Our vessels

Feel at home in the Ice

At Terra Nova Expeditions, we believe the vessel is not just your transport, it’s your base camp, your window to the world, and your home at sea. Our fleet is carefully selected and curated to offer three distinct styles of expedition experience, each delivering comfort, safety, and immersion in the world’s most remote destinations.

With our flagship St Helena carrying just 98 passengers, and with only six passengers on Icebird, we offer some of the most inclusive and affordable small-ship experiences to the continent. Thanks to our smaller vessel sizes, we provide more time ashore than the majority of the industry.

St Helena

EPIC JOURNEYS, ENDURANCE, AND SHARED CAMARADERIE

Our Odyssey Class features the legendary (Formally RMS) St Helena — a former Royal Mail Ship, purpose-built for long ocean voyages and now reimagined for modern expedition cruising.

She carries 98 guests and blends the authenticity of a working vessel with upgraded interiors, character-filled spaces, and all the essentials for a comfortable journey to the world’s edge — including hearty expedition-style meals, a full suite of adventure options, and an onboard science lab for ongoing research at sea.

Terra Nova — Ship Highlights
        
98
Guests

51
Cabins

12
Zodiacs

81
Crew
Cabins & suites
All en-suite with ocean views, updated in the 2022 refit. Single cabins with no supplement. Interconnecting cabins available for families and groups.
Onboard facilities
Panoramic observation lounges, two Jacuzzis, gym, spa, and a full science lab with a resident expert science team. More space per guest than almost any comparable vessel.
Built for adventure
Ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines built for the Southern Ocean. British built and flagged — purpose-made for long ocean voyages, not converted from a cruise ferry.
A ship with a story
Capacity for 150.
We carry 98.
The difference is yours.

        British built & flagged
        £8 million renovation

Learn more about St Helena

SMALL SHIPS.
BIGGER ADVENTURES.

TAILORED TO YOUR STYLE OF EXPLORATION.

Icebird

FOR ADVENTURES INTO UNCHARTED TERRITORIES

Our Nomad Class is anything but ordinary. Aboard Icebird, a rugged, ice-reinforced yacht, you’ll join just six guests for an intimate, hands-on expedition.

Sleeping quarters and shared facilities reflect the style of a classic expedition yacht—simple yet comfortable, ideal for those who value adventure and access over luxury. Perfect for kayaking, diving, ski-touring, and truly off-grid exploration. Our Antarctic sailing expedition is a truly world first trip, and unique to Terra Nova Expeditions.

        
6–8
Guests

6
Berths

1
Zodiac

3
Crew
Purpose-built for polar waters
A custom 61-foot aluminium expedition yacht designed by Van de Stadt and built at the renowned Trintella Shipyard in the Netherlands. Built for polar conditions, she's classified for operation in all oceans — including the Arctic and Antarctic.
Accommodation & comfort
Fully insulated and climate-controlled throughout, with a hot water radiator system, air conditioning, and heated towel rails. The heated, double-glazed pilothouse saloon offers all-round panoramic views as Icebird navigates through ice and sea.
Expedition-ready
The aft garage carries a rigid aluminium-hulled inflatable boat, kayaks, skis, and diving gear. Guests can snorkel, dive, ski, climb, or kayak — Icebird is a choose-your-own-adventure platform for Antarctica's most remote corners.
A polar thoroughbred
Six guests.
One yacht.
Antarctica to yourselves.

        Australian owned
        Ice-reinforced aluminium hull
        Fully insulated & climate controlled

Learn more about Icebird

ICEBIRD IS MORE THAN A YACHT,

SHE’S A POLAR THOROUGHBRED.

At Terra Nova, we believe smaller ships leave a lighter footprint and create deeper experiences, Icebird is the ultimate expression of that vision.

“Icebird captures the heart of Terra Nova’s mission—real expedition travel, up close and personal. With just six guests, we reach places others can’t, offering true immersion and adventure in Antarctica’s most remote corners.”

-Greg Carter, CEO & Founder