If you (A) have never been to Antarctica, (B) have been and want to go again, or (C) have been but want a more “get out there” experience on a unique ship, plus the option to spend time on a sailing yacht for the ultimate in private experiences, join Goldring Travel on Terra Nova Expeditions’ St. Helena on January 16, 2027. (And you won’t believe the pricing!)

Terra Nova Expeditions is a new company with seasoned people with many decades of polar experience, two unique ships, a focus on ethical and sustainable travel, and, importantly, the goal of creating an “expedition family through truly personal experiences”. Yes, I know it sounds like a bit of hype, but I know some of the key folks, and they really mean it.

First impressions of St. Helena are that she is not exactly the most beautiful ship. But this seemingly ugly duckling has stunning interiors, upscale staterooms, and is a truly capable ship. But more on that in a bit, because I always first look at the expedition team because they are the critical element in any expedition.  

While experienced lecturers are necessary, having an energetic, experienced, cohesive, and approachable expedition team is essential. Terra Nova Expeditions is clearly focused on that. From an Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cinematographer, to a historian that has been on expeditions from East Antarctica to the Magnetic South Pole, to guides that have worked with the most recognized top expedition companies (for which you will pay double to triple the price to sail with) and, for example, having 100 Antarctic expedition-experience, or twenty years of experience guiding and teaching youths (plus having skied to the North Pole), Terra Nova is focused on what matters most.

The list of included activities is also impressive. Heck, if you have a great expedition team, but have to pay extra to experience their talents to the fullest, it can dampen or even frustrate your experience. With Terra Nova Expeditions, the following activities are included:

• Camping on the Ice – Limited to 40 guests on select departures and pre-booked
• Kayaking
• Snow Shoeing – Pre-booking required
• Trekking
• Photography Workshops
• Yoga
• Polar Plunge

Also included are:

• Starlink Wi-Fi (basic, but can be upgraded)
• Drinks with meals
• All gratuities

On this Goldring Travel Expedition, and before I discuss the ships, I want to set out the two options to put things into context (all pricing is double occupancy. Single supplement is 200%):

• January 16, 2027: Classic Antarctica (10 Day/9 Night) Expedition – Roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina, with the option to spend one day on MY Iceberg, a six-passenger sailing yacht.
  • Deluxe $11,885pp
  • Premium: $13,101pp
  • Owners Suite: $16,416pp

• January 16, 2027: Ultimate Antarctic Adventure (20 Days/19 Nights including 6 Days/5 Nights on MY Iceberg in the middle of the voyage.
  • Deluxe w/private cabin on sailing yacht: $26,895pp
  •  Premium w/private cabin on sailing yacht): $29,390pp
  • Owner’s Suite w/private cabin on sailing yacht: $36,195pp

I know! I know! What’s this about being on a sailing yacht in Antarctica? On each of my nine Antarctic expeditions, I have seen small sailing yachts and thought, “Well, how cool is that? Being that close to everything in such an intimate setting would be amazing! But how does that yacht get there?” Well, you don’t have to worry about how MY Icebird, a six-passenger sailing yacht (eight for day-sailing), wound up in Antarctica because she will be there waiting for you, be it for one day or an amazing six days. 

More importantly (at least for me) is that time on MY Icebird will expose you to the real weather, sea, and wildlife experience of Antarctica. What each day will be filled with, nobody truly knows. It depends on where the conditions send you! 

The accommodations are either Double Private or Quad Shared, and she comes with zodiacs, kayaks, skis, room for your diving gear, and more. 

You have the option of spending a day on her ($1,250 per person) during the Antarctica Classic expedition if spending six days seems a bit more of a challenge than you want.

Now, let’s discuss your “home away from home”: St. Helena.  She was built in 1989 in the UK, and after an extensive US$11,000,000 refurbishment in 2022, is a former British passenger and cargo ship, with a Polar Code Class C (safe to operate in ice conditions but you won’t be breaking ice), carries only 98 guests, designed even though she was designed to carry 150+ passengers plus 81 staff and crew. By limiting the number of guests, she can maximize the areas available for visits, including those unavailable to ships with 100+ guests. 

St. Helena has multiple observation lounges, two bars, one restaurant, two jacuzzis, a spa, a fitness center, a boutique, a full science laboratory, Starlink internet, and plenty of deck access.

Owner’s Suite (430 square feet) has a large living room and dining area, a separate bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom. 

Premium Stateroom (194 square feet) has two large picture windows and a private bathroom.

Deluxe Cabins (162 square feet) have one picture window and a private bathroom

There are other accommodations, including single, bunkbed, triple, and quad, but they are not part of the Goldring Travel Expedition pricing. 

By booking the Goldring Travel Expedition, you will not only have the Terra Nova Expedition experience, but Eric Goldring’s experience from nine Antarctic expeditions (over a dozen polar expeditions in total), a Welcome Dinner, some onboard treats, and more…along with the discounted expedition fare.

As you probably know, I have assisted dozens of my clients with their Antarctica expeditions. It is definitely not a “one size fits all” experience.  I encourage you to give me a call or send me an email so that we can begin the process of making sure you have the best possible Antarctic experience for you. That said, there are many who have said that they wanted a balance between being active outside and comfortable inside in an atmosphere that fosters embracing everything Antarctica has to offer. Terra Nova Expeditions is offering an exceptional experience at an exceptional price. 

Let’s start the conversation!

Ready to book? A 25% non-refundable deposit holds your space. (There is a 2.5% credit card processing fee, or you can avoid that using ACH/bank transfer.)