South Atlantic Islands Cruises
 

Guided Holiday Voyages to St Helena

Travel on the Royal Mail Ship from Cape Town

St Helena is a very special place in many ways. Famed as the island where Napoleon was tucked out of harm's way for the last five years of his life, it has a fascinating history. For generations it was a bustling port of vital importance to the East India Company's trade routes and its population reflects the international influences from European, to African, to Indian and even to Chinese. Scenically it is spectacular with high cliffs rising from the sea, interspersed with steep valleys and with a lush interior. Above all is the welcome extended to that rarest of breeds - the tourist!

Lot and Lot's Wife, St Helena

The only scheduled transport service to the island is on the Royal Mail Ship, the RMS St Helena - and what a way to travel! The ship is not huge but caters superbly for its passengers and is a way of life as well as a vital service. The atmosphere in port when the ship is due is tangible: for some it represents reunion with family and often the first meeting of a grandchild with its grandparents; for others it is a turning point in their lives as they leave home for the first time to find work.

The RMS St Helena
View photos and download deckplans
for the RMS St Helena

St Helena will not stay this way forever. It's to get its long debated airport. There have been mixed feelings about this news even among the 'Saints', as the inhabitants of the island are known, but overall it is agreed that the new facility will bring increased economic well-being to the people as well as making it easier for them to keep in touch with friends and family overseas. Now that the construction of an airport has finally been announced, the island will soon be changing. Work starts in 2012 but it remains to be seen how long it will take. We'll be getting the ship's schedules for 2013 in the not too distant future and offering more guided groups than usual as we know many people want not only to see the island before the airport changes it for ever but also to have the wonderful experience of sailing on the Royal Mail Ship.

Our holidays spend 8 nights on the island, during which time we can really get to know the place and some of its people. We are privileged that some of the leading experts in their fields spend time with us so that we can begin to get to grips with the botany, the birds, the marine life and the island's history. All our tours also include time in Cape Town. Please look through our tour details (see above right) so that you can choose the ideal one for you.

St Helena Scenic
Our South Atlantic Odyssey
includes St Helena island…

Links to external websites relevant to this destination:

www.sthelenatourism.com - St Helena tourism official website.

www.nationaltrust.org.sh - An independent NGO to promote the appreciation, protection and enhancement of St Helena's unique environmental and culture heritage.

Specialist Holidays: Polar Regions, South Atlantic & Worldwide
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