Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole – New Channel 5 Series Featuring Scenic & Emerald Cruises
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole – airing from 2 January 2026!
We are delighted to share news of a brand-new Channel 5 travel series, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole. This six-part journey follows Jane as she travels from Antarctica all the way to the Arctic Circle, sailing on the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara. The series showcases spectacular landscapes, remarkable wildlife and immersive excursions, with Jane’s trademark warmth and humour throughout.
Each episode focuses on a different region, giving viewers a taste of polar exploration, South American highlights and sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines. Along the way, Jane experiences helicopter flights, Zodiac outings, whale watching and more, all while enjoying the comfort and style for which Scenic and Emerald are known.
All episodes will be shown on Channel 5 at 9pm, on the following dates in 2026:
Episode One – Scenic: Antarctica – Friday 2 January
Episode Two – Scenic: South Georgia and the Falkland Islands – Friday 9 January
Episode Three – Scenic: Uruguay and Brazil – Friday 16 January
Episode Four – Scenic: Brazil – Friday 23 January
Episode Five – Emerald Yacht Cruises: Greece and Italy – Friday 30 January
Episode Six – Scenic: Arctic – Friday 6 February
Across the series, viewers will see how these expedition and yacht-style cruises blend discovery with comfort. Scenic Eclipse offers an ice-strengthened hull, expert expedition teams and a wealth of included experiences, while Emerald Sakara brings a sleek yacht atmosphere with an intimate on-board feel. Together, they provide an inspiring look at what is possible on a modern expedition or yacht cruise, from remote Antarctic landings to the fjords and glaciers of the far north.
Scenic Group UK managing director of sales and marketing, Nichola Absalom, commented that the company is thrilled to be working alongside Channel 5 and JetSetTV on a new television series. She explained that the programme will highlight the remarkable scenery and broad appeal of sailing from one polar region to the other aboard the group’s luxury yachts.
She also noted that collaborating with Jane McDonald has been a hugely positive experience. Moreover, the partnership has created an excellent platform to produce fresh and engaging travel content, designed to inspire audiences with immersive experiences in distinctive destinations across a range of vessels.
Jane McDonald shared her enthusiasm for returning to sea on a brand-new journey with Channel 5, Scenic Group and JetSetTV. She added that the series will travel to some of the world’s most remote locations, bringing breathtaking destinations straight into viewers’ homes, while inviting audiences to settle in and enjoy the adventure.
If Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole sparks ideas for your next holiday, our team can help you explore similar itineraries with Scenic and Emerald. Whether you are drawn to penguins and icebergs, the cities and beaches of South America, or the dramatic Arctic, there are selected cruises and tours designed to bring these destinations within reach.
Episode 1 – Antartica
Jane McDonald begins an epic journey in one of Earth’s least explored regions, the Antarctic Peninsula, reached by sea, air and foot. During her adventure, awe-inspiring wildlife is encountered, striking geological phenomena are witnessed, and personal limits are tested. Excitement follows with Zodiac rides around Winter Island, offering close-up views of icebergs and native species, alongside life onboard with fellow travellers. Courage is required as Antarctic waters are tackled by kayak, balance is maintained through aerial yoga, and volcanic Livingstone Island is explored by sea. Finally, the journey continues on foot across dramatic glacial landscapes, where unforgettable encounters with imposing elephant seals await.
Episode 2 – South Georgia Islands & Falklands
Jane McDonald’s not-for-the-fainthearted voyage continues to the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Following in the footsteps of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, she explores powerful stories of endurance while learning about the islands’ brutal whaling history and remarkable conservation successes. In South Georgia, civilisation is rediscovered at Grytviken, where an historic whaling station is brought to life by a museum curator, before Jane traces Shackleton’s daring missions across dramatic terrain. Awe follows at Fortuna Bay, as thousands of King Penguins fill the landscape, alongside visits to former havens for whalers and explorers and practical insights into staying warm in extreme conditions. The journey then continues to the Falkland Islands, where Jane immerses herself in the Port Stanley community, enjoys an afternoon tea celebrating local produce, meets singers from the world’s most southerly military wives’ choir, and shares her own wellbeing tips while onboard. Adventure concludes on a Saunders Island sheep farm, where quad biking, herding, and a hands-on shearing experience reveal the realities of life in this remote setting.
