17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard

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 [https://tel/] or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  [https://authentictravelcompany.com/expedition/] Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

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 Arctic * Why the High Arctic often becomes a deeply personal and transformative experience * The importance of travelling with local guides and engaging meaningfully with Indigenous and coastal communities * How scientists, historians, and artists onboard enrich the journey beyond sightseeing * The role of expedition travel in deepening our understanding of living systems and remote environments This 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 [https://tel/] or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  [https://authentictravelcompany.com/expedition/] Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

15. From Galapagos to Africa with Pierre Thomas

In this episode, host Sue Stockdale speaks with Pierre Thomas, Business Development Manager Expedition, Silversea Cruises, about the unique aspects of expedition cruises.  Pierre, who has traveled extensively in Africa, highlights the unique itineraries of small-sized expedition cruises to remote locations like the Galapagos, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Africa's coasts. He describes detailed itineraries along the east and west coasts of Africa, noting wildlife experiences and cultural encounters. Pierre talks about the evolution of expedition cruising and new destinations like Japan, and underscores the importance of sustainability in expedition cruising, particularly in regions like the Galapagos and Africa.  01:21 Expedition Cruises Explained 03:25 Seasonality of Expedition Cruises 05:30 Exploring the West Coast of Africa 08:47 Highlights of Namibia and Skeleton Coast 10:32 East Coast of Africa and Safaris 13:45 Evolution of Expedition Cruising 21:18 Sustainability in Expedition Cruises 23:36 Dream Destinations  Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 [https://tel/] or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  [https://authentictravelcompany.com/expedition/] Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

14. Thirty years of living in Svalbard with Hilde Fålun Strøm

Sue Stockdale speaks with Arctic expedition leader Hilde Fålun Strøm about her unique experiences living in Svalbard and her commitment to conservation. Hilda shares insights on the challenges of enduring 24-hour darkness, her transformative 19-month stay in a trapper's cabin during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of routine and adaptation in extreme environments.  The conversation also explores Hilda's role in promoting sustainable tourism, polar bear protection, and climate change awareness as godmother to an expedition cruise ship. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the Arctic's natural beauty, its rapidly changing climate, and the pivotal role individuals can play in conservation efforts. Time Stamps 02:04 19 Months in a Trapper's Cabin  04:42 Impact of the Experience on Perspective 05:40 Expedition Cruising and Wildlife Observation 10:16 Climate Change in Svalbard 13:03 Polar Bear Protection and Education  19:23 Final Thoughts Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 [https://tel/] or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  [https://authentictravelcompany.com/expedition/] Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra

13. Citizen Science & Responsible Expedition Cruising with Anthony Daniels

Anthony Daniels, UK and Ireland General Manager, Ponant and Chair of the Expedition Cruise Network, joins host Sue Stockdale to discuss the evolution of expedition cruises from uncomfortable, science-led ships to today's more comfortable and engaging experiences.  Topics covered include the growing interest in citizen science, community involvement, the appeal to solo travellers, and the strict environmental guidelines that govern expedition cruises. Anthony also highlights popular destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and warm water locations like the Galapagos, emphasising the importance of responsible travel.  Time Stamps 02:01 Evolution of the Expedition Cruise Industry  03:32 Understanding Expedition Cruises 05:17 Citizen Science on Expedition Cruises  11:00 Solo Travel and Community Engagement 15:34 Popular Expedition Destinations  20:23 Responsible Travel and Environmental Impact Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 [https://tel/] or jane@authentictravelcompany.com Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company  [https://authentictravelcompany.com/expedition/] Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra