beyond the logistics, a smaller ship means a closer relationship with the expedition team, more flexibility in the daily programme, and a quieter overall experience — both onboard and ashore.
The Icebird takes this further. With only eight guests per day sailing, it reaches anchorages and bays that St Helena cannot access, creating a level of remoteness that simply isn't available on any larger vessel.
The Icebird day sailing is an optional add-on available on select departures. It is not included in the standard voyage fare. Places are limited to eight guests per sail, so we recommend booking at the time of your main reservation.
The day sail departs after breakfast and guests return to St Helena in the afternoon. Pricing is USD 1,295 for the 2026/27 season and USD 1,395 for 2027/28. Learn more about the Icebird →
The exception is the Ultimate Antarctic Adventure departure, which includes a five-night stay aboard Icebird as part of the package — a fundamentally different experience from the day sailing.
Yes, families are welcome. The minimum age is 8 years old. Children aged 11 and over may participate in shore landings and Zodiac excursions under adult supervision at all times. The captain makes the final call on whether children can disembark at each site based on conditions.
There are no dedicated children's facilities onboard and our team does not provide childcare — parents are responsible for supervision throughout. We recommend bringing any entertainment, medications, and seasickness remedies your children may need.
Medical facilities onboard are limited to first aid, and evacuation from Antarctica can take several days. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is mandatory for all guests, including children. We do not offer children's discounts.
If you're planning a family trip and want to talk through cabin options and logistics, get in touch with Ann or Lauren before booking.
No, the use of drones by guests is not permitted during our Antarctic expeditions. Drones cause significant disturbance to wildlife — particularly seabirds and marine mammals — and their operation is strictly limited under the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO guidelines.
Cameras and all handheld photography equipment are of course welcome throughout the voyage.
Pricing & what's included
Currency, deposits, what's covered in the fare, single supplements, and payment options.
All prices on the Terra Nova Expeditions website are listed in US Dollars (USD). If you're booking from Australia or elsewhere, we recommend checking current exchange rates with your bank or payment provider when budgeting.
Your fare covers everything that matters on the expedition itself:
- All onboard accommodation and full-board meals, plus all-day tea, coffee, and snacks
- House beer, wine, and soft drinks served during dinner
- All guided shore landings and Zodiac cruises
- All optional activities — kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, yoga, trekking, and the photography programme — subject to weather and conditions
- Expedition team guiding and lectures throughout the voyage
- An expedition parka to keep, plus loaned rubber boots
- Access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic
- Port fees, landing permits, and basic Wi-Fi
- Crew gratuities and a pre-departure information pack
The only paid activity add-on is the Icebird day sailing (USD 1,295 for 2026/27). Everything else is included.
The following are not covered by your fare:
- International and domestic flights to and from Ushuaia
- Pre- and post-voyage accommodation
- Mandatory travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
- Personal bar charges beyond house drinks at dinner
- Boutique and gift shop purchases onboard
- Premium Wi-Fi upgrades
All final onboard charges must be settled in cash in USD. The optional Icebird day sailing is available as a paid add-on — USD 1,295 for the 2026/27 season and USD 1,395 for 2027/28. Learn more about the Icebird day sailing →
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total voyage price is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 120 days before your departure date.
If you book within 120 days of departure, the full amount is payable immediately.
It depends on the cabin category. Discovery Triple/Quad and Odyssey Single Cabins carry no single supplement — these are designed with solo travellers in mind. For other cabin types, the following supplements apply:
- Odyssey Twin Cabin: 1.5× the published rate
- Superior Cabin: 1.75× the published rate
- Deluxe, Premium Cabins, and Owner's Suite: 2× the published rate
Solo travellers are a big part of who we sail with. If you have questions about the best cabin option for your situation, Ann or Lauren can walk you through the options. Get in touch →
Yes. We offer a flexible payment plan through PlanPay, which lets you spread the cost into weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments with no interest and no credit checks. This option is available if you're booking at least 121 days before departure. Learn more about PlanPay →
Yes. If you need a little time to finalise your plans, we can reserve your spot for up to 48 hours. Get in touch with Ann or Lauren directly and they'll hold the cabin while you confirm. Contact our team →
Yes, we welcome group bookings. For groups of 10 or more travelling together, please contact us directly to discuss cabin availability and any group arrangements. We recommend enquiring as early as possible — popular departures fill quickly and securing multiple cabins together requires advance planning. Get in touch →
The ships
St Helena's history and heritage, cabins, life onboard, and practical details.