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands – 23 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, where time is allowed to relax and prepare for the expedition ahead.
Day 2: A flight takes you to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, where Scenic Eclipse is boarded and the voyage begins.
Day 3: A day at sea is spent settling into life onboard while sailing through the Southern Atlantic.
Days 4–5: Exploration of the Falkland Islands, known for rugged landscapes, historic settlements and abundant wildlife, including penguins and seabirds.
Days 6–7: Scenic Eclipse continues east across open waters en route to South Georgia, with expert talks and onboard experiences enhancing the journey.
Days 8–12: Time is dedicated to South Georgia, where dramatic mountain scenery, vast king penguin colonies and historic Antarctic exploration sites are discovered through Zodiac landings and guided walks.
Days 13–17: The voyage reaches the Antarctic Peninsula, offering unforgettable experiences among towering glaciers, icebergs and wildlife, with daily Discovery excursions by Zodiac, and opportunities for kayaking and other activities, conditions permitting.
Day 18: A day at sea follows Antarctic exploration, allowing reflection on the experiences while enjoying the ship’s ultra-luxury facilities.
Days 19–20: Scenic Eclipse sails north, with time onboard to enjoy dining, wellness facilities and expert-led talks.
Days 21–22: The journey continues towards South America, offering final days at sea to relax and take in the vast ocean surroundings.
Day 23: Arrival in Buenos Aires, where the expedition concludes and onward travel arrangements are made.
Explore the Wonders on Board Scenic Eclipse
Step aboard Scenic Eclipse, where superyacht elegance combines with advanced technology for remarkable journeys worldwide. Thanks to its Polar Class 6 rating, further-reaching exploration is made possible. Meanwhile, refined comfort is enjoyed while remote waters are navigated, guided by an expert Discovery Team.
Extraordinary Discovery Excursions are offered, from exploring beneath the ocean’s surface to viewing landscapes from above. Unrivalled access is provided by two helicopters^ and the custom-built Scenic Neptune submersible, creating truly immersive experiences.
Following each adventure, relaxation awaits on your luxurious Discovery Yacht. Guests are welcomed into up to nine bars and lounges, alongside a choice of up to ten dining venues. In addition, complete rejuvenation is found within the expansive Senses Spa, supported by attentive, world-class service.
A journey aboard Scenic Eclipse goes beyond traditional ocean cruising, delivering a 6-star ultra-luxury expedition experience unlike any other.
All Inclusive Features
- An intimate Discovery Yacht experience, welcoming up to 200 guests
- Spacious all-verandah ultra-luxury suites throughout
Personalised butler service for every guest, with an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio - Up to ten culinary experiences, ranging from relaxed dining to refined cuisine
- Up to nine elegant bars and lounges on board
- An extensive selection of included beverages available all day, every day, including over 130 whiskies at the Scenic Bar
- Indulgent 550sqm Senses Spa facilities, alongside a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and Vitality Pools
- Daily entertainment offered in the state-of-the-art theatre and Scenic Lounge
- An engaging onboard lecture and education programme led by experts
- Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge and binoculars provided in every suite
- In-depth insight from a Polar Discovery Team of up to 20 specialists
- Included programme of Zodiac excursions and guided paddling Discovery experiences
- Complimentary expedition parka and water bottle, plus use of specialist polar boots
- Selected Scenic Enrich events and personalised Scenic Freechoice experiences
- Internal flights and return airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All tipping on board and onshore included, along with complimentary Wi-Fi
Departure Dates
24 February 2026
10 November 2026