#13 How did expedition cruising begin and why did it emerge in the first place?

The answer goes back to one extraordinary moment in 1966, when fifty‑seven travellers stepped onto the ice in Antarctica and unknowingly sparked an entirely new way of exploring the world.

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon traces the evolution of expedition cruising from that first pioneering landing to the modern, purpose‑built ships of today.

You’ll hear how Swedish‑American explorer Lars‑Eric Lindblad transformed the idea of travel itself and why his belief in exploration as a force for understanding still shapes the industry six decades later.

From early scientific collaborations and rugged research vessels to hybrid‑powered ships and a global community of operators, this is the story of how a niche experiment became one of the most meaningful forms of travel on Earth.

You’ll learn:

• The moment in 1966 that changed who could visit Antarctica and why it mattered
• How Lars‑Eric Lindblad created the blueprint for modern expedition travel
• What early voyages actually looked like, from onboard labs to hands‑on science
• How geopolitical shifts in the 1990s accelerated the industry’s growth
• Why purpose‑built ships like the MS Lindblad Explorer, MS Bremen and MS Fram were turning points
• How today’s operators continue the legacy of exploration, education and environmental stewardship

Whether you’re new to expedition cruising or simply curious about how this remarkable style of travel came to be, this episode gives you a clear look at the origins of an industry built on curiosity, science and a deep respect for the planet.

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#12 Are Antarctica and the Arctic similar - two icy, remote worlds at opposite ends of the Earth? Or do they offer completely different expedition cruise experiences once you’re actually there?

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down the differences between the polar regions, drawing on her own journeys to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Arctic in Norway.

From landscapes and wildlife to culture, accessibility and what you actually do on an expedition, you’ll get a clear, honest look at what sets these two destinations apart.

Rona also shares the simple distinction that completely changed how she understood the poles - something she didn’t realise herself until just before travelling to Antarctica - and why it shapes everything about the way each region feels.

You’ll learn:

• How the landscapes differ, from Antarctica’s vast, monochrome scale to the Arctic’s constantly changing scenery
• Why the wildlife experiences are completely different -penguins in the south, polar bears in the north
• The cultural contrast between Antarctica’s pure wilderness and the Arctic’s Indigenous communities and northern towns
• How accessibility, travel time and seasonality vary between the two regions
• What day‑to‑day life actually looks like on an expedition in each place
• The key difference - continent vs ocean - that explains why the poles feel so different

Whether you’re deciding which polar region to visit first or simply curious about what makes each one unique, this episode gives you an insightful, easy‑to‑understand guide to choosing between Antarctica and the Arctic.

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#11 What is the Drake Passage really like to cross? And how does it feel when you’re sailing it for the very first time?

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you through one of the most talked‑about parts of any Antarctica expedition: the Drake Passage.

From what it is and why it’s so unique, to what the crossing actually feels like day‑to‑day, you’ll get a clear, honest and reassuring look at this legendary stretch of ocean.

Drawing on her January 2025 voyage onboard Viking’s expedition ship Octantis, Rona shares what helped with seasickness, how the ship handled the conditions and the moment that made the entire journey feel unforgettable.

You’ll learn:

• What makes the Drake Passage one of the most fascinating stretches of ocean on Earth
• Why conditions vary so much, from the “Drake Shake” to the “Drake Lake”
• What the crossing is actually like onboard a modern expedition ship
• How to prepare if you’re worried about seasickness
• Why the Drake is such an important part of easing into expedition life
• What to expect on the return crossing and why it can feel so different

Whether you’re planning your own voyage to Antarctica or simply curious about this iconic crossing, this episode gives you an insightful and experience‑led look at what the Drake Passage is really like, far beyond the dramatic videos online.

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube

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