‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series inspires Antarctica bookings for Scenic

Friday, Feb 13, 2026 0

Travel agents have reported a significant increase in Antarctica bookings for Scenic on the back of the ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, filmed onboard the ultra-luxury cruise line and sister brand Emerald Cruises.

Billy Rusbridge, from ROL Cruise, secured two Antarctica bookings worth more than £65,000, for the 13-day ‘Antarctica In Depth’ itinerary on Scenic Eclipse, both departing in February 2027.

Meanwhile, Natasha Yarnold from Fred Olsen Travel Lymington; Dan McMahon from SixStarCruises.co.uk; and Natalie Werrett, ROL Cruise, all individually booked more than £50,000 worth of cruises visiting Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (departing in 2027) while the show aired.

The six-part ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ series, produced by JetSet TV, began airing on January 2, on Channel 5. It followed Jane as she embarked on an extraordinary expedition from Antarctica to the Arctic, on the ultra-luxury yachts Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara.

During her journey, Jane embraced the experience onboard, taking part in a range of activities, from helicopter rides to whale watching and even performing a song at the end of each episode.

Billy Rusbridge said: “Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole has been a powerful tool in helping me sell Scenic Eclipse to cruise customers, as it brings the ship and its expedition experience vividly to life. Seeing the luxury, the technology, and the real emotions of polar exploration on screen builds instant trust and excitement, especially for clients who may feel uncertain about expedition cruising.”

Jonathan Davies, head of sales at Scenic Group, said: “Since the show hit our screens, we’ve seen genuine demand translate directly into agent success. By showcasing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences onboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, from helicopter flights to intimate wildlife encounters, the series has helped to turn aspiration into action. It proves that inspiring storytelling not only excites viewers but actively supports our agent partners by driving high-value bookings.”