St Helena served for decades as a Royal Mail Ship — the primary supply and passenger link between the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena and the outside world. Built in the 1980s, she kept that route alive until the island's airport opened in 2016, ending the need for a regular sea connection.
Following her retirement from Royal Mail Ship service, she underwent a major multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2022 to prepare her for expedition cruising. The work covered a full interior redesign with modernised cabins and public spaces, updated mechanical and engineering systems, and enhancements to navigation and guest facilities — preserving her character while making her fit for purpose in Antarctic waters.
She's a ship with a genuine story, and for guests with a connection to St Helena island, sailing on her carries an extra significance. Read more about St Helena →
St Helena can accommodate up to 112 passengers, but we cap every departure at 98 guests to maximise comfort and landing flexibility. The vessel is operated by a crew of approximately 85, supported by an expedition team of 12 to 14 guides.
Our guests come from across the world — Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Asia, and South America. The average age is around 45, with most travellers between 35 and 65. We tend to attract people who are curious, active, and looking for a genuine expedition rather than a cruise — and our demographic skews younger than most comparable operators.
All cabins have private en-suite facilities. The differences are mainly size, layout, and deck position:
- Odyssey Twin and Superior Cabins — well-appointed compact options, ideal if the expedition itself is the priority
- Deluxe and Premium Cabins — larger footprint, enhanced views, and more preferred deck locations
- Owner's Suite — the largest cabin onboard, with additional living space
Solo travellers have two routes: book one of six dedicated Odyssey Single Cabins (no single supplement), or share an Odyssey Twin, Discovery Triple, or Discovery Quad Cabin with other same-gender travellers. Regardless of category, all guests have access to the same onboard facilities, expedition programme, and shore activities. View cabin categories and rates →
No two days in Antarctica are the same — the programme is built around what the conditions allow each morning. Generally, days start with a wake-up call from the Expedition Leader, followed by one or two shore excursions: Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, guided walks, or cruising among icebergs.
Between excursions, there's time to relax onboard, attend expert lectures and briefings, review photographs, or simply watch the scenery pass. Evenings are social — dinner is served together, and the late Antarctic light often keeps people on deck well into the night.
For a detailed breakdown of your specific departure, including key landing sites and highlights, refer to your voyage page. View departures →
Basic Wi-Fi is included in your fare. Premium upgrades are available onboard for a fee. Bear in mind that in remote Antarctic waters, connectivity is limited regardless of plan — most guests find the disconnection a welcome part of the experience.
The ship operates on 110V/60Hz. A Type G (UK-style) adaptor is required for the plug sockets — a small supply is available from Reception if needed, and each cabin has an extension board with USB ports.
Expeditions take place during the Austral summer (November to March). Daytime temperatures in Antarctica typically range from -7°C to 4°C (20°F to 40°F), though wind chill can make it feel considerably colder. Sunny days happen — so does rain, snow, and fog. Layers are essential.
The itinerary is always subject to adjustment based on weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions. The captain and Expedition Leader will adapt the programme day by day to make the most of what the conditions offer — flexibility is part of what makes expedition cruising what it is.
Health & fitness
The Drake Passage, seasickness, fitness requirements, and medical support onboard.
The Drake Passage takes around two to two-and-a-half days to cross each way. Conditions vary — some crossings are calm enough to earn the nickname "Drake Lake", others are rougher ("Drake Shake") — but either way it's a genuine part of the expedition experience, not something to be managed around.
St Helena is equipped with modern stabilisers and ballast systems that reduce movement considerably compared with older or smaller vessels. Most guests find they adapt within a day, and the expedition team will brief you on what to expect before you enter the Passage.
