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 Owing to a change in the rules of
entry into Ascension Island all passengers joining the RMS and leaving
the vessel in Ascension must have an Ascension Island Entry Permit.
It is the responsibility of every passenger to ensure they have a valid
entry permit. We regret to advise that without this document the
passenger will not be allowed to join the RMS as the Ascension Island
Government has advised that individuals without a permit will not be
allowed to stay on Ascension.
If this document has not been obtained or it is not in the passengers
possession at time of embarkation and as a consequence the passenger
cannot join the RMS then that passenger will not be entitled to any
fare refund.
Further information and blank entry permits can be obtained by visiting AIG website below: www.ascension-island.gov.ac/aig/ascension-island-visit.htm
Once filled in the permit will need to be validated by Ascension Island Government.
Passengers can contact Ascension Island Government direct for validation (e-mail alberta.knipe@ascension.gov.ac
or fax ++ 247 6152). Alternatively Andrew Weir Shipping Limited or
Solomon and Co. (St Helena) plc can obtain validation on your behalf
for a £10 administration fee.
You can download the permit form here
Also it is essential for visitors to have medical insurance which include medivac.
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 code
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.
