On a Zodiac expedition led by Discovery Leader Jack, Jane weaves through Winter Island, where towering icebergs rise around her – vast, sculptural, and utterly still. Enormous seals lounge on drifting sea ice, undisturbed by her presence, before a curious humpback whale suddenly surfaces on its hunt for food. And just when it seems the moment couldn’t be any more extraordinary, Jane witnesses a rare geological spectacle as a colossal tabular iceberg calves before her eyes.

After a day immersed in raw wilderness, surrounded by nothing but nature, Jane returns to the warmth of the ship to meet fellow guests for dinner. Gazing out across the endless ocean, they settle into one of the ship’s ten dining venues to enjoy exquisite cuisine and sommelier-paired wines, sharing stories of their journeys across the globe – a perfect close to an unforgettable day.

“We have conquered Antarctica.”

The following day brings fresh adventure as Jane heads to Portal Point, a gateway to the vast Antarctic Plateau. Accompanied by her guide, Sasha, she sets off on a hike to the Antarctic flag, absorbing Sasha’s invaluable insight and catching a glimpse of what it must have felt like to be a pioneering explorer at the edge of the world.

Back on board, she seeks her creature comforts – a hot cup of tea in the Observation Lounge – reflecting on how much she’s enjoying being pushed beyond her comfort zone. By day three, she’s back out on the water, kayaking through icy channels with her guide, Simon, whose vivid narration brings the ethereal landscape to life. As conditions shift and the swell builds, the raw power of the elements makes itself felt, adding a touch of “spice” to the expedition. Jane meets the challenge head-on, her resilience and commitment shining through as she and her fellow explorers face Mother Nature at her most formidable.

“I think on this trip, you get the ridiculous to the sublime”

Once safely back on board, Jane relaxes in the 550m² Senses Spa, enjoying a serene aerial yoga session in the ship’s yoga and Pilates studio, the only of its type at sea. Restored and rebalanced, she soon heads out again in search of her next adventure.

Departing her Discovery Yacht by Zodiac, Jane is welcomed to Livingston Island, part of the South Shetland Islands, by the exceptional Discovery Team. There, she meets Esteban, a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting the fragile landscape and wildlife of this volcanic island. Through his insight, Jane learns about the lives of Gentoo penguins and the larger-than-life elephant seals, observing how they harmoniously coexist in this remote corner of the world. 

Jane continues her expedition in the British overseas territories of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, beginning with a visit to the hamlet of Grytviken. Pulling up to this tiny island community, she is struck by its isolation and followed onshore by an entourage of fascinated local seals. Here, she reconnects with civilisation and meets Deidre, a museum curator, on the site of a historic whaling station.

“I’ve been blessed to see many places around the world, and not for one minute do I take this for granted, but the isolation is quite addictive. It gets under your skin.”

Humbled by the grandeur of this special land, she learns of the devastating history of the whaling industry and, as a result, the worldwide whale population. She visits Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place, whiskey hot chocolate in hand, and toasts to his spectacular accomplishments at his graveside.

One of the most remote and unspoilt places on Earth, South Georgia is defined by its dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Thanks to Scenic Eclipse’s pioneering technology and compact size, Jane can venture deep into these otherworldly surroundings, right to their very heart.

At Fortuna Bay, she is greeted by one of the world’s largest colonies of king penguins – up to 10,000 breeding pairs – and meets Discovery Guide Pepe amid a chorus of calls. She’s astonished to learn that this now-protected species was once pushed to the brink of extinction by whaling. Keeping a respectful distance, Jane nevertheless enjoys a thrillingly close encounter with these majestic birds.

At Jason Harbour, an extraordinary concentration of wildlife creates a haven for elephant seals and fur seals. Jane explores a historic whaling hut – now used as an emergency refuge – before returning to the indulgent comfort of Scenic Eclipse to set sail for the Falkland Islands.

In Port Stanley, the capital of this British Overseas Territory, Jane swaps icebergs and penguins for roads and civilisation. Comparing it fondly to home, she joins local café owner Alex for a traditional “smoko” of tea and homemade treats – sampling diddle-dee jam made from native shrubs, alongside sausage rolls, pâté, and cream scones. She later visits a choir of military wives, with whom she forms warm and lasting connections.

Scenic’s fleet of two helicopters allows access to some of the world’s most isolated communities. Namely, Saunders Island — home to just five residents and owned by a single family. Jane takes to the skies to meet sheep farmer Louise, who shares her family’s remarkable history. She lends a hand shearing sheep, whose wool is sent back to the UK, and reflects on what contentment means in such a remote place. Deeply moved by the people, she leaves with a profound and lasting impression.  

“I think Uruguay is probably the most underrated place in the world.”

