St Helena by Royal Mail

The operation of the Royal Mail service to St. Helena provides the only opportunity to visit this isolated and remote tropical island, travelling on a vessel carrying vital supplies and a world away from the glamour and commercialism of ocean cruising today. Carrying 128 passengers with accommodation over three decks, the RMS St. Helena has a dining saloon, lounge, bar and library with a sun lounge and pool on the Promenade deck. Accommodation is offered on A Deck in two-berth outside cabins with private facilities. Cabins have either a lower and fold-away upper berth or two lower berths (at a supplement). With extended periods at sea, the RMS St. Helena takes independently-minded passengers to this unspoilt destination for exploration or relaxation. The prospect of an airport in the not too distant future to connect the island with the world means that this last ‘Royal Mail’ vessel may soon be consigned to history.

Just 47 miles in area, St. Helena lies over 1200 miles from the nearest landfall. Deep verdant valleys give way to barren desert and volcanic scree and being home to many seabirds, it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Led by Mr. Basil George, a St. Helena expert, three excursions explore the island: full-day scenic tour; walking tour of Jamestown visiting the castle, church, museum, and Jacob’s Ladder (700 steps) with tea at the Wellington House Hotel (½ day); coastal cruise including Egg Island where Napoleon was captured (½ day). All itineraries travel through Namibia’s famous landscapes to Sossusvlei dunes with 4x4 drive, Sesriem Canyon and Etosha National Park.