Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole expedition cruise is the new Channel 5 travel series following Jane McDonald as she explores the world’s most remote destinations aboard real expedition cruise ships.
“What happens in each episode, and where does Jane go?”
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole – Episode Guide & Cruise Itineraries
Include a summary table:
| Episode | Destination | Ship | Key Experiences | Bookable Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Antarctica | Scenic Eclipse | Helicopters, Zodiac landings | Antarctica in Depth |
| Episode 2 | South Georgia & Falklands | Scenic Eclipse | King penguins, Shackleton history | Antarctica, SG & Falklands |
| Episode 3 | Uruguay & Brazil | Scenic Eclipse | Wine tasting, dolphins, Rio | Brazilian Coastline |
| Episode 4 | Italy & Amalfi Coast | Emerald Sakara | Sicily, Capri, Amalfi | Mediterranean Yacht Cruises |
| Episode 5 | Norway & Svalbard | Scenic Eclipse | Polar bears, glaciers | Arctic & Svalbard Cruises |
Category: Cruise News, Expedition Cruises
Jane McDonald Is Back, and This Time She’s Going From Pole to Pole. Travelling from Antarctica to the Arctic aboard ultra-luxury expedition and yacht cruises.
This six-part travel series is not just a celebration of spectacular scenery. It captures the contrasts of modern cruising, silence and scale in Antarctica, cultural overload in South America, and the familiar warmth of Mediterranean life, all seen through Jane’s honest, humorous and deeply human perspective.
What makes From Pole to Pole especially fascinating for cruise lovers is that these are real, bookable expedition cruises. Filmed aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, the series offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what expedition and yacht cruising is truly like, combining adventure, comfort and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
If Jane McDonald’s journey has sparked your interest in expedition cruising, our expert guide to the expedition cruise packing list explains exactly what to pack for polar and warm-water voyages, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Mediterranean and tropical destinations.
Premiering on 2 January 2026, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole is already inspiring viewers to dream bigger about how and where they travel.
The Ultimate Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole Expedition Cruise
In From Pole to Pole, Jane steps far beyond her comfort zone, embarking on a remarkable 15,000-mile journey that spans continents, climates, and cultures. Along the way, she brings her trademark warmth, humour, and curiosity to destinations few travellers ever experience.
The series features an extraordinary collection of bucket-list locations, including:
- The Polar Regions: Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Svalbard, and the Arctic Circle
- South America: Uruguay and Brazil
- Europe: Greece, Italy, and Norway
As Jane herself puts it:
“We’re going to the ends of the earth to bring some spectacular places into your living rooms. Get the wine open or a cuppa ready, we’re going on an adventure.”
The Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole expedition cruise experience showcases the realities of modern polar cruising
The Star of the Show: Scenic Eclipse
While Jane is the heart of the series, cruise enthusiasts will instantly recognise the real scene-stealer: Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht.
Purpose-built for extreme environments, Scenic Eclipse is an ultra-luxury expedition ship designed to reach places traditional cruise vessels simply cannot. Throughout the series, viewers will see Jane making full use of the ship’s cutting-edge exploration tools, from helicopter flights over Antarctica to Zodiac landings on remote polar shores, including Winter Island.
With a Polar Class 6 rating, custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than standard, and a maximum guest capacity designed for intimate exploration, Scenic Eclipse delivers both adventure and comfort in equal measure.
Jane also spends time aboard Emerald Sakara, highlighting the growing appeal of modern luxury yacht cruising in warmer regions.
Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole Expedition Cruise – Episode Guide & Airing Dates
Each episode of Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole follows a different stage of Jane’s extraordinary journey, revealing the full scope, emotion and variety of modern expedition cruising. The six-part series airs weekly on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Episode One – Antarctica: The Sound of Silence
Airs: Friday 2 January at 9 pm
(Scenic Eclipse – Antarctica)
Jane’s adventure begins at the very bottom of the world, as she explores the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse. Throughout the episode, she participates in a range of exhilarating expedition activities, including a Zodiac ride around Winter Island, kayaking in freezing polar waters, aerial yoga on board, and close-up wildlife encounters.
Jane also visits Livingston Island, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and resident elephant seals. This opening episode perfectly captures the scale, silence and emotional power of Antarctica, while showcasing how modern expedition cruising makes these remote regions accessible in comfort and safety.
Before heading out on adventurous activities like Zodiac landings or kayaking, make sure you’re packed with the right gear. Check out our Expedition Cruise Packing List for expert tips on what to bring to Antarctica.
👉 Explore Antarctica Scenic Eclipse cruises
Episode Two – South Georgia and the Falkland Islands: Wildlife, History and Perspective
Airs: Friday 9 January at 9 pm
(Scenic Eclipse – South Georgia & the Falkland Islands)
Continuing her polar journey, Jane travels to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton. She learns about the region’s whaling history and meets people who live and work in some of the world’s most remote communities.
