In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you on a deck‑by‑deck tour of HX Expeditions’ 150‑guest ship, sharing what each space actually feels like.

You’ll learn:

• How the ship is laid out - a walkthrough from the Expedition Launch to the top observation deck
• How dining works on board - what to expect in Aune and Brygga Bistro
• How MS Spitsbergen blends comfort and expedition focus - including the Science Centre and briefing spaces
• What an Arctic Superior cabin is really like - layout, storage, bathroom details and thoughtful touches
• Where to find quiet moments and wellness spaces - the gym, sauna, hot tubs and the best spot for Northern Lights watching

Whether you’re already booked on MS Spitsbergen or are exploring your options, this episode offers an in-depth walkthrough to help you picture yourself on board and feel at ease before you sail.

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In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon captures the feeling of embarkation day: the anticipation, the rituals, the excitement of stepping aboard your home for the next week or two.

You’ll discover:

• How check‑in, cabin orientation and gear collection typically work
• Why the first evening onboard feels both relaxed and full of anticipation
• What embarkation day looked like on Rona’s recent voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen in Northern Norway

Perfect for anyone dreaming of an expedition cruise or counting down the days until departure, this episode offers a detailed look at the start of an unforgettable journey.

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In this episode, podcast host Rona Wheeldon explores the surprising partnership powering much of what we know about Antarctic wildlife today: the collaboration between expedition cruise ships and Oceanites, the organisation behind the world’s only long‑term, open‑source penguin database.

You’ll discover:

• Why penguin colonies are one of the clearest early warning systems for climate change
• How expedition ships become 'ships of opportunity' for frontline science
• What Oceanites’ researchers actually do during a season, from nest counts to drone surveys
• The story behind the Antarctic Site Inventory and its 30‑year record of more than 3.5 million penguins
• Which species are adapting, which are struggling and what those trends reveal about the Southern Ocean
• How travellers can support Antarctic science long after their voyage ends

Whether you’re preparing for your first expedition cruise or simply curious about how tourism and science intersect at the bottom of the world, this episode offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the work shaping our understanding of a rapidly changing continent.

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In this episode, Rona shares the key insights she wishes she’d known before stepping onto the White Continent for the first time - the emotional moments, the practical surprises and the small details that quietly shape the entire experience.

You’ll learn:

• What first‑time travellers are rarely told about the Drake Passage
• Why Antarctica feels completely different from what you’ve seen in photos
• How the rhythm of ship life transforms after the first few days
• What happens during landings, briefings and wildlife encounters
• Why the weather and the plans can change in an instant
• The tiny details that shift how you see the landscape

Whether you’re preparing for your first voyage or simply curious about what an Antarctic expedition really feels like, this episode offers an honest insight to help you feel more ready and more excited for your own adventure.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
• Visit the Expedition Cruise Journal Website
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You’ll learn:

• Which lines are investing in new ships and why it matters
• How operators are reshaping the journey to Antarctica
• What’s next for Greenland experiences and cultural immersion
• Where luxury, small‑ship and eco‑focused travel are heading
• How these updates could influence your future expedition plans

Whether you’re planning a voyage or simply love staying in the loop, this episode sets the stage for an exciting time ahead in expedition cruising.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks the process down into a simple, logical 10‑step framework called the EXPEDITION Method.

You’ll hear how your purpose shapes your destination, why timing matters more than most people realise and how ship styles, operators and itineraries differ in ways that can completely change your experience.

From choosing between penguins or polar bears to understanding ship philosophies, activity options, cabin types, value, logistics and overall fit, this episode gives you a grounded, step‑by‑step way to make confident decisions.

You’ll learn:

• Why your purpose is the foundation of every other choice
• How destination and timing work together to shape your experience
• What operator styles really mean in practice - science‑led, adventure‑led, luxury or a blend
• How ship size, onboard atmosphere and activity options differ
• Why itineraries in the same region can feel completely different
• What to consider when choosing a cabin
• How to compare value once you know what matters to you
• How to bring everything together into a trip that genuinely fits you

Whether you’re planning your very first expedition cruise or simply curious about how to navigate the options, this episode gives you a structured way to choose a voyage that feels right for you - one that becomes a life experience you’ll remember forever.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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Most travellers only ever see one small corner of the continent, and there’s a very good reason why.

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you deeper into Antarctica itself - the scale, the science, the wildlife and the realities of travelling to the most remote continent on Earth.

You’ll hear how Antarctica’s geography shapes every part of the experience, why almost all voyages focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and what expedition ship categories mean for the landings you can make once you arrive.

From the vast ice sheet and hidden mountain ranges to penguin colonies, Zodiac cruises and the extraordinary silence that greets you on your first landing, this episode gives you a clear, grounded picture of what to expect.

