THE ROYAL Research Ship Sir David Attenborough is setting sail from Harwich to Antarctica this weekend.

The ship, which was almost named Boaty McBoatface after a public vote in 2016, will travel more than 8,000 nautical miles to the frozen landscape of Antarctica carriyng a time capsule.

Members of the public can get their ‘tickets’ and add their names to the time capsule, which is being taken to Rothera Research Station.

Equipped - The ship has special modifications to help it cut through the ice in the freezing climate Equipped - The ship has special modifications to help it cut through the ice in the freezing climate (Image: PA) They will receive weekly interactive email updates packed with stories, photos and videos from the expedition.

Professor Dame Jane Francis, director of the British Antarctic Survey, said: “We’re all fascinated with Antarctica, but the reality is that very few people will ever visit the frozen continent.

“This project will excite families and individuals alike, allowing them to experience the wonders of Antarctica from their homes.

“You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about why Antarctica is important and why our research is helping us understand this frozen world and how it is changing."

Sweet - People with tickets will receive weekly updates throughout the journey of wildlife and science Sweet - People with tickets will receive weekly updates throughout the journey of wildlife and science (Image: PA) She added: “All you need is a computer or mobile to join in with the fun and adventure.”

Ticket to Antarctica aims to bring the magic of the Antarctic to people of all ages, creating a deeper understanding of the remote continent.

Sir David Attenborough has said Antarctica is one of the “most extraordinary” places he had ever been to.

The ship named after him is the length of five tennis courts and weighs around 15,000 tonnes - about the equivalent of 75 blue whales.

Voyage - The RRS Sir David Attenborough has set sail to Antarctica before Voyage - The RRS Sir David Attenborough has set sail to Antarctica before (Image: PA) The ship is home to 30 crew and 60 scientists, laboratory managers, engineers and technicians, and Ticket to Antarctica will help share the science taking place to understand the impact of climate change.

The team at the British Antarctic Survey have been living and working in the extremes of Antarctica and the Arctic for over 60 years, studying everything from the depths of the oceans under the ice to the inner edge of space.

To register for your free ticket and follow the adventure after the ship sets sail on Sunday, sign up at: http://tickettoantarctica.co.uk.