Ask our expert

Jenifer Costello, Explore’s Polar Expert, is an experienced traveller who has explored icy tundras in search of wildlife and wonder herself. Here, she shares advice to help you plan your polar trip.

How fit do I have to be to go on a polar expedition?

Sometimes you’ll need to walk over rocky terrain, or venture out in a Zodiac in choppy waters, so it’s worth taking that into consideration when assessing your own abilities. Our ship doctor will review the medical form you fill out in advance and they‘ll talk through any concerns with you.

Why is the itinerary changeable?

As Polar Explorer Dr Alex Cowan explains on page 17–19, weather and ice conditions can change the course of our expeditions; we have a base plan but our experienced crew keeps things flexible. It might mean being woken up at the crack of dawn to see a whale breach, or a new landing spot.

Do I need my own jacket and boots/wellies?

Don’t worry about that – all of our ships have waterproof welly-type boots for you to use, so just let us know if you need a particularly large or small size so we can ensure you’re covered. Most ships supply waterproof jackets that you can borrow while on board, or keep afterwards.

Will I be travelling with other Explore travellers?

Some, but not solely. Our polar trips are aboard small ships that are operated by our carefully-selected partners. There are fewer passengers aboard so, if you wish, you can get to know like-minded travellers and expert guides easily, whether they booked with Explore or another company.

What are the age ranges like on Polar trips?

We have a real mix, from explorers in their 20s to people in their 80s. On average, we’d say somewhere in the region of 45-65, but that always seems to fade into insignificance when like-minded people come together on a trip to experience magical, once-in-a-lifetime moments together.

I’ve heard about the Drake Passage – what is it really like?

This can vary between a calm ‘Drake Lake’ or a more turbulent ‘Drake Shake’, but often it’s somewhere in between. Our on-board doctor and crew can offer support if you feel seasick, but our polar ships have built-in stabilisers to make things as smooth as possible. We have fly-cruise options that cut the Drake Passage out altogether if you’re worried.

I’m travelling solo, do I have to pay a single supplement?

This depends, some ships have single cabins, while others charge a supplement to have sole occupancy of a twin or double. Look out for promotions where that fee is scrapped, as they do come up. If you book a Quad, Triple or Twin share cabin, the ship will allocate you a spot with other passengers of the same sex.