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Ascension Island (Georgetown, St Helena UK)

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Ascension Island cruise port

Region
South America

Local Time
2026-09-11 05:38

min: 72 °F (22 °C) / max: 74 °F (24 °C) 73°F
22.5°C
Wind: 131°/ 6.4 m/s Gust: 6.7 m/sWind: 131°/ 6.4 m/s Gust: 6.7 m/sMod. breeze
6.4 m/s
Min / Max Temperature74 °F / 24 °C
72 °F / 23 °C
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Port Ascension Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Ascension Island, Georgetown, St Helena UK. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
27 March, 2028
Monday
Silversea Cruises Cruises cruise lineSilver Endeavour06:0019:00

Ascension Island (Georgetown port locode SHASI) is located in the South Atlantic Ocean (about midway between Africa and South America). This is a volcanic island (total area 34 mi2 / 88 km2) which was once a regular call port for ships from Europe to South Africa. More recently, the island became known for its involvement in the Falkland War (aka Guerra del Atlántico Sur) in April 1982 between Argentina and the UK.

Ascension Island is one of the British Overseas Territories - the dependency of "Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha". Saint Helena is the UK's second-oldest dependency (overseas territory) after Bermuda.

Ascension Island is located approx 700 mi (1126 km) northwest of St Helena Island and was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1501. It remained uninhabited until 1815 when the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was exiled to Saint Helena and the British established a guarding garrison here.

The island features long white-sand beaches, sea turtles, a variety of seabirds (frigate birds, boobies, boatswain, noddies, petrels). There is also a Museum and an afield, also serving plane tours to see the island's 44 volcanic craters.

In June 2017, the cancellation of all flights from Ascension Island also resulted in cruise itinerary changes and cancellations.

All flights were canceled until at least 2019 due to structural failure (potholes) on the island's runway. Additionally, flights to the Falkland Islands were rerouted as the plane Airbus A330 MRTT (abbrev "Multi-Role Tanker Transport") operating the route was too heavy for the damaged runway.

The polar cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions had travelers booked on its "Atlantic Odyssey" itinerary operated by the ship MV Plancius.

The 36-nights long "Atlantic Odyssey including Antarctic Peninsula" cruise itinerary (Ushuaia to Ascension) included as ports of calls/destinations Ushuaia Argentina, sea days (2, 3, 8, 9, 11-14, 18-22, 27-30, 34, 35), Antarctica (days 4-7 /Cuverville Island, Ronge Island, Danco Island, Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island, Melchior Islands, Drake Passage), Ushuaia, South Georgia Island, Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha Island, St Helena Island, and Ascension.

Booked travelers on 2 itineraries (codes PLA33-18 and PLA35-18) had to be rebooked on itinerary PLA36-18 (Ascension to Praia Cape Verde) for 6 nights. From Praia, they departed for their home flights.

Due to the Ascension flight cancellations, itineraries PLA34-18 and PLA32-18 were canceled.

MV Plancius passengers booked on the affected cruises were given a 50% discount on the fares paid. For new bookings, the company offered a 20% discount on the fares for the Ascension to Praia cruise.

RMS St Helena ship (the above photo) continued to operate the sea route from Cape Town South Africa to Saint Helena Island and Ascension Island. This ferry service was scheduled to continue until February 2018, or until St Helena Island's air service is operational.

 

Ascension Island cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Ascension Island dock (anchor) at Georgetown - port town (and the only settlement) on the western coast.

At a Glance

Overall practicality: Independent sightseeing is easy within Georgetown; an organized excursion is recommended for the rest of the island. Ascension is a remote, lightly developed destination with no conventional cruise terminal or public transport. Georgetown offers a short walk combining colonial-era landmarks and the coast, while Green Mountain, volcanic landscapes and outlying beaches require prearranged transport.

Getting Ashore

Cruise ships anchor off Georgetown and transfer passengers ashore by tender or Zodiac. Landing is normally at the Pier Head steps beside the small harbor. Swell can make the transfer difficult, so landings are weather-dependent and may be delayed or cancelled.

The Pier Head is directly beside Georgetown, and no shuttle is needed for the settlement itself. Roads and paths around town are generally manageable, although surfaces can be rough and shade is limited. Transport elsewhere on the island is scarce; do not expect taxis, buses or rental vehicles to be waiting at the landing.

Best Ways to Spend the Call

Explore Georgetown on Foot

Georgetown is small enough to explore in approximately 1–2 hours. The principal sights include the waterfront fortifications, St Mary’s Church, the former military buildings, the post office and the open ground around the church. The settlement has limited visitor facilities, and buildings such as the museum may not be open during every cruise call.

Visit Long Beach

Long Beach begins beside Georgetown and extends for just under 1 km (0.6 mi). It is Ascension Island’s most important green-turtle nesting beach. The shore is suitable for walking and wildlife observation, but strong surf and currents make it unsuitable for casual swimming.

During nesting and hatching periods, keep well away from turtles and hatchlings, avoid blocking their route between the sea and nesting areas, and follow any instructions from conservation staff.

Tour Green Mountain

Green Mountain National Park rises to 859 m (2,818 ft) and provides a striking contrast to the dry volcanic lowlands. Its cooler, frequently misty upper slopes contain dense vegetation, historic water-catchment structures and a network of walking trails.

Allow approximately 3–4 hours for the drive, viewpoints and a moderate walk. The mountain is not realistically reached on foot from the landing during a cruise call. Use a ship excursion or confirmed local transport, and take a light waterproof layer as conditions can differ sharply from Georgetown.

Island Scenic Drive

A longer guided drive may combine Green Mountain with volcanic viewpoints, Two Boats village, Comfortless Cove and parts of the island’s stark lava landscape. Comfortless Cove has a small beach and historic graves associated with a former quarantine station.

Allow approximately 4–5 hours, depending on the route and walking stops. This is the most practical way to understand the island beyond Georgetown, but vehicles and guides are limited and should be arranged through the cruise line or before arrival.

Self-Guided Georgetown Walk

Distance: approximately 2 km (1.2 mi)
Pure walking time: about 30 minutes
Recommended time: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with heat, strong sun and some rough surfaces.

  1. Pier Head: Begin at the tender landing and look back across the anchorage before continuing into Georgetown.
  2. Waterfront fortifications: View the historic defensive structures around the harbor. Enter only areas that are clearly open to visitors.
  3. St Mary’s Church: Walk inland to the white Anglican church at the center of the settlement.
  4. Georgetown center: Pass the former military buildings, post office and open recreation ground. Allow extra time only if the museum or another public building is confirmed open.
  5. Long Beach viewpoint: Continue to the northern end of Long Beach for views along the turtle-nesting shoreline.
  6. Return to Pier Head: Retrace the coastal route to the landing rather than extending the walk into undeveloped terrain.

Confirm the final tender time before leaving the landing area. If the sea state is deteriorating, return earlier because tender operations can take longer than expected.

Practical Tips

  • Carry water, sun protection and any essential medication ashore; shops and other visitor services are limited.
  • Wear sturdy footwear for volcanic gravel, uneven paths and nature trails.
  • Do not rely on mobile service, card payments or an ATM. Carry a small amount of British currency if you expect to make purchases.
  • Swimming should be limited to locations specifically identified as safe by local staff. Long Beach is for coastal walking and wildlife observation, not casual bathing.
  • Remain on marked trails, respect protected wildlife and do not remove rocks, plants or natural objects.
  • For any island tour, aim to return to Georgetown at least 60–90 minutes before the ship’s stated final tender.

Ascension Island hotels