The former RMS St. Helena, which for decades served its island namesake of the UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic, will, from late 2026, head into even more remote regions as a polar passenger expedition ship, writes Jehan Ashmore.
In recent years, Extreme E has deployed the 6,767-ton vessel as a hub transport vessel to carry its electric motor-racing fleet to race venues globally; however, in late 2026, the also former ‘lifeline’ passenger/cargo ship is to enter a new chapter in Antarctica with Terra Nova Expeditions. They claim a world first with its bold new approach to polar exploration, as revealed further below.
The former Royal Mail Ship (RMS), with its unique maritime heritage (including a one-off visit to Ireland that was personally observed), is to join Antarctica’s most unique fleet, with the sailboat Icebird. However, the former RMS, with its capacity of 150, will be reduced deliberately to provide exclusively to just 98 passengers. This is designed for intimate exploration, offering more frequent and longer shore excursions than larger vessels. As such, the smaller vessels allow guests to fully immerse themselves in Antarctica’s landscapes and abundant wildlife, free from the crowds and the constraints of larger mass-market cruises.
On board the ice-strengthened 105m vessel is a science lab, and according to Terra, it is tailored to the budget-conscious traveller and offers an authentic experience. In addition to observation lounges, there are jacuzzis, a sauna, and ample deck space, with accommodation based in all en-suite cabins for two, triple, quadruple, and single-berth occupancy.
In fact, Afloat notes the new venture is to see a higher crew and staff level of 81 when compared to RMS’s routine South Africa-St. Helena six-day service with 56 crew and officers.
Terra Nova is founded by industry veteran and adventure travel entrepreneur Greg Carter, and this is his first venture since co-founding the polar and Latin America specialist, Chimu Adventures. He has assembled a team of experienced professionals, including Beth Mercier, former Global Head of Sales at Quark Expeditions, now onboard as Chief Commercial Officer.
The wider team includes seasoned expedition staff both onboard and ashore, drawn from across the polar travel sector. Terra Nova Expeditions is a company built by people from across the Antarctic world that aims to offer an independent brand and also make the Antarctic more accessible, giving clients more time ashore than most operators.
Sustainability is core to the mission at Terra Nova, with a strong emphasis on lower passenger numbers per voyage than the majority of the other operators.
A World first - ‘day’ sailing in Antarctica
In what is claimed to be a world first in redefining polar travel, the operator is to offer ‘day’ sailing in Antarctica, where guests will have the unique opportunity to explore such waters aboard a second vessel, experiencing the untouched polar seas in a way never before offered.
The company is also rolling out additional cruise-and-sail combinations, another innovative first for the industry. Allowing passengers to experience the solitude of sailing with just 6 other guests in Antarctica, without crossing the Drake Passage under sail.
Terra Nova’s expeditions include a wide range of adventure activities—all included in the trip cost along with drinks at meals, onboard yoga and wellness, wifi, and gratuities. Activities, besides its 12-strong zodiac fleet cruises, will include snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
In another industry first, the fleet will be equipped with See-LEVEL VR headsets—a cutting-edge technology designed to reduce seasickness and enhance guest comfort.
The first departures begin next year (during December 2026), with limited availability due to the ship’s intimate capacity.
