RMS St Helena Sets Sail in Ship Shape Following Refit

Travellers can set sail for a bygone era in style aboard the RMS St Helena, one of the world’s last working royal mail ships, which has undergone an extensive re-fit to offer increased capacity and an enhanced voyage experience.

Not just a passenger vessel, this working liner acts as the lifeline to the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, sharing a fascinating glimpse into the leisured travel of days gone by. The refresh, carried out in dry dock in Cape Town, includes the addition of seven cabins affording 17 extra berths, and an improved gym with new equipment. The newly positioned gym is located on the top deck and is glass-fronted so passengers can run, row or pedal whilst admiring the ocean view.

This complements the existing facilities which include two bars, full service dining room, a sun deck, shop, swimming pool and library. From the attentive staff to the traditional ocean-going pastimes, passengers are assured of a first-class vintage voyage. The RMS St Helena regularly visits the ports of St Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Town. Passengers are made up of tourists and St Helenians, or ‘Saints’ as they are fondly known locally, travelling home.

The Royal Mail Ship St Helena was built in 1989 specifically to supply the island of St Helena, the British Overseas Territory deep in the tropical South Atlantic. Royal Mail Ships are sea going vessels that carry mail under contract by Royal Mail. The RMS St Helena is one of last remaining ocean-going vessels in the world still to carry the venerable title of Royal Mail Ship, held in the past by so many famous British passenger liners, the Queen Elizabeth amongst them. She is British registered, 6,767 gross tonnes and has 56 officers and crew. She also has modern facilities; stabilisers, air conditioning plus fax, email and satellite communications.

RMS St Helena is due to re-enter service on 29^th July 2012, visiting St Helena, Ascension Island, St Helena, returning to Cape Town on 16^th August.

For more information on RMS St Helena, plus a full list of scheduled tours and special offers, visit www.rms-st-helena.com and for more information on St Helena visit www.sthelenatourism.com