St. Helena, United Kingdom Cruises

St. Helena, United Kingdom Cruise Port

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena is a world-famous volcanic tropical island. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, it remains one of the most remote islands in the world despite being an important stopover between Europe, Asia, and South Africa for centuries. It was also where Napoleon was put in exile and imprisoned by the British, and where he inevitably died. The tourist industry revolves around Napoleon and his imprisonment and acts as a major source of revenue that doesn’t come in the form of aid from the British homeland. The island is relatively small; it’s about 10 miles long and five miles wide, and has a population of under 5,000 citizens. Radio St. Helena is their radio station with a range of about 62 miles which covers the island and not much else; however, they broadcast internationally one day every year. They also have a not-for-profit online news service as well as some for-profit internet domains.

• Hikers and adventurers must visit Jacob’s Ladder. This step and narrow staircase runs from the port city of Jamestown to the suburb of Half Tree Hallow. Every year people come from all over for a timed run up the ladder.
   
• Learn of St. Helena’s history at the Museum of St. Helena. While not a large museum, it’s packed with information from the island’s humble beginnings to present day.
   
• Delight in the versatile St. Helena Distillery where you can learn all about the time-honored process and marvel at the different beverages they create: red and white wines and gin, plus pear and coffee liqueurs.
   
• Appreciate the island’s long history at St. James’ Church, a magnificent chapel built in 1774. It also contains the famous plaque granting the islanders British citizenship.