Reviews & Ratings for the St-Helena

Terra Nova Expeditions has announced an exciting venture to convert the iconic RMS 'St. Helena' into a state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship, designed to provide travelers with 'authentic small-ship adventures' in the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica. The company aims to launch operations by late 2026, capitalizing on the ship's rich history and unique heritage. Once a crucial link between the St. Helena archipelago and South Africa, the 'St. Helena' has recently undergone significant refurbishment and renovations throughout 2022, which included a substantial investment of £8 million. Currently anchored off Khor Fakkan, this former British Royal Mail Ship served the overseas territory of Saint Helena for nearly 30 years before being retired in 2018. After its retirement, the ship briefly took on the role of a floating armory in the Gulf of Oman before being purchased by St. Helena LLC, where it was repurposed into a transportation hub for SUV racing circuits. Alongside the 'St. Helena', Terra Nova Expeditions plans to introduce a tall ship named 'Icebird' as their first sailing expedition vessel, featuring an innovative ice-enforced aluminum hull. The inaugural voyage of the 'St. Helena' is set for December 2026, with the vessel scheduled to depart from Ushuaia, providing an unparalleled opportunity for adventurers to explore the pristine beauty of Antarctica.

The RMS 'St. Helena', recognized as Britain's last operational postal ship, is embarking on a new chapter as it transitions into a floating armory equipped with advanced maritime security tools. Now rebranded as the MNG 'Tahiti', this remarkable vessel will be outfitted with automatic firearms, bulletproof vests, and night vision equipment for maritime security personnel. Its new journey will take it to the Gulf of Oman, where it will play a crucial role in escorting ships through piracy-prone waters, as announced by the ship's new operator on April 17, 2018. MNG Maritime, the firm behind this initiative, aims to have the vessel operational by mid-year. Tahiti Shipping, a branch of MNG Maritime, acquired the ship on April 17 for an undisclosed amount, according to statements from the St. Helena government. The introduction of a commercial airport on the remote island in the South Atlantic made the RMS 'St. Helena' redundant, compelling local authorities to sell the vessel as they prepared for a ceremonial send-off. Built at the behest of the British government in 1989, the ship served as the last link in a royal mail fleet that once linked distant parts of the former British Empire. Its farewell journey was celebrated with a public holiday on St. Helena, where enthusiastic crowds lined the rugged coast to witness one last farewell to a vessel that had been vital for transporting everything from vehicle parts to holiday turkeys.

St Helena Line (SHL) has officially declared the withdrawal of the 'St Helena' from active service, with the final journey expected to conclude in February 2018. The well-regarded ship has been an integral part of St Helena's history for over 27 years, serving as the only reliable means of transportation to the remote UK Overseas Territory, situated approximately 1,200 miles off the West African coast in the South Atlantic. As one of only four vessels globally authorized to carry the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) designation, the 'St Helena' has earned a distinguished place in maritime heritage. Currently, the vessel operates out of Cape Town, maintaining a schedule that connects both St Helena and Ascension Islands. However, the introduction of regular passenger flights to St Helena—commencing on October 14, 2017—has marked a significant change in access to the island, leading to the decision to retire the ship. The 'St Helena' is now undertaking her final voyages and is set to complete her last trip in Cape Town on February 15, 2018. To facilitate the selling process, SHL has enlisted the services of CW Kellock & Co Ltd, a London-based ship broker that is part of the Eggar Forrester Group. SHL Chairman, Matt Young, commented on the ship's legacy, stating, 'The RMS St Helena has played a vital role in sustaining St Helena’s population and has been the sole means of regular access to the Island for the past 27 years. With her combined passenger accommodation and cargo capabilities, we believe she is well positioned for various trading opportunities in her next chapter.'

Travel enthusiasts are urged to seize the opportunity to embark on one of the final voyages aboard the iconic RMS St Helena, one of the last operational Royal Mail Ships globally. The ship will continue to serve the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic until July 1, 2017, as announced by the St Helena government. With limited berths available, potential passengers should act swiftly to secure their spot. This announcement comes as the British-controlled island grapples with ongoing technical challenges regarding its newly constructed airport. The RMS St Helena will carry passengers and freight between Cape Town, St Helena, and Ascension Island, with its extended timetable having been confirmed last week. For many, the journey on this vessel is an essential part of their visit to St Helena, offering a five-day maritime experience from Cape Town and a three-day trip from Ascension Island. Travelers are encouraged to embrace the relaxed pace of life aboard the RMS St Helena before reaching the island's rugged shores.