You’ll learn:

• Why visitors explore only a very specific part of Antarctica
• How the continent’s size, climate and ice shape every journey
• The difference between “Antarctic” and “Antarctica” and why it matters
• How expedition ships are categorised and what that means for landings
• Why the Antarctic Peninsula is the heart of most voyages
• What wildlife you’re likely to see, from penguins to whales
• How the Antarctic Treaty protects the continent for peace and science
• What it actually feels like to arrive - the silence, the scale and the sense of remoteness

Whether you’re planning your first expedition cruise or simply curious about what makes Antarctica so unlike anywhere else on Earth, this episode offers an introduction to a place that still belongs entirely to nature.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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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.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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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.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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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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From rising demand and new types of travellers, to the growing visibility of the polar regions, to the shift towards sustainability, science and more refined experiences, you’ll discover how expedition cruising is changing and what it means for your next voyage.

You’ll learn:

• Why demand for expedition cruising is rising across all age groups
• How TV shows, social media and streaming platforms are making the polar regions feel more accessible
• Why travellers now want more clarity, reassurance and honest guidance
• How sustainability has become a baseline expectation including the arrival of innovative new ships like Selar’s hybrid‑powered Captain Arctic
• How science‑led expeditions and citizen science programmes are becoming central to the experience
• Why itineraries are becoming more thoughtful, more community‑focused and more meaningful

This episode gives you a clear, insightful look at how expedition cruising is changing and how these trends will shape your experience if you’re planning, or dreaming of, an expedition voyage in the years ahead.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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From the leaders who plan each day, to the guides who take you into the wild, to the specialists who bring the science and stories to life, you’ll discover exactly who’s onboard, what they do and why they matter so much.

You’ll learn:

• How the Expedition Leader and Captain work together to plan each day
• The roles of the Assistant Expedition Leader, Lead Guides and Program Coordinators
• What guides actually do during landings, Zodiac cruises and hikes
• The types of specialists you might meet, from historians to marine biologists
• Why this team is the biggest difference between expedition cruising and traditional cruising

This episode gives you a clear look at the people who make expedition cruising safe, meaningful and unforgettable.

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In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon walks you through exactly how zodiac cruising and landings work, from boarding the boat for the very first time to what it actually feels like to explore Antarctica at water level.

You’ll learn how the crew keep you safe, what the different types of landings involve and why these small inflatable boats often become the highlight of the entire trip.

You’ll learn:

• What a zodiac is and how it’s used on expedition cruises
• How boarding and disembarking really works
• The difference between wet and dry landings
• How the expedition team keeps you safe
• Who zodiac landings are suitable for
• The tiny habit that makes early‑morning landings easier

This is your complete guide to zodiac landings and cruising in Antarctica.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon guides you through everything you actually need for an expedition cruise to the White Continent, from the layering system that keeps you warm and dry to the tech and photography gear that makes capturing the experience effortless.

You’ll learn:

• The three‑layer clothing system that works in sub‑zero temperatures
• What to wear on zodiac landings and cruises
• What to wear indoors onboard
• The accessories that make the biggest difference to your comfort
• Essential tech for staying powered and connected
• The photography gear worth bringing
• The simple piece of kit that helps when packing bulky winterwear

This episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to preparing for one of the most extraordinary journeys on Earth, cutting through the overwhelm so you know exactly what to bring, what to skip and how to feel ready long before you step aboard.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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From penguin rookeries bursting with life, to whales feeding in calm bays, to seals hauled out on the ice, you’ll discover what wildlife encounters are really like and how to experience them with care, respect and responsibility.

You’ll learn:

• What makes Antarctica’s wildlife so unique including why animals here aren’t afraid of humans
• The penguin species you’re most likely to see and how their behaviour changes month by month
• Which whales species to be on the look-out for
• How to identify the six different species of Antarctic seals
• Why distance, patience and quiet observation are essential for ethical wildlife encounters
• How expedition teams and IAATO guidelines protect both travellers and wildlife

This episode gives you an in-depth at what wildlife encounters in Antarctica are really like - magical, humbling and always on the animals’ terms.

Whether you’re planning an expedition cruise or simply dreaming of the White Continent, this guide will help you understand what you’ll truly see once you get there.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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• What a typical morning looks like onboard from breakfast to gearing up for your first adventure
• How kayaking, Zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters unfold in real time
• Why flexibility is essential, and how the expedition team shapes each day around weather and conditions
• What daily briefings cover and how they help you understand the landscape, wildlife and history
• How quiet moments, dramatic scenery and unexpected surprises create the emotional heart of an expedition
• The moment that changed how Rona thinks about expedition cruising and why Antarctica has such a profound impact on travellers
• Why even simple routines, lunch, layering up, stepping outside, feel different when you’re surrounded by ice, silence and scale

This episode offers a vivid, honest and immersive look at life onboard an expedition ship, perfect if you’re curious about what really happens between landings, lectures and those unforgettable moments out on the water.

And if you’d like to find out more about the whole 13‑day Antarctic Explorer itinerary with Viking, head over to my YouTube channel where you’ll find one of my most popular videos.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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In this episode of The Expedition Cruise Podcast, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down what truly sets these expedition vessels apart - from their small size and ice‑strengthened hulls to onboard science labs and expert expedition teams.

