Spirit of Terra Nova
OUR 11-DAY ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
Explore the untouched wilderness on our signature Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands trip.
Tailored for adventurers keen to witness the continent’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating wildlife, and boundless opportunities for discovery, this journey offers thrilling activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and sailing through icy waters, ensuring each day is filled with unforgettable experiences.
This trip takes you further, gives you more time to explore than the standard Antarctic Peninsula trips.
HIGHLIGHTS
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10 Nights / 11 Days
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Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's dramatic icebergs and glaciers.
Encounter abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.
Daily zodiac landings or cruises for exploration for close wildlife encounters.
Kayaking opportunities in the pristine Antarctic waters.
Onboard sailing experience with our sailing vessel for an adventurous perspective of the continent.
Expert-guided excursions offering insights into the continent's history and ecology.
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Get up close with abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals & whales.
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RMS ST HELENA
Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
Inviting social spaces and panoramic observation areas
Two Jacuzzis, sauna and ample deck space
Full science lab set up, and active science taking place with our resident expert science team.
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Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.
Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Polar Plunge, Trekking and Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions)
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.
Crew Tips/ Gratuities
ITINERARY
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.
Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.
Onboard RMS St Helena
Explore St Helena
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Spacious, newly updated cabins, with ocean views. Modern and well appointed she offers best in class accomodation. All cabins and suites have ensuite bathrooms, and some interconnecting cabins are available in the Twin Odyssey class. Triple and quadruple cabins are perfect for solo travelers or are ideal for families or groups seeking shared accommodations during polar expeditions. Single cabins are also available with no supplement.
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Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
Inviting social spaces and large panoramic observation areas.
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with an expert team onboard
Full suite of adventure options
Two Jacuzzis, gym and spa.
Full science lab set up, and active science taking place with our resident expert science team.
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With capacity for 150 but carrying just 98 guests, St Helena blends traditional seafaring heritage with a contemporary expedition experience. Her recent refit in 2022 has introduced refined touches throughout, from modern cabin furnishings to enhanced public spaces, creating an atmosphere of modern comfort and style. Built in the UK the St Helena is a rugged, versatile expedition platform and truly unique in the Antarctic world.
Perfectly suited for adventurous voyages, her ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines make her ideal for navigating the remote and rugged coastlines of Antarctica, the South Atlantic, and beyond. Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
With a soul steeped in maritime history and a future set for discovery, St Helena offers a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style, safety, and comfort.
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Guests can look forward to expert-led excursions, including zodiac cruises, guided landings, sailing, camping, and kayaking — bringing you up close to awe-inspiring landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. With a dedicated team of knowledgeable expedition leaders, naturalists, and seasoned crew members, the St Helena promises an unforgettable exploration experience that blends adventure with superior hospitality.
EXPLORE MORE
DESTINATIONS
Explore remote destinations, from polar wildernesses to breathtaking landscapes, each promising adventure and unforgettable memories.
DISCOVER
THE ACTIVITIES
The ideal base to fully experience Antarctica, with a variety of thrilling activities like sailing, kayaking, wildlife encounters, and more, all crafted to deepen your exploration.
EXPERIENCE LIFE
ONBOARD
A meticulously designed daily schedule that blends adventure and relaxation, creating lasting connections with the Antarctic landscape and fellow explorers.