Spirit of Terra Nova | RMS ST Helena | IExpedition

Spirit of Terra Nova

  • Overview

    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.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 98 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating:
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

      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.

    • Day 2/3 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      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.

    • Day 4/8 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

      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.

    • Day 9 - Antarctic Sound and Farewell Landings

      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.

    • Day 10 - Crossing the Drake Passage (Northbound)

      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.

    • Day 11 - Return to Ushuaia

      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 consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - 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, 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

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Spirit of terra nova voyage map
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    St Helena is a British-built, ice-strengthened expedition ship, originally serving remote communities and extensively refurbished in 2022. Operating with Terra Nova Expeditions, she accommodates 98 guests, offering spacious, modern cabins with ocean views and ensuite bathrooms, including options for singles, families, and groups.

    Designed for Antarctic and South Atlantic exploration, she features open decks, panoramic observation lounges, expedition-ready facilities, a full science lab, two Jacuzzis, gym, spa, and a full suite of adventure activities. Her expert crew provides guided excursions such as zodiac cruises, landings, sailing, camping, and kayaking, combining adventure, comfort, and scientific contribution.

    St Helena blends maritime heritage with modern comfort, making her a unique and versatile platform for immersive polar and remote-region expeditions.

    Features & Facilities
    • Gym
    • Jacuzzi
    • Spa
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 98
    Crew #: 81
    Ice Class: 1C
    Speed: 14
    Refurbished: 2022
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1989
    Length: 105m
    Width: 94
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 7
    Registry: United Kingdom
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
quad cabins st helena

Discovery Quad Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Quad Cabins located on Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, two bunk beds (pullman style) and en-suite bathroom
USD$ 9,290pp
USD$ 9,290pp
discovery triple cabin st helena

Discovery Triple Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Triple Cabins located on Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, a bunk (pullman style) and one single bed and en-suite bathroom.
USD$ 9,920pp
USD$ 9,920pp
odyssey twin cabin st helena

Odyssey Twin Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Odyssey Twin Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” and feature a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style) and an en-suite bathroom.
USD$ 10,780pp
USD$ 10,780pp
odyssey single cabin st helena

Odyssey Single Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Odyssey Single Cabins located on the Boat Deck and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one single bed.
USD$ 10,780pp
USD$ 10,780pp
superior cabin st helena

Superior Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Superior Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” measure approximately 14 - 16 square metres 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).
USD$ 11,690pp
USD$ 11,690pp
deluxe cabin st helena

Deluxe Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Deluxe Cabins located on the Promenade Deck and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
USD$ 12,510pp
USD$ 12,510pp
premium cabin st helena

Premium Cabin

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The Premium Cabins located on the Promenade Deck and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
USD$ 13,790pp
USD$ 13,790pp
owner’s suite st helena

Owner’s Suite

25 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
The spacious Owner’s Suites located on the Boat Deck and feature a seating area, a meeting area, en-suite bathroom, walk in closet and one double (King-sized) bed.
USD$ 17,280pp
USD$ 17,280pp