Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South is a three-part ITV documentary series filmed onboard an HX Expeditions voyage through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica.
The programme follows Julia Bradbury on a 23 day expedition journey through the Southern Ocean, travelling via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before reaching Antarctica itself. Filmed entirely onboard HX’s purpose built expedition ship MS Fram, the series offers one of the most accurate and revealing portrayals of Antarctic expedition cruising ever shown on British television.
For viewers searching for details about the ITV series, the ship featured, the route shown, or whether it is possible to book the same Antarctica cruise, this guide explains everything clearly.
Last updated: 21 May 2026
Wonders of the Frozen South: The 30-second view
| Show | Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South |
| Channel | ITV1 (broadcast) and ITVX (streaming on demand) |
| Episodes | 3 × 48 minutes |
| Filmed with | HX Expeditions |
| Ship | MS Fram |
| Itinerary | 23 days, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica |
| Best season to sail | October to March (austral summer) |
| Price from | Around £14,000 per person (varies by sailing) |
| Best for | Documentary fans, bucket-list expedition travellers |
Series Trailer: Wonders of the Frozen South
Watch a preview of Julia Bradbury’s 23-day expedition onboard the MS Fram. These highlights showcase life on a purpose-built expedition ship, from navigating narrow fjords to daily Zodiac landings and close encounters with wildlife in the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
When Is Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South on ITV?
The series aired weekly on ITV1 at 12.45 pm across three Saturdays in early 2026. All three episodes are now available to stream on demand via ITVX (and STV Player in Scotland).
Episode 1 aired on Saturday 15 February, Episode 2 followed on Saturday 22 February, and the final episode aired on Saturday 1 March 2026. Each programme documents a different stage of the expedition, building towards the arrival on the Antarctic Peninsula.
What Is the Documentary About?
Sailing to the Frozen South is like entering another world, one that’s beautiful, humbling and ever so powerful. To experience this raw, wild landscape is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that I can’t wait to share with ITV viewers.
Julia Bradbury, speaking to HX Expeditions
Wonders of the Frozen South showcases a real expedition cruise operated by HX Expeditions. Rather than focusing on traditional cruise comforts, the series highlights what it is like to explore some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive regions on Earth.
Over the course of the voyage, Julia Bradbury travels through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Viewers see daily Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and life onboard an expedition ship, supported by an experienced team of scientists and polar specialists who guide guests both ashore and at sea.
If you are curious to learn more about HX Expeditions and how their expedition model differs from traditional cruise lines, our HX Expeditions cruises guide explores this in more detail.
What Ship Is Used in the Series?
The documentary is filmed onboard MS Fram, one of HX Expeditions’ specialist polar ships.
Designed specifically for expedition travel, MS Fram is smaller and more manoeuvrable than conventional cruise ships, allowing her to operate close to the ice edge and navigate narrow fjords. This capability enables frequent shore landings and close up wildlife experiences throughout the voyage.
The ship is currently undergoing significant investment, including upgrades to cabins, suites, science centres, and dining areas, ensuring she remains well suited to modern expedition travel.
Where Does the Expedition Travel?
The route featured in Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive Antarctica expedition itineraries available.
The journey begins in the Falkland Islands, known for their rugged landscapes and important seabird populations, before continuing to South Georgia, home to vast king penguin colonies and dramatic mountain scenery. The final stage of the expedition reaches Antarctica itself, where the scale, silence, and raw power of the frozen continent take centre stage.
This combination offers an exceptional balance of wildlife, history, and polar landscapes.
Why HX Expeditions Is Different
HX Expeditions is the world’s oldest expedition cruise company and has taken more guests to Antarctica and the Arctic than any other operator.
The series highlights the company’s expedition led approach, with voyages guided by teams of scientists, historians, and polar experts. Education plays a central role, with lectures, briefings, and guided landings designed to deepen understanding of the regions visited.
Environmental responsibility is also a key focus. HX operates under strict landing protocols and was the first cruise line to eliminate single use plastics from its operations, setting long standing standards for responsible exploration.
Episode Guide
The first episode focuses on the Falkland Islands, where Julia explores remote island communities, dramatic coastlines, and thriving birdlife.
Episode two travels to South Georgia, often described as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, featuring some of the highest wildlife concentrations on the planet alongside a powerful historical narrative.
The final episode reaches Antarctica, where Julia experiences glacier landings, vast ice formations, and close encounters with Antarctic wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Can You Book the Same Antarctica Cruise?
Antarctica usually needs booking 12 to 18 months ahead because the best cabins go fast. November sailings give you the strongest wildlife combination, December and January are warmer for landings, and February brings the breeding penguin colonies. We’d point first-time guests at the 23-day Falklands and South Georgia route over the shorter 16-day option. South Georgia is where most travellers say the trip really lifts off.
Caitlin, Sales, Paramount Cruises
Yes. The expedition shown in Wonders of the Frozen South is a real HX itinerary that operates during the Antarctic season, subject to availability.
Antarctica voyages often sell out far in advance, particularly following high-profile television series, so early planning is strongly recommended.
Planning Your Own Antarctica Expedition
Expedition cruising is very different from a standard holiday, and preparation plays a crucial role in the overall experience.
If you are unsure what to pack for Antarctica, our expedition cruise packing list covers everything you need to know. For travellers deciding which expedition cruise is right for them, our Expert Buyer’s Guide to Exploring the World’s Wildest Places explains the key differences between routes, ships, and operators.
Preparation plays a major role in any Antarctic expedition, and knowing what to pack makes a real difference. For the kit specifics, our expedition cruise packing list explains exactly what you will need for conditions both on board and ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
The three-part series aired on ITV1 on three consecutive Saturdays at 12.45 pm: Episode 1 on 15 February 2026, Episode 2 on 22 February 2026 and Episode 3 on 1 March 2026.
All three episodes are available on demand on ITVX, ITV’s free streaming service, and on STV Player in Scotland.
Julia sailed on MS Fram, HX Expeditions’ purpose-built expedition ship. She joined the line’s 23-day In-depth Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia voyage.
Yes. HX Expeditions runs the same 23-day Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary on MS Fram during the austral summer. Call our cruise specialists on 020 7947 0270 to check availability and current pricing.
Prices vary by departure date, cabin grade and itinerary length. As a guide, the 23-day expedition starts from around £14,000 per person, with shorter 16-day Antarctica itineraries on other ships starting from around £8,000 per person. Sale prices fluctuate.
The Antarctic cruise season runs from October to March (austral summer). Early-season sailings tend to see more sea ice and fewer ships, mid-season is warmer with reliable landings, and late-season (February to March) is when penguin colonies are at their busiest and whale-watching peaks.
Book with Paramount Cruises
As specialists in luxury and expedition cruising, Paramount Cruises works closely with HX Expeditions to help travellers plan Antarctica voyages with confidence.
Whether you are looking to travel in the upcoming season or planning ahead for 2026, our expert team can advise on itineraries, ships, and cabin options best suited to your travel style.
