James' sense of adventure was instilled in him from a young age, following travels with his grandfather in the Lake District and a successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as a secondary school pupil. After spending six months travelling across Latin America, James wanted to put his new-found passion and knowledge of travel to good use and originally become a Travel Specialist for our sister company Latin Routes. However, it was not long before James found his true passion lay further beyond South America, the continent of Antarctica and in turn, the rest of the Polar Regions. James is one of the most knowledgeable members of the Polar Routes team and he is always researching the latest polar destinations, cruise itineraries, ships, activities and ways to take your exploration to the next level.
James' Top Tips
Take time to consider what YOU want to get out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Whether it’s incredible wildlife encounters, exhilarating activities or even a touch of luxury, we understand the importance of finding exactly the right trip for you.
Why Book With James?
I like to think from the moment we have our first conversation, our clients have a friendly contact who’s here to ensure they have the best possible time on their Polar adventure – No request too big (or small!) and no question too silly!
What Do You Recommend Taking With You On A Polar Cruise?
Purchase the best camera you can afford and get plenty of practice in before you travel to learn the settings! Nothing will replicate the unforgettable moments you’ll experience on a Polar expedition, but amazing photos are the next best thing!
A sense of adventure! An expedition cruise is just that… an EXPEDITION! With ice & weather conditions constantly changing, be prepared for ‘Plan A’ to go out the window. Rest assured your captain and expedition leader will plan an unforgettable trip.
What Questions Do You Ask To Help Decide Which Is The Right Expedition Cruise?
If they had to choose one thing the expedition has to fulfil, what would it be? Spotting a Polar Bear, Whale watching, amazing scenery… Not everything is guaranteed in nature but we can give them the best possible chance!
Do they love active experiences or are they looking for something more leisurely? It’s important we match the client’s expectation of a trip, to the reality!
What types of facilities do they enjoy? For some clients a balcony is a must-have, for others, it’s multiple dining options. As incredible the destination is, a client’s comfort is paramount for an enjoyable trip.
With a reputation as the ‘Land of Fire & Ice', it is unsurprising that Iceland conjures up an array of images in the minds of the intrepid: crashing waterfalls, erupting volcanoes, and expansive ice sheets. But those who have been fortunate enough to visit this land, know that as well as having all the above, it is one of incomparable beauty with an almost mystical allure that will have you returning time after time to explore more of this awe-inspiring country.
Whilst there is plenty of fantastic attractions to be found near the country’s capital, Reykjavik, such as the Blue Lagoon and the famous Golden Circle, to truly experience Iceland’s wilderness and bleak beauty, there is no better way than exploring this diverse island by cruise ship. Below are just some of the reasons you should consider a cruise for your next trip to Iceland >>>
While the polar regions of the planet are more accessible than ever, the harsh landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica still have many secrets to divulge. Countless brave men and women led the way, forging a path of discovery amidst danger, that has made it possible for average adventurous travellers to follow in their footsteps today. From the trailblazers who made their way to the poles a century ago to the modern-day explorers who still prove the planet has much to discover, these are the nine greatest polar explorers in history.
Sir Ernest Shackleton is one of the most inspirational polar explorers in history, yet never actually reached his goal - the South Pole. Shackleton led three separate expeditions to Antarctica, the most famous being the Imperial Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Mission in 1914 in which he attempted to be >>>
Take a journey like no other on an expedition delving deep into the wilderness of the Antarctic. Explore the surreal remoteness and battle the elemental forces on a true adventure. We explore the benefits of travelling with our partners Aurora Expeditions...
If you have never travelled to Antarctica before then you could easily be forgiven for wondering above else about the type of ships and equipment that are used to navigate through the challenges of the world’s last great wilderness. There is a surprisingly high variety on offer so it is essential that you consider this aspect when planning your adventure of a lifetime. >>>
When Do You Want To Go?
From your first booking with us, you’ll become a member of My Routes Rewards and begin collecting points for every holiday you book!
We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.
Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.
All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.