Authentic Expeditions

Sue Stockdale

Immerse yourself in the world of expedition cruising, as experienced through the eyes of travellers, expedition leaders, photographers, and more.  Discover what it’s like to embark on an expedition cruise to some of the most pristine and untouched regions - Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, and beyond. Hosted by Sue Stockdale, first UK woman to ski to the magnetic North Pole.  Plan your next expedition cruising adventure with Authentic Travel Company

  1. 17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard

    hace 10 h

    17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard

    (00:00:00) 17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard (00:04:11) Small Ship Advantage (00:06:58) Best Time to Go (00:10:21) Wild Encounters At Sea (00:13:12) Passion behind UnCruise (00:15:18) Responsible Travel Choices (00:19:52) Why it is called UnCruise (00:21:25) Tlingit Adoption Story (00:24:04) A Day on Expedition (00:28:59) Wifi and being present (00:32:02) Planning a Trip (00:35:37) Measuring Success In this episode, host Sue Stockdale is joined by Dan Blanchard, captain, entrepreneur, and founder of UnCruise Adventures, to explore what makes Alaska one of the world's most remarkable expedition destinations. Dan shares his deep connection to Alaska's vast wilderness, describing a landscape of towering glaciers, remote waterways, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. He explains how small-ship expedition travel offers a fundamentally different experience from traditional cruising, allowing guests to reach secluded locations, navigate narrow fjords, and immerse themselves in places that larger vessels simply cannot access. The conversation explores the best times to visit different regions of Alaska, depending on whether travellers hope to see bears, whales, seabirds, or dramatic glacier landscapes. Dan also recounts some of the unforgettable wildlife encounters and human moments that have stayed with him throughout his years on the water. Sue and Dan discuss the philosophy behind UnCruise Adventures and the decision to create what Dan describes as an "anti-cruise" experience—one centred on adventure, flexibility, learning, and genuine connection with nature. They also examine the role of technology onboard, the benefits of disconnecting from constant connectivity, and the importance of being fully present in remote environments. The episode concludes with a discussion on responsible travel, including practical measures to reduce environmental impact, support local communities, and encourage a slower, more meaningful approach to exploration. Whether you're considering your first expedition voyage or simply fascinated by Alaska's wild places, this conversation offers valuable insights into experiencing the Last Frontier with curiosity, purpose, and respect. Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

    36 min
  2. 16. Exploring Canada’s Wild Coasts and the High Arctic with Martin Aldrich

    7 may

    16. Exploring Canada’s Wild Coasts and the High Arctic with Martin Aldrich

    (00:00:00) 16. Exploring Canada’s Wild Coasts and the High Arctic with Martin Aldrich (00:03:25) Where the High Arctic Is (00:04:28) Best Time to Go North (00:08:45) Life and People of the Arctic (00:12:57) Building the Expedition Team (00:15:52) Atlantic Canada Highlights (00:18:58) Pacific Northwest Voyages (00:20:06) Solo Traveller Options (00:21:40) New Trips and New Ships Host Sue Stockdale is joined by Martin Aldrich from Adventure Canada to explore what makes Canada one of the world’s most compelling expedition destinations. From the rugged fishing villages and seabird colonies of Atlantic Canada to the temperate rainforests and fjords of the Pacific Northwest, and north into the vast stillness of the High Arctic, Martin shares how each region offers a distinct sense of place, wildlife, and culture. The conversation explores: The contrasts between Atlantic Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the ArcticWhy the High Arctic often becomes a deeply personal and transformative experienceThe importance of travelling with local guides and engaging meaningfully with Indigenous and coastal communitiesHow scientists, historians, and artists onboard enrich the journey beyond sightseeingThe role of expedition travel in deepening our understanding of living systems and remote environmentsThis episode is an invitation to look beyond the itinerary and consider what true exploration means — not just seeing extraordinary landscapes, but connecting with the people, stories, and ecosystems that define them.  Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

    29 min

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Immerse yourself in the world of expedition cruising, as experienced through the eyes of travellers, expedition leaders, photographers, and more.  Discover what it’s like to embark on an expedition cruise to some of the most pristine and untouched regions - Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, and beyond. Hosted by Sue Stockdale, first UK woman to ski to the magnetic North Pole.  Plan your next expedition cruising adventure with Authentic Travel Company