Terra Nova Expeditions

Terra Nova Expeditions is an expedition cruise company specialising in small-ship voyages to remote regions, particularly Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The company focuses on operating vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers and promotes a “small-ship, small-impact” approach to polar tourism, combining exploration, education and scientific engagement. The company is headquartered in the United States and operates internationally.

Terra Nova Expeditions was founded by Australian entrepreneur Greg Carter, who has worked in the expedition travel and Antarctic heritage sectors. The company aims to provide expedition-style voyages with an emphasis on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and immersive travel experiences in remote environments.

History

Terra Nova Expeditions was established in 2025 as a specialist polar expedition operator focused on small-ship travel. The company was created in response to the rapid growth of the Antarctic expedition cruise sector and the increasing size of expedition vessels entering the market.

The company has positioned itself around smaller expedition ships that allow greater flexibility for landings and wildlife encounters under guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Terra Nova Expeditions has also explored hybrid expedition formats combining a primary expedition vessel with smaller sailing craft designed to allow more intimate exploration of Antarctic environments.

Operations

Terra Nova Expeditions operates expedition voyages primarily to:

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Sub-Antarctic islands
  • Southern Ocean regions

Voyages typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, the main gateway port for Antarctic expedition cruises.

The company emphasises small passenger numbers in order to allow simultaneous landings under IAATO regulations, which limit the number of visitors ashore at Antarctic landing sites.

Expeditions typically include:

  • Zodiac landings and coastal exploration
  • Wildlife observation (penguins, seals, whales and seabirds)
  • Lectures by expedition guides and scientists
  • Photography and natural history programs
  • Inclusive activities at no extra cost

Some itineraries include sailing components and extended exploration experiences.

Ships

Terra Nova Expeditions has explored operating small expedition vessels suited to polar and remote-region travel, with an emphasis on ships carrying fewer than 100 passengers.

One vessel associated with the company's expedition planning is the RMS St Helena, a former Royal Mail ship originally built to service the remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. Following its retirement from government service in 2018, the vessel has been considered for conversion to expedition cruising and multi-purpose exploration voyages.

Terra Nova Expeditions has also proposed expedition formats combining a primary expedition vessel with a smaller sailing yacht to enable more flexible exploration in polar regions. One such vessel is the Icebird, a 61-foot sailing yacht intended for small-group sailing expeditions and shore-based exploration in areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula.

This hybrid expedition model combines a larger expedition ship acting as a base vessel with a smaller sailing craft that allows guests to access remote bays, coastlines and wildlife areas that may be less frequently visited by traditional cruise itineraries.

Environmental and educational programs

The company promotes environmental awareness and scientific engagement during its voyages. Expedition programs often include educational lectures and onboard discussions focused on polar ecosystems, climate science, and Antarctic exploration history.

Terra Nova Expeditions has also supported youth and educational initiatives connected with polar exploration and sustainability.

Industry context

The expedition cruise industry in Antarctica has grown significantly since the early 2000s. While some operators have introduced larger expedition ships carrying more than 200 passengers, Terra Nova Expeditions has focused on smaller vessels carrying fewer than 100 guests in order to maximise landing opportunities and maintain a more traditional expedition format.

See also

  • Antarctic tourism
  • International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

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