You’ll get an introduction to:

• What makes expedition ships purpose‑built for remote places

• How features like Zodiacs, mud rooms and science centres shape your experience

• Why the ship is a basecamp, not the holiday itself

• The role of the expedition team in bringing every destination to life

This episode is perfect if you’re curious about expedition cruising or want to understand why it feels so different from anything else at sea.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
• Visit the Expedition Cruise Journal Website
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You’ll discover why Antarctica remains the crown jewel of expedition travel, how the Arctic offers an entirely different kind of polar experience and why destinations like the Galápagos, the Amazon and Papua New Guinea are becoming year‑round favourites.

Rona also highlights some surprising regions including the British Isles, Patagonia, Baja California and Australia’s Kimberley that reveal just how diverse expedition cruising has become.

You’ll learn:

• Why Antarctica and the Arctic remain the world’s most iconic expedition destinations
• What makes Svalbard, Greenland and the Northwest Passage so compelling for wildlife and culture
• Why the Galápagos is the ultimate warm‑water expedition, with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth
• How the Amazon, Papua New Guinea and other tropical regions offer deep cultural and ecological immersion
• Why places like the Kimberley, the British Isles and the Chilean Fjords are rising stars in the expedition world
• When to visit each region and how seasons shape wildlife encounters and landscapes
• How small ships unlock remote coastlines, hidden islands and communities far beyond the reach of traditional cruising

This episode gives you a clear, inspiring overview of the global expedition map, showing just how many extraordinary places become possible when you choose to explore the world by expedition ship.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
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Drawing on her own experience as a self‑confessed risk‑averse traveller who once said she’d “never go on a cruise,” Rona breaks down the myths, the assumptions and the stereotypes and reveals the surprising range of people who fall in love with expedition travel.

From classic explorers in their 60s and 70s, to solo women, families, photographers, warm‑water wanderers and even the cruise‑resistant, this episode paints a clear, honest picture of who you’ll really find on board.

You’ll learn:

• Why expedition cruising has nothing to do with being fearless, outdoorsy or ultra‑fit
• The eight major traveller groups you’ll meet on an expedition ship, from young adventurers to passionate hobbyists
• Why curiosity, not physical ability, is the true common thread among expedition travellers
• How solo travellers, especially women, are finding expedition cruising safe, social and empowering
• Why families, multigenerational groups and even first‑time adventurers are choosing remote destinations
• What level of fitness you actually need and why it’s far more achievable than many people assume
• How seasickness, gear worries and “I’m not adventurous enough” fears fit into the reality of expedition travel
• The types of travellers who may not enjoy expedition cruising, and why flexibility is essential

This episode gives you a reassuring, myth‑busting look at who expedition cruising is really for and why the answer is far broader, more inclusive and more relatable than most people expect.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
• Visit the Expedition Cruise Journal Website
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Through vivid storytelling and first‑hand insight from her own voyage to Antarctica, Rona demystifies the fundamentals of expedition travel: small ships, flexible itineraries, expert‑led exploration and unforgettable encounters with wildlife and remote landscapes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether expedition cruising is only for hardcore adventurers or if you’ve sworn you’d “never go on a cruise”, this episode gives you a clear, honest introduction to a very different way of travelling.

You’ll learn:

• What truly defines an expedition cruise and why it’s more accessible than most people think
• How small ships, Zodiacs and expedition teams shape every day of the journey
• Why flexibility is essential and how weather, wildlife and sea conditions guide the experience
• The key differences between expedition cruising and traditional ocean cruising, from ship size to activities to onboard culture
• How citizen science, education and real exploration sit at the heart of an expedition voyage
• Why so many travellers, including Rona herself, go from “never cruising” to becoming expedition cruise converts

This episode gives you a clear and myth‑busting introduction to expedition cruising, perfect if you’re curious, cautious or simply dreaming of a more adventurous way to explore the world.

• Watch the video version on YouTube
• Visit the Expedition Cruise Journal Website
• Follow Rona on Instagram
• Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Expedition Cruise Podcast.

Think cruising isn’t for you? Host Rona Wheeldon once felt the same - until she discovered Expedition Cruising.

Forget mega‑ships, crowds and pool parties. This is a different world: small, beautifully designed ships, where exploration, education and science come first.

Since becoming a convert, Rona has travelled to Antarctica, Canada and the United States. And now she’s sharing everything she’s learned.

Each Thursday, join her for solo episodes and expert interviews covering itineraries from polar routes to remote archipelagos, wildlife encounters from penguins to polar bears,plus insider insights into this fast‑growing corner of the cruise industry.

Whether you’re curious about what an expedition cruise really is, wondering where these small ships go or simply love nature and the sea, this podcast is your guide.

Launching January 1st, 2026. Follow or subscribe now so you never miss an episode. And watch on YouTube if you’re a visual explorer.

Small Ships. Extraordinary Adventures.

Welcome to the World of Expedition Cruising.

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