Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South is a new three part ITV documentary series filmed onboard an HX Expeditions voyage to 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.
When Is Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South on ITV?
The series airs weekly on ITV1 at 12.45 pm.
Episode 1 airs on Saturday 15 February, Episode 2 follows on Saturday 22 February, and the final episode airs on Saturday 1 March. Each programme documents a different stage of the expedition, building towards the arrival on the Antarctic Peninsula.
What Is the Documentary About?
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 genuinely 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, The Ultimate Guide to HX Expeditions 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?
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 Ultimate 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. The Ultimate Expedition Cruise Packing List explains exactly what you will need for conditions both on board and ashore.
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.
