Magical Voyages
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MAGICAL VOYAGES ROYAL MAIL SHIP ST HELENA ST HELENA | ASCENSION | CAPE TOWN AFRICA ASCENSION ST HELENA CAPE TOWN TAILOR MADE for you ccess to the remote British Overseas Before then, the Saints and the crew of the RMS Territory of St Helena has always St Helena invite you to be part of history, and to CONTENTS been exclusively by sea. From the experience a voyage on board this unique ship. three ships that first approached the Held in great esteem and affection by all those that 3 TAILOR MADE Aisland in 1502 to the Union Castle Liners that were have experienced her, a voyage on board the RMS once frequent visitors, today just one ship remains, St Helena will lead to life-long friendships and 5 LIFE ON BOARD and in this modern world in which we live, this will a sense that you have been part of a nostalgic period 7 ST HELENA ISLAND change. An airport is under construction and the of travel, where getting there is as much a part first flights are scheduled for early 2016 bringing of the holiday as the destination. 9 ASCENSION ISLAND a new generation of tourists to St Helena. The RMS St Helena carries just 156 passengers 10 THINGS TO KNOW and 55 crew in 56 good quality comfortable cabins. 12 THE ISLANDER Many combinations are available and this brochure sets out to give you a preview of just some of the 13 THE EXPLORER options. Our reservations teams in the UK and 14 THE CABINS South Africa can custom design your requirements providing you with a most memorable experience 16 DECK PLANS and holiday. 18 ACCOMMODATION & FLIGHTS To find out more, call and speak with one of our advisers who will be happy to give you a tailor made individual quote and itinerary. For reservations please call our booking agent on +44(0)20 7575 6480 or email [email protected] 3 LIFE ON BOARD a unique experience eing on board the RMS St Helena You are looked after 24 hours a day. Two bars, a full has been described as being similar to service dining room, a sun deck, shop, swimming staying in a country house hotel on water. pool, glass fronted ocean view gym, library and SHIP FACTS Your initial thoughts may well be how lots of photographs and memorabilia will all keep • 156 passengers 56 crew and officers and Byou might fill each day, hours relaxing on deck, or you entertained. up to 1,800 tonnes of cargo reading novel after novel may well excite you. Of all • HRH Princess Royal travelled on the the comments received about life on board the ship, Breakfast and lunch can be taken in the dining room RMS to St Helena in 2002 the most common is how quickly each day seems to or in the sun lounge. Buffet lunch can be enjoyed on • The most unusual passengers have been pass as many activities and events unfold, and books the sun deck, which is adjacent to the sun lounge. crocodiles that travelled from Cape are left unopened in favour of long and interesting There is a choice of two dinner sittings each evening, Town to Tenerife conversations with other passengers on board. which are taken in the dining room and there is an • The RMS St Helena celebrated her 200th voyage in November 2013 impressive 5 course menu from which to choose, as well as a selection of fine wines available. • The officers write, choreograph and perform a renowned on board cabaret • The only other Royal Mail Ship in The daily edition of the Ocean Mail (the ship’s own service is the RMS Queen Mary 2 newspaper) sees the days events come to life. Whether • Both Captains of the RMS are it is deck quoits, ocean cricket, a skittles tournament, from St Helena quizzes, informative talks or video and film nights, the • Vessel steams approximately entertainment is perfectly balanced and the choice to to convey passengers and cargo to the island of 87,048 nautical miles per year join in or simply watch the fun unfold is yours. St Helena, the RMS is a reminder of a bygone era of on the current schedule travel. She is a unique vessel and is a working ship • The RMS weighs 6,767 gross tonnes, The Royal Mail Ship St Helena is a world away that is special to the people of St Helena and those is 105m in length and 19.2m in breadth from the razzamatazz of the big cruise liners. Built that have travelled on her. For reservations please call our booking agent on +44(0)20 7575 6480 or email [email protected] 5 ST HELENA ISLAND l rl chr n 1815 St Helena was deemed to be the safest Depending on the time of day, the reflection of the life, make you aware that you are indeed in another place to send Napoleon; today the island is sun against the turquoise blue sea and the barren cliff