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The 6,767 gross ton ship Saint Helena is now the transport facility and floating VIP hospitality club for the Extreme E Racing Series which stages a number of electric 4x4 off road vehicle races in extreme locations around the globe in locations such as the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the cold wastes of the Arctic.
The ship is used to transport the teams Odyssey race cars and all of the ancillary equipment and cargo associated with putting on a modern racing event in extreme and remote locations.
Around the time of the race events the ship is used extensively to host and entertain the teams and their partners sponsors and affiliates including the world class drivers associated with the racing series but during the passages between race locations the ship is lightly utilised providing an opportunity to offer passage to fee paying passengers on the various transport legs between races.
The ship boasts 60 guest cabins and has benefited from a massive multi-million euro top to bottom rebuild during 2020 and 2021 during which all of the interior was totally refurbished and all of the mechanical and engineering functions of the ship were completely overhauled. On repositioning voyages there will seldom be more than 12 passengers on board, usually less. Medical fitness sign off is require for those 65 years and over.
There is an 80 seat restaurant, a VIP lounge bar with outdoor terrace and semi enclosed smoking area as well as an executive day lounge available for use by passengers. Each deck also features a service pantry stocked with soft drinks and snacks which are complementary to passengers.
The St Helena has a fascinating history as she was the last operational “RMS” (Royal Mail Ship) Serving for some 24 years as the lifeline supply vessel to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. The island had no airport and therefore practically all cargo and equipment taken to the island was carried on the Saint Helena including mail deliveries and the carriage of passengers arriving and departing from the island.
During her time as the supply vessel to the island the ship sailed a routine passage program in all weathers through the South Atlantic ocean and as such holds a special place in the heart of all the “Saints” as the Islanders of Saint Helena are known. She now has a new personality, is operating very differently than in her previous role and expectations should be carefully adjusted.
Repeat passengers of RMS St Helena (in her former role) should be aware that the line voyages offered are traditional cargo ship voyages - and whilst the accomodation overall is of a higher standard, should not be compared with the passenger cargo service to/from the island of St Helena. Fewer passengers hence less service crew are carried, menu choices and on board services are tailored accordingly, comparable to those more generally available on cargo ships.
* Maximum passenger age - years old upon return.
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The Greener Way to Travel |
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Whether a Cargo ship has 1 or 101 passengers onboard, it will still sail and use just as much fuel, making your journey almost completely 'carbon neutral'. |