The Expedition Cruise Podcast

#18 Most travellers arrive in Antarctica expecting penguins, icebergs and breathtaking landscapes. Far fewer realise that every penguin colony is also a data point - a living indicator of how fast the Antarctic Peninsula is changing.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 endsWhether 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.🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#17 Before her first expedition cruise to Antarctica, host Rona Wheeldon thought she knew what to expect - until the Drake Passage, the first iceberg, the landings and the sheer scale of Antarctica revealed how many things no one really talks about.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 landscapeWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#16 Expedition Update | April 2026 | In this first monthly roundup, host Rona Wheeldon explores the latest ships, routes and guest experiences redefining expedition cruising.You’ll learn:Which lines are investing in new ships and why it mattersHow operators are reshaping the journey to AntarcticaWhat’s next for Greenland experiences and cultural immersionWhere luxury, small‑ship and eco‑focused travel are headingHow these updates could influence your future expedition plansWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#15 Choosing your first expedition cruise can feel overwhelming. There are so many destinations, ships, seasons and styles to consider. And it’s not always obvious where to begin.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 choiceHow destination and timing work together to shape your experienceWhat operator styles really mean in practice - science‑led, adventure‑led, luxury or a blendHow ship size, onboard atmosphere and activity options differWhy itineraries in the same region can feel completely differentWhat to consider when choosing a cabinHow to compare value once you know what matters to youHow to bring everything together into a trip that genuinely fits youWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#14 What is Antarctica really like and what does an expedition cruise there actually involve?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 AntarcticaHow the continent’s size, climate and ice shape every journeyThe difference between “Antarctic” and “Antarctica” and why it mattersHow expedition ships are categorised and what that means for landingsWhy the Antarctic Peninsula is the heart of most voyagesWhat wildlife you’re likely to see, from penguins to whalesHow the Antarctic Treaty protects the continent for peace and scienceWhat it actually feels like to arrive - the silence, the scale and the sense of remotenessWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#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 matteredHow Lars‑Eric Lindblad created the blueprint for modern expedition travelWhat early voyages actually looked like, from onboard labs to hands‑on scienceHow geopolitical shifts in the 1990s accelerated the industry’s growthWhy purpose‑built ships like the MS Lindblad Explorer, MS Bremen and MS Fram were turning pointsHow today’s operators continue the legacy of exploration, education and environmental stewardshipWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#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 sceneryWhy the wildlife experiences are completely different -penguins in the south, polar bears in the northThe cultural contrast between Antarctica’s pure wilderness and the Arctic’s Indigenous communities and northern townsHow accessibility, travel time and seasonality vary between the two regionsWhat day‑to‑day life actually looks like on an expedition in each placeThe key difference - continent vs ocean - that explains why the poles feel so differentWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#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 EarthWhy conditions vary so much, from the “Drake Shake” to the “Drake Lake”What the crossing is actually like onboard a modern expedition shipHow to prepare if you’re worried about seasicknessWhy the Drake is such an important part of easing into expedition lifeWhat to expect on the return crossing and why it can feel so differentWhether 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#10 Expedition cruising is evolving faster than ever, and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon explores the major trends shaping what expedition travel will look like in 2026 and beyond.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 groupsHow TV shows, social media and streaming platforms are making the polar regions feel more accessibleWhy travellers now want more clarity, reassurance and honest guidanceHow sustainability has become a baseline expectation including the arrival of innovative new ships like Selar’s hybrid‑powered Captain ArcticHow science‑led expeditions and citizen science programmes are becoming central to the experienceWhy itineraries are becoming more thoughtful, more community‑focused and more meaningfulThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#9 The Expedition Team is what makes an Expedition Cruise truly different. And in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who shape every moment of your journey.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 dayThe roles of the Assistant Expedition Leader, Lead Guides and Program CoordinatorsWhat guides actually do during landings, Zodiac cruises and hikesThe types of specialists you might meet, from historians to marine biologistsWhy this team is the biggest difference between expedition cruising and traditional cruisingThis episode gives you a clear look at the people who make expedition cruising safe, meaningful and unforgettable.🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#8 Zodiacs are one of the most iconic parts of an Antarctic expedition. But if you’ve never stepped into one before, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect.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 cruisesHow boarding and disembarking really worksThe difference between wet and dry landingsHow the expedition team keeps you safeWho zodiac landings are suitable forThe tiny habit that makes early‑morning landings easierThis is your complete guide to zodiac landings and cruising in Antarctica.🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#7 Packing for Antarctica isn’t like packing for any other holiday, and that’s exactly why so many travellers feel overwhelmed before their expedition even begins.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 temperaturesWhat to wear on zodiac landings and cruisesWhat to wear indoors onboardThe accessories that make the biggest difference to your comfortEssential tech for staying powered and connectedThe photography gear worth bringingThe simple piece of kit that helps when packing bulky winterwearThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#6 Antarctica wildlife encounters are some of the most magical on Earth. In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you to the Antarctic Peninsula to explore the behaviours, species and moments that make this part of the world so extraordinary.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 humansThe penguin species you’re most likely to see and how their behaviour changes month by monthWhich whales species to be on the look-out forHow to identify the six different species of Antarctic sealsWhy distance, patience and quiet observation are essential for ethical wildlife encountersHow expedition teams and IAATO guidelines protect both travellers and wildlifeThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#5 Life onboard an expedition ship is unlike any other style of travel, and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you through a full, real‑time day aboard Viking’s expedition ship Octantis, a day she experienced in Antarctica on 17th January 2025.From the moment you lift the stateroom blind and see what the weather is doing, to the rhythm of layering up, heading out on Zodiacs, sharing stories over lunch, listening to expert briefings and witnessing unforgettable scenery, this episode gives you an authentic, moment‑by‑moment sense of what expedition life actually feels like.You’ll learn:What a typical morning looks like onboard from breakfast to gearing up for your first adventureHow kayaking, Zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters unfold in real timeWhy flexibility is essential, and how the expedition team shapes each day around weather and conditionsWhat daily briefings cover and how they help you understand the landscape, wildlife and historyHow quiet moments, dramatic scenery and unexpected surprises create the emotional heart of an expeditionThe moment that changed how Rona thinks about expedition cruising and why Antarctica has such a profound impact on travellersWhy even simple routines, lunch, layering up, stepping outside, feel different when you’re surrounded by ice, silence and scaleThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#4 Imagine standing on the deck of a small expedition ship as icebergs drift past… and realising this feels nothing like a traditional ocean cruise. Why? Because expedition ships are built for exploration, not entertainment.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 placesHow features like Zodiacs, mud rooms and science centres shape your experienceWhy the ship is a basecamp, not the holiday itselfThe role of the expedition team in bringing every destination to lifeThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#3 Expedition cruising opens up far more of the world than most people realise and in this episode host Rona Wheeldon takes you on a guided tour of the extraordinary places you can reach when you travel on a small ship, from the icy extremes of the poles to the warm‑water wonders of the tropics.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 destinationsWhat makes Svalbard, Greenland and the Northwest Passage so compelling for wildlife and cultureWhy the Galápagos is the ultimate warm‑water expedition, with wildlife found nowhere else on EarthHow the Amazon, Papua New Guinea and other tropical regions offer deep cultural and ecological immersionWhy places like the Kimberley, the British Isles and the Chilean Fjords are rising stars in the expedition worldWhen to visit each region and how seasons shape wildlife encounters and landscapesHow small ships unlock remote coastlines, hidden islands and communities far beyond the reach of traditional cruisingThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#2 Expedition cruising attracts a far wider mix of travellers than most people imagine and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon explores the real question so many people have but rarely ask out loud: “Is an expedition cruise actually for someone like me?”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‑fitThe eight major traveller groups you’ll meet on an expedition ship, from young adventurers to passionate hobbyistsWhy curiosity, not physical ability, is the true common thread among expedition travellersHow solo travellers, especially women, are finding expedition cruising safe, social and empoweringWhy families, multigenerational groups and even first‑time adventurers are choosing remote destinationsWhat level of fitness you actually need and why it’s far more achievable than many people assumeHow seasickness, gear worries and “I’m not adventurous enough” fears fit into the reality of expedition travelThe types of travellers who may not enjoy expedition cruising, and why flexibility is essentialThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#1 Expedition cruising is one of the most misunderstood corners of the travel world and in this debut episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down what an expedition cruise really is and why it’s nothing like the traditional mega‑ship experience many people imagine.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 thinkHow small ships, Zodiacs and expedition teams shape every day of the journeyWhy flexibility is essential and how weather, wildlife and sea conditions guide the experienceThe key differences between expedition cruising and traditional ocean cruising, from ship size to activities to onboard cultureHow citizen science, education and real exploration sit at the heart of an expedition voyageWhy so many travellers, including Rona herself, go from “never cruising” to becoming expedition cruise convertsThis 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📷 Follow Rona on Instagram🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

Small Ships. Extraordinary Adventures.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.