At Fortuna Bay, Jane is greeted by thousands of King Penguins in one of the most memorable wildlife moments of the series. In Port Stanley, she enjoys a traditional afternoon tea and meets the world’s most southerly military wives’ choir. The episode concludes on Saunders Island, where Jane tries her hand at sheep shearing and rounds up the flock on a quad bike.
The conditions here are chilly and changeable; use our packing list to prepare for polar weather and thermals.
👉 View South Georgia & Falkland Islands expeditions
Episode Three – Uruguay and Brazil: A World of Contrast
Airs: Friday 16 January at 9 pm
(Scenic Eclipse – Uruguay & Brazil)
The contrast between polar silence and South American vibrancy takes centre stage in episode three. Jane begins by meeting the captain of Scenic Eclipse, learning what it takes to operate a luxury expedition yacht, before arriving in Uruguay.
In Montevideo, she samples a traditional beef barbecue and explores the city’s colonial history, followed by a wine tasting at a vineyard in Maldonado. Crossing into Brazil, Jane enjoys an impromptu tour with a resident and learns traditional weaving techniques in São Francisco do Sul. The episode ends with a thrilling speedboat tour from Pontal do Sul, where she spots wild dolphins and explores coastal caves.
Episode Four – Brazil: Culture, Coastlines and Colour
Airs: Friday 23 January at 9 pm
(Scenic Eclipse – Brazil)
Jane’s Brazilian adventure continues with an action-packed episode showcasing the country’s diversity and energy. Highlights include a jeep tour of Ilha Bela, kayaking through the Paraty Mangroves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) along the Costa Verde coastline, and a trolley bus ride around the Búzios Peninsula.
The episode also features a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking views over Rio de Janeiro. Full of laughter, colour and unforgettable scenery, this episode demonstrates how expedition cruising can blend adventure with iconic destinations.
👉 Explore Scenic Eclipse cruises in Brazil
Episode Five – Greece and Italy: La Dolce Vita
Airs: Friday 30 January at 9 pm
(Emerald Sakara – Greece & Italy)
Leaving South America behind, Jane boards the luxury yacht Emerald Sakara for the Mediterranean leg of her journey. She sails through the Corinth Canal before exploring Gallipoli’s historic streets and visiting Sicily.
In Savoca, made famous by The Godfather, Jane rides through the village in a vintage three-wheeler before enjoying a VIP boat tour around Capri. Back onboard, she makes the most of Emerald Sakara’s innovative marina platform. The episode concludes in Sorrento, where Jane takes in sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and samples limoncello at a traditional lemon grove.
Episode Six – The Arctic: From Pole to Pole
Airs: Friday 6 February at 9 pm
(Scenic Eclipse – Arctic & Svalbard)
In the final episode, Jane completes her 15,000-mile journey by heading deep into the Arctic Circle. Flying to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the world’s northernmost inhabited town, she embarks on the final stage of her expedition aboard Scenic Eclipse.
The ship visits Bjornfjorden, where Jane kayaks through icy fjords and encounters Arctic wildlife, including walruses and polar bears. She also meets the polar bear safety team and the captain on the bridge before heading by Zodiac to the Brasvellbreen Glacier, the longest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The journey ends atop Alkornet Mountain, where Jane reflects on her incredible pole-to-pole adventure.
Kayaking through icy fjords and spotting wildlife in the Arctic means you’ll need the right layers and accessories. See our ultimate packing guide.
👉 Explore Scenic Eclipse Cruises to the Arctic & Svalbard
The Ships Featured in Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole
One of the most compelling aspects of Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole is that the series is filmed aboard real, bookable luxury expedition and yacht ships, giving viewers an authentic look at modern cruising at its most advanced.
Scenic Eclipse – The World’s First Discovery Yacht
For the polar regions, Jane travels aboard Scenic Eclipse, an ultra-luxury expedition ship purpose-built to explore the most remote environments on Earth. Throughout the series, viewers see how Scenic Eclipse combines cutting-edge exploration technology with six-star comfort.
Key features of Scenic Eclipse include:
- Two onboard helicopters, allowing guests to access otherwise unreachable landscapes
- Scenic Neptune submersible, offering underwater exploration in select regions
- Polar Class 6 hull, designed specifically for ice navigation
- 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, ensuring highly personalised service
- Butler service in every suite, redefining luxury expedition cruising
From helicopter flights over Antarctica to Zodiac landings on remote polar shores, Scenic Eclipse demonstrates why it is considered the benchmark for ultra-luxury expedition cruising.
Emerald Sakara – Luxury Yacht Cruising
For warmer-water destinations, Jane boards Emerald Sakara, a sleek luxury yacht designed for immersive coastal exploration and relaxed Mediterranean cruising.
