Cruise to St Helena

Q: I am interested in catching the ship to St Helena in August this year. Can you tell me how often the vessel operates, how much it costs and how long one can stay over on the island during a cruise? - Bert Snyman

A: The St Helena line operates roughly one return cruise a month between Cape Town and St Helena. For example, in August the vessel departs on August 15, 2007 and returns on September 3, 2007. It continues from St Helena to Ascension Island, so you would disembark at St Helena on August 20/21 and embark again on 28/29 August for the return trip. Fares are supplied in British Pounds Sterling, but you can get the Rand fare, which depends on the exchange rate, from the St Helena line office in Cape Town (tel; (021) 425 1165) The one-way fare between Cape Town and St Helena ranges from 390 British Pounds in a four-berth cabin with window to 843 British Pounds in a twin-bedded cabin with window. Budget fares in a four-berth cabin on a lower deck without air-conditioning start at 288 British Pounds. The fares include accommodation and all meals.