If you're concerned about seasickness, see the question below on precautions. We'd rather you ask now than arrive unprepared.
Prepare before you board. Over-the-counter medications (Dramamine, Kwells), patches (Scopolamine), and acupressure wristbands all work well for most people and are worth having with you. Seasickness medication is also available onboard from the medical clinic if needed.
We also offer the SeeLevel VR headset — a motion sickness remedy that uses virtual reality to recalibrate your vestibular system. It can be pre-booked or rented onboard subject to availability. Get in touch to reserve one in advance →
You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be in reasonable health and comfortable with moderate physical activity. Shore landings involve stepping in and out of Zodiacs on a moving surface, walking on uneven or rocky terrain, and occasionally short climbs. The conditions are unpredictable and the pace is set by the environment, not a tour schedule.
All activities are optional — guests who prefer to stay onboard during a landing are always welcome to do so. The expedition team offers a range of activity levels and will never pressure anyone beyond their comfort.
All guests are required to complete a pre-departure medical form, which is reviewed by our onboard doctor. In some cases we may request a clearance letter from your GP. If you have a specific condition you're unsure about, contact us before booking — it's a straightforward conversation and we'd rather have it early.
Yes — many of our guests are in this stage of life, and expedition cruising suits it well. The pace is led by nature, not an itinerary, and all activities are optional. There's no obligation to kayak or camp; plenty of guests spend certain landings simply walking, watching wildlife, and taking photographs.
We have a qualified doctor onboard for every voyage, and the expedition team is experienced in supporting guests across a wide range of ages and mobility levels. If you have specific health considerations, complete the pre-departure medical form honestly and we'll work through any questions with you before you sail.
Yes. A qualified doctor and a fully equipped medical clinic are onboard for the duration of every voyage. The clinic handles first aid and general medical needs and can provide initial care and assessment if something more complex arises.
Medical evacuation from Antarctica is possible but can take several days and is extremely costly — which is why comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is mandatory for all guests. See the Booking with confidence section for more on insurance requirements.
Booking with confidence
Cancellation policy, travel insurance, what happens if plans change, and landing guarantees.
If you need to cancel more than 120 days before departure, your 25% deposit is forfeited but no further charges apply. If you cancel within 120 days of departure, the full voyage cost becomes payable.
For directly booked passengers, one courtesy name change is permitted in writing before the final payment deadline (120 days prior). Name changes requested between 120 and 60 days before departure may incur a USD 500 fee. No name changes are accepted within 60 days of departure due to ship manifest requirements.
No refunds are issued for unused programmes, excursions, or activities once the voyage is underway. Read our terms and conditions →
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests. Your policy must cover medical, dental, accident, repatriation and evacuation, and baggage, including any extensions required for polar travel and the activities involved.
This isn't a formality. Medical evacuation from Antarctica can exceed USD 250,000, and the cost falls entirely on the passenger. We also strongly recommend cover for supplier disruption — travel through Argentina can be affected by airline strikes and cancellations, particularly on domestic routes to Ushuaia.
You will be required to provide your insurance policy details before embarkation. If you need help finding suitable cover, get in touch with our team and we can point you in the right direction.
In exceptional circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel a voyage up to 120 days before departure. If this happens, you will be offered either an alternative voyage of comparable standard and value, or a full refund of all payments made to Terra Nova for that voyage.
We are not responsible for independent costs such as flights or accommodation, but we will always act in good faith to help minimise disruption. This is another reason why travel insurance that covers supplier cancellation is worth having.
No specific landing sites are guaranteed. In line with IAATO regulations, we plan a programme of sites in advance, but weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions can require changes on the day. This is a feature of expedition cruising, not a limitation of it — some of the most memorable moments happen at unplanned sites.
Our expedition team will always work to maximise your time ashore and will be transparent about any changes and the reasons for them. The goal is always the best possible experience given the conditions, not adherence to a fixed itinerary.
Getting there
Flights, Ushuaia logistics, transfers, and pre- and post-voyage options.
