Useful to Know
Travelling on RMS ST Helena is a very pleasant experience - that is our constant aim - but it is always useful to have information about the minor things that make the difference between a good holday and an excellent one. Our reservations department is always available to give help and information to make that difference but here are just a few points which we hope you find useful.
Passports and Visas
It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that passports are valid and that any necessary visas are obtained prior to departure.
Travelling to Ascension Island Visitors should be aware that there is a new entry permit form as of 7.10.2005. Visitors must complete one form each and prior to arrival send to this office for processing, an approved form will be returned to the visitor. Also it is essential for visitors to have medical insurance which include medivac. You can download the form here
Vaccinations and Medicines
There are no mandatory vaccinations for regular sectors of the voyage but we recommend your tetanus immunisation is up to date.
Although the ship has good medical facilities, if you are on medication make quite sure you have an adequate supply of any prescribed drugs. It is also important that the ship's doctor should be made aware of any medical conditions that may affect the passenger's health during the voyage.
Medical & Accident Insurance on St Helena.
The Government of St Helena require all persons visiting the island to have adequate medical insurance which covers the full duration of their stay on island and includes coverage for overseas medical referal if required. This requirement applies to all inidividuals who are not current residents of St Helena, regardless of their nationality or place of birth. You will need to show proof of your insurance to St Helena Immigration officials on your arrival at Jamestown.
Insurance
All passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate travel, repatriation and cancellation insurance and may be asked to provide proof by agents or representatives of Andrew Weir. Passengers over the age of 70 are requested to provide Fit to Travel Certification from their doctor within the month of travelling.
Electricity/voltage
Electricity supply to all cabins is 220/240 volt AC, with standard UK 3-square-pin sockets suitable for appliances such as hairdryers and hot roll curlers. Sockets for electric shavers are fitted in all cabins.
Currency and cards
Currencies accepted on board are UK's pound sterling, the St Helena pound, USA dollar and South African rand. Travellers' cheques, MasterCard and Visa are also accepted. Limited exchange facilities against the UK pound are available at a commission rate.
On the islands only St Helenian currency and Sterling is accepted. There is a bank in Jamestown and currency can be exchanged and cash can be withdrawn from personal accounts using a PIN number. Personal cheques cannot be used and credit cards are not widely accepted. Travellers' cheques can be exchanged at the Post Office in Jamestown.
Dress sense
Dress during the day is informal. Swimwear is not suitable for the dining saloon or the lounges. For dinner and in the lounges during the evening it is recommended that a guide is taken from the ship's officers' evening rig announced each day in the ship's newspaper:
Red Sea Rig - informal, open neck shirt for gentlemen - tie not required;
Sundown Rig - semi-formal, long sleeved shirt with tie - jacket not required;
Mess Dress - formal evening wear or lounge suit.
What's included in the price
While all accommodation, meals and most activities on board are free, a charge is made for bingo, laundry, medical facilities, some sporting activities, organised shore excursions, souvenirs from the shop on board and drinks.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not solicited on board. However, should passengers wish to reward certain crew for exceptional service at the end of the cruise, this is entirely at the passenger's discretion. Guidance may be sought from the purser and would be at the rate of about £1 per person per day.
Smoking policy
The vessel has a No Smoking policy throughout the accommodate block. Smoking is only permitted on the starboard side of the Sun Lounge except during meals times and during the sgowing of any film or video in the Sun Lounge. No smoking may take place on the foredeck or in cargo stowage areas. It is prefered that any smoking takes place in the open air.