part of the world. just as safe. Whilst it may be untrue to say tops is a sight few have been fortunate to witness. that time has completely stood still, it seems Jamestown, the capital, sits in an extraordinary Ilike it has passed less quickly than in the rest of Charm is all around you. The St Helenians deep crevasse and is the centre for government. The the world. An old world charm engulfs the island, or ‘Saints’ as they are known, are a melting pot recently opened museum is well worth a visit and and many of the traditions observed today are as of different cultures made up throughout the exhibits chart the history of the early settlers, right important as they were centuries ago. centuries including Europeans, Africans, South up to the issues affecting modern day St Helena. Americans and Chinese. Today’s population Situated in the middle of the South Atlantic numbers about 4200. Incredibly welcoming, the There are 68 miles of road on the island and a speed Ocean, this small British island territory is one Saints are genuinely interested in their visitors and limit of just 30mph. Vehicles can be rented, so you of the remotest places on Earth and also is one of are proud to show off their island. The joie de vivre can enjoy touring the island at your own pace and the most extraordinary places you can visit. It is a and generosity of the Saints is profoundly clear to discovering some of its hidden treasures, from place of unique character and unspoilt beauty. Its visitors, and whether it is a contemporary wedding, tropical forests cascading down mountain sides to contrasting and spectacular scenery, centuries-old an open day or festival, party or dance, it seems that verdant pastures and rolling hills. military fortifications and graceful buildings make all are invited to take part. it the perfect place for active exploration. The Saint Helena flag, proudly encompassing Lying 1200 miles from the south west coast of Africa the union flag, fluttering above the castle in and 1800 miles from the coast of south America Jamestown, and cricket being played at Francis and occupying just 47 square miles of land, this Plain, remind you that you are in fact on British isolated island boasts immense natural beauty, with soil. Exotic looking flowers on the roadside, coffee an abundance of changing vistas and landscapes. beans ripening in the sun, and a relaxed approach to For reservations please call our booking agent on +44(0)20 7575 6480 or email [email protected] 7 ASCENSION ISLAND ytis & cis ysterious, secretive and curious or ‘wideawake’ bird and large numbers settle on the shrouded in cloud, and the lush vegetation and are certainly phrases that can be south-western coastal area every tenth month. cooler climate is quite a contrast to the rest of the attributed to the remote British Keen ornithologists will also witness other island – you could be forgiven for thinking you’d territory of Ascension Island, offshore nesting birds such as the Ascension frigate, stepped into a rainforest. The only exotic creatures Mlocated at the cross roads of the South Atlantic. Boatswain birds, petrels boobies and nerdies as well you’re likely to encounter though are a few feral Of immense strategic importance throughout the as land birds such as canaries, mynahs, waxbills sheep and the land crabs and the picnic area near the ages, the island’s military history and current status and francolins. The waters surrounding the island Red Lion is often full of colourful African Monarch is undisputed. Today, via RAF flights from Brize abound with shark, wahoo, barracuda, tuna, sailfish butterflies. The views from the Mountain are Norton, the island is more accessible to tourists, marlin and other game fish. Serious game fishing is spectacular on a clear day, and there are several walks visiting the very special wildlife found here as well available on three sport fishing boats and in 2002 which take you around the top of the mountain. A as enjoying pristine white beaches, sun drenched a world record six gill shark and in 2003 a blue fin short trek from the Red Lion will bring you to the under the tropical blue skies. marlin were caught off the Ascension coast. summit – 859 metres above sea level – and the Dew Pond surrounded by a towering bamboo grove. Ascension is the world’s second largest nesting As well as the rich bird life and marine life, Ascension ground for the famous green turtles. Although has some dramatic scenery, mainly of volcanic origin, Tourist accommodation on the island is provided nesting does take place throughout the year, the with 44 craters dotted around the island.