Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole

Exciting news! Jane McDonald will soon be back on our screens with her latest programme, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole. Previously visiting destinations including the Caribbean, Japan and more in Cruising with Jane McDonald and Jane McDonald: Lost in Japan, amongst others, this adventure will see her visiting the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the breathtaking Arctic Circle, with some fascinating destinations in between. 

Here’s what we know so far… 

Debuting on Channel 5 in January 2026, it’ll not only feature spectacular ships, but Jane’s beloved wit and, no doubt, a musical performance or two. Showcasing what you can experience onboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to sail aboard these remarkable ships, from the world-class food to onboard activities, excursions and more.  

With each episode packed with bucket-list experiences, including helicopter rides over glaciers, whale watching, Zodiac excursions and trying authentic regional cuisine, every moment of this series is guaranteed to have you glued to your seat. 

Beginning her journey in the Southern Hemisphere, the series will see Jane visiting incredible destinations, including Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Norway, Svalbard, and the Arctic Circle. A six-part series, it will blend luxury cruise travel, fantastic destinations, and immersive storytelling, all brought to life by Jane. 

Jane McDonald - From Pole to Pole episode dates and details

Here’s a list of the episode dates, along with which destinations will feature:

Episode One: Friday 2 January at 9pm (Scenic, Antarctica)

In episode one, Jane begins her adventure at the Antarctica Peninsula. Throughout the programme, she participates in a variety of exhilarating activities, including taking a zodiac ride around Winter Island, enjoying aerial yoga, kayaking in freezing waters and getting up close to a range of wildlife. She also has the chance to explore the fascinating Livingston Island, known for its rugged volcanic landscapes and elephant seals. 

Episode Two – Friday 9 January (Scenic, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands) 

In the next episode, Jane continues her polar adventure by visiting South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, she meets people who call this spectacular destination their home and learns about the area’s whaling history. As the episode continues, Jane visits Fortuna Bay, where she’s greeted by thousands of King Penguins, before heading to the Falkland Islands. 

At Port Stanley, Jane immerses herself in the community, indulges in a delicious afternoon tea and meets the most southerly military wives choir in the world. To finish off the episode, Jane gets stuck in at Saunders’s Island Sheep Farm, where she not only has a go at shearing the sheep, but also rounds up the herd on a quad bike! 

Episode Three – Friday 16 January (Scenic, Uruguay and Brazil)

To start off the episode, Jane meets Scenic Eclipse’s captain, learning what it takes to operate the luxury yacht, before arriving in Uruguay. Here, she participates in a variety of activities, including savouring local dishes, taking in breathtaking views of the coastline by boat, and enjoying a wine tasting at an awe-inspiring vineyard. 

As the episode continues, she visits Montevideo, where she samples a beef barbecue and learns about the city’s colonial past, before making her way to a Maldonado vineyard to sample a selection of Uruguayan wine. The next stop is Brazil, where she takes an impromptu tour with a local resident and learns authentic weaving techniques in São Francisco do Sul. 

The episode concludes with a spine-tingling speedboat tour from Ponatal Do Sol, where she witnesses wild dolphins and explores the caves around the south-eastern coastline. 

Episode Four – Friday 23 January (Scenic, Brazil)

Throughout episode four, Jane’s Brazilian adventure continues, with a range of activities along the way. From a jeep tour of Ilha Bela, to a kayak journey through the Paraty Mangrows (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) situated along the Costa Verde coastline, a trolley bus ride around the Buzios Peninsula and a cable ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. With plenty of laughs and breathtaking views, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about this spectacular country and its capital. 

Episode Five – Friday 30 January (Emerald Cruises, Greece and Italy)

Leaving South America, Jane boards Emerald Sakara, where she heads to the Med. As the episode continues, she sails through the Corinth Canal before exploring the beautiful Italian streets of Gallipoli and visiting Sicily. She then takes a ride on a vintage 3-wheeler around Savoca (made famous by the Godfather movies) and takes a VIP boat tour of Capri. After a day of exploring, Jane heads back to the yacht, where she takes advantage of its unique water platform. 

Jane’s Italian adventure concludes in Sorrento, where she takes in the views of the bay of Naples, before sampling limoncello at a lemon grove. 

Episode Six – Friday 6 February (Scenic, Arctic)

In the final episode, Jane catches a flight to Longyearbyen, in Svalbard, which is the world’s most northern inhabited town, deep in the Arctic Circle. Throughout the episode, Jane’s ship also visits Bjornfjorden, where she heads out to the icy fjords in a kayak, encountering some of the wildlife along the way, from Atlantic walruses to polar bears. Jane also visits the bridge, where she meets the polar bear safety team and the captain. 

Jane then hops on a zodiac to the Brasvellbreen Glacier, the longest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. To end the episode, and her 15,000-mile adventure, Jane heads up the Alkornet Mountain to take in the picturesque sights. 

Jane said the following about the series: 

“I’m packing my bags and setting sail again on a brand-new adventure with 5, the Scenic Group and JetSetTV. We are going to the ends of the earth to bring some spectacular places into your living rooms. Get the wine open or a cuppa ready, we are going on an adventure.”

Some fun facts about the ships she’ll be cruising on:

Scenic Eclipse

An ultra luxurious ship that’s known as The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, Scenic Eclipse caters for up to 228 guests (200 in Antarctica), and features a variety of amenities, from the opulent Senses Spa to a Sky Deck Bar, 6 restaurants and a high guest to crew ratio.

Launched in 2019, and with enhancements made in both 2021 and 2024, it also features zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, two helicopters, a fleet of Zodiacs and one submersible. 

Emerald Sakara

Offering a small ship yacht cruising experience, Emerald Sakara is the sister yacht to the award-winning Emerald Azzura. Launched in 2023, onboard you’ll find a range of amenities from the Spa Pool to the Sky Bar, Aqua Café and the dazzling Amici Bar & Lounge. 

Catering for up to 100 guests in 50 cabins, and boasting 72 crew members, this boutique ultra luxury ship has everything you need for a truly unforgettable getaway. 

Check back on this page for more information as it becomes available. 

Book your future luxury cruise with us today 

If you want to experience a luxury cruise like Jane, our collection of Emerald and Scenic getaways is bound to impress. With so many spectacular itineraries to choose from, you can look forward to an escape filled with luxury from start to finish. Regardless of where you sail to, you’re guaranteed a cruise to remember.