All Terra Nova voyages depart from Ushuaia, Argentina — the world's southernmost city and the main gateway to Antarctica. We recommend arriving at least one day before your departure date to allow for flight delays or disruptions, which are common on the domestic leg from Buenos Aires.
On disembarkation day, we advise booking return flights no earlier than 12pm to allow sufficient time to clear the port.
Arrival transfers between the airport and the city of Ushuaia are not included. On embarkation day, you will be asked to make your own way to a designated meeting point in the city, from which we arrange the transfer to the port. Full details are provided approximately one month before departure along with your cruise documentation.
On disembarkation day, we provide a transfer to Ushuaia airport for guests whose flights depart the same day.
Yes. While flights to and from Ushuaia are not included in the voyage fare, we can assist with domestic flights as part of our optional pre- and post-cruise services. Most guests route through Buenos Aires (EZE), which has regular connections to Ushuaia — we recommend booking this leg as early as possible, particularly in peak season.
We also offer curated pre- and post-voyage extensions — additional nights in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires with guided experiences — which can be arranged at the time of booking. View pre- and post-voyage options →
About Terra Nova
Who we are, Greg's background, IAATO membership, and our approach to sustainability.
Greg Carter is the founder and CEO of Terra Nova Expeditions. He first travelled to Antarctica in 2007 and has returned many times since — as a traveller, guide, and operator. He previously co-founded Chimu Adventures, one of Australia's leading expedition travel companies, and led it for over a decade before selling it in 2019.
Greg is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has guided and led numerous Antarctic voyages. His background spans both the travel industry and hands-on polar expedition work, and his vision for Terra Nova is straightforward: a small-ship Antarctic operator that prioritises exploration and genuine connection with the continent over volume and spectacle.
It's a fair question and we'd rather answer it directly than sidestep it. Terra Nova is a new company. What isn't new is the experience behind it — Greg Carter has been operating in this industry since 2007, the expedition team has decades of combined polar guiding experience, and St Helena is a vessel with a long operational history that has been fully refurbished for Antarctic cruising.
We operate within established industry standards, have formally applied for IAATO Provisional Operator status, and work with experienced maritime and expedition partners throughout. We don't have voyage reviews yet — our inaugural season will produce those. What we do have is a team that knows this environment well and has built the operation to run it properly.
If you have specific questions about our credentials or operational setup, we're happy to answer them. Talk to our team →
We have formally submitted our IAATO Provisional Operator Application, which has been received and is currently under review by the IAATO Secretariat and Membership Committee. We are actively engaged in this process and expect to progress toward Provisional Operator status ahead of our inaugural season.
IAATO membership means operating within the framework that sets the standard for responsible Antarctic tourism — guidelines on landing limits, wildlife interaction, environmental conduct, and safety. It's the right framework for what we're doing, and membership is a priority for us, not an afterthought.
Sustainability isn't a marketing position for us — it's a practical operating principle. We run small-ship expeditions within IAATO guidelines, limit our guest numbers below the 100-person landing threshold, and design our programme around minimising environmental impact ashore.
Our EARTH Sustainability Programme covers how we reduce waste, limit emissions where possible, and support conservation and climate education throughout the voyage. Antarctica's fragility is part of what makes it worth going to — and worth protecting. Read more about our EARTH programme →
Yes. We welcome enquiries from accredited travel agents and advisors and have a dedicated trade programme. If you're an agent looking to book on behalf of a client or want to discuss our commission structure, visit our travel agent page →
Still deciding?
That's what we're here for.
Our expert team is here to help you choose the perfect expedition. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation with people who know Antarctica.
- 01 Tell us what you're looking for Dates, duration, who you're travelling with, and what excites you most about Antarctica.
- 02 We match you to the right expedition Not the most expensive one, but the right one. Our specialists have sailed these waters.
- 03 We answer what's holding you back Drake Passage, fitness, costs, cancellation - nothing is off the table.
- 04 You decide on your own timeline No pressure, no follow-up if you're not ready. This is a conversation, not a sales call.