On the first leg of Jane’s journey through South America, Scenic Eclipse docks in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo for an in-depth guided tour with a local expert. Seeking to experience the city’s intoxicating blend of modern vitality and old-world charm, she learns the historical significance of Independence Square in the country’s fight for liberty, and dreams of singing at the beautiful Teatro Solis. She enjoys thought-provoking conversation that reveals priceless insight into the city’s history and culture, and tries traditional barbecue steak at the port market.

“I thought I’d landed in heaven.”

In the morning, Jane wakes up in the elegant harbour of Punta del Este. Scenic Eclipse’s sleek, sophisticated design effortlessly blends in with superyachts and local fishing boats alike. She is immediately captivated by the harbour, its waterfront lined with chic boutiques and inviting coffee shops.

But the vineyards of Maldonado beckon. Here, she is welcomed to a winery nestled among rolling green hills, nicknamed the “Tuscany of Uruguay.” As she takes in the sweeping views, she samples a range of exquisite varietals, from sparkling wines enjoyed among the vines to bold reds and crisp, refreshing Chardonnay. Armed with newfound insight into the craft behind every bottle, Jane gains a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry required to produce some of the world’s finest wines.

En route to Brazil, she visits the captain on the open bridge for a friendly chat about his past conquests and future aspirations. All while witnessing him use the ship’s state-of-the-art technology to navigate the ever-changing beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

“Although you get lots of trips and tours offered, sometimes you just want to nip off on your own and have a look round.”

In beautiful São Francisco do Sul, on the southern coast of Brazil, Jane finds herself craving some independent exploration. Under the guidance of the tourist centre, she grabs her map and ventures off into the city. And her wanderlust truly pays off as she discovers a treasure trove of traditional arts and crafts.

“Sometimes it’s those chance moments that make travel truly special”.

Vibrant historic buildings, now home to shops and workshops, set the scene as Jane is welcomed to learn traditional weaving techniques with a friendly local. A chance meeting then leads to an impromptu tour of the town’s hidden highlights, guided by a resident who knows it best. Relishing the freedom to simply go with the flow, Jane sees this spectacular destination come alive through the eyes of someone who knows it best.

Continuing north to an untouched paradise, Jane has a special rendezvous with local guide, Marcio, as they take a boat ride to Honey Island, a hidden gem visited by very few. Boasting some of the most breathtaking views she’s seen so far, she likens it to approaching Jurassic Park. Lush, verdant rocky outcrops unveil hidden caves and legends of mermaids, while the waters surrounding the island are brimming with dolphins, performing with synchronicity and filling Jane with awe and gratitude for the natural world.  

Sailing into Ilhabela, Jane’s love for Brazil is ignited further as she meets with local guide, Duda, for a driving tour by Jeep. Discovered by a Portuguese explorer in 1502, who described it as ‘paradise on Earth’, more than 80% of the island is designated as a protected area to preserve the biodiversity. Home to 40 beaches, she is taken to see the singing rocks, a natural phenomenon where certain rocks produce a metallic, bell-like sound when struck.

“To be that in nature, it did my mind a lot of good.”

At the halfway point in her pole-to-pole expedition, she reaches Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site nestled between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo on the Costa Verde. Nicknamed ‘Little Venice’, it is built on little rivers and is famous for its biodiversity. Jane explores the protected waters by kayak – where anchoring is forbidden, as well as snorkelling or fishing. Weaving through the mangroves, she spots red, tree-climbing crabs and learns all about the importance of the water to the environment from her local guide.

On a secluded beach, they pull up for a wonderful prepared picnic of fresh fruit, coconut water, and mango with soy sauce.

“I want to shout Hallelujah from the biggest, tallest mountain out there because it's so beautiful.”

Next up, the bay of Buzios, known as the Saint Tropez of Brazil, and made famous by Brigitte Bardot. Here, Jane joins fellow Scenic guests for a trolley bus tour of the peninsula, stopping to get off for elevated views of the stunning coastline from Mirante de João Fernandes – or João Fernandes Viewpoint.

She enjoys some friendly conversation, sharing her newfound wanderlust, before heading to a beachfront bar for a Cachaça cocktail, Brazil's national spirit.

Her final stop on her Brazilian itinerary, Rio de Janeiro. Having awoken a passion for Mother Nature’s finest work, Jane ventures up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for unrivalled views of the vibrant city. At the top, she treats herself to another local delicacy of tapioca, coconut and cheese – to her delight – washed down with a traditional Ipanema cocktail of vodka, grape and lime juice. Again, she finds herself in great conversation with the waiter, with whom she waxes lyrical about her South American experience and how it has changed her.

“I always thought I was a city girl, but I think I'm changing. In fact, I know I am. I'm changing to a country girl without a doubt, and this trip has proved it to me… I think anybody who gets a chance to go to Rio should snap your hand off.”