Pole to Pole - Jane McDonald

A Globe-Spanning Adventure Filled With Heart, Humour, and Discovery

We’re excited to share some great news for the new year: Jane McDonald is back on our screens with her new series, Pole to Pole, filmed on board Scenic and Emerald Cruises ocean yachts.

The first episode airs Friday, 2nd January at 9 pm on Channel 5, with new episodes following weekly – the perfect way to kick off the year with some travel inspiration.

Across 6 episodes, Jane will travel from Antarctica to the Arctic, showcasing some stunning destinations, life on board the luxury yachts, and the unforgettable experiences that make these journeys so special.

Episode Guide & Air Dates

Mark your diaries, here’s where you can follow Jane’s journey:

Episode 1 – Antarctica, Scenic: Fri 2nd Jan

Jane kicks off in Antarctica, surrounded by ice as far as the eye can see. She meets curious penguins, huge elephant seals, and even braves kayaking through icy waters. On the yacht, she tries aerial yoga – mostly wobbling – and swaps stories with other travellers.

Episode 2 – South Georgia & Falklands, Scenic: Fri 9th Jan

Next stop: South Georgia and the Falklands. Jane follows Shackleton’s footsteps, meets locals, learns a bit of whaling history, and laughs at her first attempts at sheep farming. Thousands of King Penguins watch her every move – it’s hard not to be impressed.

Episode 3 – Uruguay & Brazil, Scenic: Fri 16th Jan

Uruguay’s Montevideo is full of colours, smells, and barbecue smoke. Jane wanders the streets, tastes local wine, and climbs vineyards. In Brazil, she meets friendly locals, learns to weave like a pro (almost), and zips along the coast in a speedboat, spotting dolphins along the way.

Episode 4 – Brazil, Scenic: Fri 23rd Jan

Jane keeps the Brazilian adventure rolling. She rides a jeep across Ilha Bela, kayaks through the mangroves of Paraty, takes a trolley through Buzios, and finishes with a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain – panorama included. Sun, fun, and a few surprises along the way.

Episode 5 – Greece & Italy, Emerald Yachts: Fri 30th Jan

In the Med, Jane sails the Corinth Canal and wanders Italian streets full of history. She rides a tiny Sicilian three-wheeler, checks out Capri by boat, shops for shoes (Jackie Kennedy style), and sips limoncello in Sorrento. Just soaking it all in.

Episode 6 – Arctic, Scenic: Fri 6th Feb

At last, the Arctic. Jane paddles through icy fjords, catches glimpses of polar bears and walruses, and can’t stop staring at glaciers stretching endlessly around her. She shares stories with the locals, struggles with her bulky polar gear, and rounds off her journey with the stunning views from the summit of the Alkornet Mountain.

What to Expect in the Series

From icy Antarctica to sun-drenched Brazil and the historic Mediterranean, Jane’s adventure is packed with:

• Incredible wildlife encounters
• Cultural highlights and local experiences
• A peek behind the scenes of life on board the luxury yachts

You’ll also get to see:

• Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts in action
• The elegant, intimate experience of Emerald Cruises
• Destinations that inspire travel dreams
• Jane’s signature warmth, humour, and enthusiasm

It’s a must-watch series for anyone looking to plan their next escape.

Start Planning Your Own Adventure

Inspired by Jane’s journey? Many of the places she visits are on our cruise routes. From Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean and Brazil, you can enjoy the same adventure, luxury, and unforgettable experiences you see on the show.

• Scenic Discovery Yachts
• Emerald Yacht Cruises
• Arctic Cruises
• South America Cruises
• Fly Cruises to Italy
• Greek Island Cruises
• Antarctica Cruises
• Luxury Cruises