Terra Nova Expeditions is preparing to launch Australia’s latest South Pole cruise venture in December 2026, with the St. Helena. This former cargo liner once serviced the remote British overseas territory of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic.
Terra Nova Expeditions was founded in 2023 by Greg Carter, co-founder of Chimu Adventures and a veteran of Antarctica cruising through previous partnerships with Intrepid Travel and the Ocean Endeavour. Following an investment from Nordic Hamburg last year, Chimu Adventures is also expanding its fleet, with plans to operate the ice-strengthened Ocean Nova beginning March 2026, in partnership with U.S.-based Polar Latitudes.
St. Helena: A Storied Vessel Reimagined
Built for one of the world’s most isolated communities, the British-built St. Helena carries a legacy of resilience and global connection. Recently refurbished through a US$10.8 million renovation, the expedition ship now accommodates 98 passengers, providing a more spacious experience compared to its capacity of 150.
Terra Nova Expeditions is positioning its program as a differentiated offering, including what it touts as a world-first experience: a day of exploration aboard the 8-passenger Icebird yacht, with private landings away from the main group.
Additionally, the line will introduce cruise-and-sail combinations, where travelers cross the Drake Passage aboard St. Helena, followed by six nights on a smaller, ice-strengthened sailing yacht. The voyages will feature activities such as snowshoeing, kayaking, Zodiac cruises, camping and See-LEVEL VR headsets designed to help mitigate seasickness.
Itinerary Highlights
Once operations begin, Terra Nova plans to offer several itineraries, including:
- Polar Circle Quest
- Classic Antarctica – Spirit of Terranova
- Kingdom of Kings – The Best of South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica
The company emphasizes its commitment to immersive, expedition-led experiences over traditional cruise amenities, stating on its website: “We long for the return of true expedition travel—where the focus is on the destination, not the ship.”
For more information, visit terranova-expeditions.com.