Highlights of Emerald Sakara include:
- Intimate capacity of just 100 guests, creating a relaxed onboard atmosphere
- Sky Bar and Aqua Café, ideal for scenic cruising and socialising
- Designed for warm-water destinations, with easy access to ports and coastal experiences
Emerald Sakara showcases how modern yacht cruising offers a more personal and refined way to explore iconic destinations, perfectly complementing the expedition-focused adventures seen earlier in the series.
Jane McDonald’s Thoughts on Expedition Cruising
One of the reasons Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole resonates so strongly with viewers is Jane’s honesty about what expedition cruising is really like. Throughout the series, she reflects not only on the destinations themselves, but also on the mindset needed to experience them fully.
Packing for the Poles
Preparing for Antarctica and the Arctic is very different from packing for a traditional cruise. Jane openly shares her practical approach to staying warm in extreme conditions, proving that you don’t need specialist gear to enjoy an expedition.
“I took three pairs of thermals and just rotated them. You don’t need fancy stuff, Marks & Spencer or H&M will do the job perfectly.”
Her advice reassures first-time expedition cruisers that polar travel is far more accessible than many people expect.
Travel, Age and Why Now Is the Time
At the heart of the series is a powerful message about making the most of life and travel, regardless of age. Jane reflects on why experiences like this matter more than ever.
“Why are we waiting? You can wait and wait, and then suddenly you’ve missed the window. If you want to do something, do it.”
This perspective resonates with many viewers considering a once-in-a-lifetime journey, especially those seeking alternatives to traditional cruise holidays.
From Antarctic Silence to South American Energy
One of the most striking moments in From Pole to Pole is the contrast between the stillness of Antarctica and the vibrant energy of South America. Jane describes arriving in Rio de Janeiro after weeks in the polar regions as a genuine culture shock.
“In Antarctica, the silence is overwhelming. Then suddenly you arrive in Rio and it’s noise, colour and life everywhere, it really hits you.”
These reflections highlight the emotional range of expedition cruising, showing how journeys like this are about far more than scenery alone.
Can You Book the Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole Expedition Cruise?
The Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole expedition cruise showcases real, bookable itineraries operated by Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Yacht Cruises.
Whether you dream of standing among penguin colonies in South Georgia, sipping cappuccinos in Sicily, or soaring by helicopter above Antarctica’s ice fields, these experiences are within reach. As the series shows, expedition cruising is designed for travellers who want more than a traditional holiday, offering immersive experiences, expert-led excursions, and true 6-star all-inclusive luxury.
Book Your Own Pole to Pole Adventure with Paramount Cruises
If Jane McDonald’s latest adventure has ignited your wanderlust, now is the perfect time to start planning. Demand for expedition cruises continues to grow, and availability on the most sought-after voyages can be limited, especially following the launch of this highly anticipated series.
At Paramount Cruises, we specialise in luxury and expedition cruising. Our expert team can help you design an itinerary inspired by Jane’s journey, whether you’re drawn to the Great White Wonder of Antarctica or the Nordic wonders of Norway.
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole – FAQs
When does Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole air?
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole airs weekly on Channel 5 at 9 pm, starting on Friday 2 January 2026, with six episodes following Jane’s journey from Antarctica to the Arctic. Episodes are also available to watch on My5 after broadcast.
What ships does Jane McDonald travel on in From Pole to Pole?
Jane travels aboard two luxury ships during the series:
- Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht, for the polar regions including Antarctica, South Georgia and the Arctic
- Emerald Sakara, a luxury yacht used for warmer destinations in the Mediterranean
Can you book the Jane McDonald From Pole to Pole cruise?
Yes. The series features real, bookable itineraries operated by Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises. These are genuine expeditions and yacht cruises that travellers can experience themselves.
Are the destinations shown in the series real expedition cruises?
Absolutely. From Zodiac landings in Antarctica and helicopter flights over ice fields, to Mediterranean coastal cruising and Arctic wildlife encounters, From Pole to Pole showcases authentic expedition and luxury yacht cruising experiences available today.
Book Your Own Pole to Pole Adventure with Paramount Cruises
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole has inspired a surge of interest in expedition cruising, and availability on the most sought-after voyages can be limited following the series’ broadcast.
At Paramount Cruises, we specialise exclusively in luxury, expedition and ultra-premium cruising. Our expert team understands the ships, itineraries and destinations featured in the series and can help you plan a journey inspired by Jane’s adventure, whether that’s Antarctica, South Georgia, the Arctic, or the Mediterranean.
By booking with Paramount Cruises, you benefit from:
- Specialist expedition cruise knowledge
- Tailored advice based on real itineraries
- Access to the world’s leading luxury cruise lines
- Personal service from enquiry to embarkation
If Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole has sparked your wanderlust, now is the perfect time to turn inspiration into reality.
📞 Call us: 020 7947 0270
📧 Email: info@paramountcruises.com
Register your interest today and let Paramount Cruises help you design your own unforgettable pole-to-pole journey.
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