Cape Centennial

The merging in 1900 of the Union Steam Ship Company and the Castle Packet Company into the Union Castle Mail Steamship Company was the beginning of a tradition which saw the familiar lavender-hulled ships carrying goods and passengers to the Empire and to its colonies around the world for over 75 years.

With a reputation for reliability and excellence the Union Castle mail ships were regular visitors to St Helena from 1945 until the discontinuation of the passenger mail service in 1977. Still without air access the RMS St Helena currently serves the island in much the same way that her predecessors have done for generations and it is also the only ocean-going vessel still to carry the title of Royal Mail Ship.

Just as in the 1970s when the future of the Union Castle Line was held in the balance today the promise by 2012 of an air-link to the island means that the vessel may soon be consigned to history as a unique passenger cargo ship with a specific purpose. The warm and friendly islanders (the Saints) welcome visitors to their capital, Jamestown, a fascinating blend of old and new and little changed since the time of the emperor. Ascension Island is an eco-tourist’s delight with conservation important especially for the endangered Ascension green turtle and Ascension frigate bird and walking tours are popular on the magnificent deserted white beaches.