Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has set sail on a new promotional voyage, launching a trade incentive for travel agents that coincides with the highly anticipated television series, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole. The initiative, which kicked off on January 2, 2026, invites travel agents across the UK and beyond to compete for a coveted spot aboard an eight-day Mediterranean cruise, promising both adventure and luxury in equal measure.
The timing of the incentive is no accident. As the first episode of Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole aired on Channel 5 at 9pm on January 2, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours rolled out its offer, clearly aiming to harness the buzz and excitement generated by the series. The show, which follows the beloved singer and presenter Jane McDonald as she embarks on an epic journey from Antarctica to the Arctic, is filmed aboard Scenic’s ultra-luxury yachts, the Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara. Each hour-long installment whisks viewers away to far-flung destinations, including Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falklands, Uruguay, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Norway, Svalbard, and the Arctic Circle.
For travel agents, the rules are straightforward but the rewards are substantial. To enter the competition, agents need to make a new booking on either Scenic Ocean or Emerald Yacht Cruises before February 16, 2026. After the closing date, a winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings. The lucky recipient will join the 'Enchanting Provence, Tuscany and the French Riviera' cruise, departing from Nice on April 25, 2026. The itinerary reads like a Mediterranean dream: Portofino, Livorno, Calvi, Monte Carlo, Marseille, and Mahon are just some of the dazzling ports of call awaiting the winner.
The synergy between the television series and the incentive is clear. As viewers watch Jane McDonald navigate icy waters and sun-drenched coastlines, Scenic wants agents to feel equally inspired. Jonathan Davies, Scenic Group Head of Sales, summed up this sentiment, saying, "This incentive is our way of bringing the excitement of ‘Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole’ directly to the trade. As viewers watch Jane travel from Antarctica to the Arctic, we want agents to feel equally inspired and now they have the opportunity to win an eight-day Mediterranean cruise while celebrating the launch of this remarkable new series." According to Davies, the promotion is more than just a prize draw—it’s an invitation for agents to become part of the story unfolding on television screens across the country.
The series itself is a spectacle of adventure and luxury. Jane McDonald, known for her warm on-screen presence and musical talents, takes viewers on a journey that spans the extremes of the planet. The show is filmed aboard the Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, two vessels renowned for their six-star amenities and ultra-luxury experiences. From helicopter rides over glaciers to intimate whale watching excursions, Jane’s itinerary is as varied as it is breathtaking. In each episode, she also performs a song, adding a personal and entertaining touch to the travelogue format.
The first episode, which aired on January 2, set the tone for the series. Jane was seen taking a zodiac ride around Winter Island, getting up close with towering icebergs and the local wildlife—a treat for armchair travelers and cruise enthusiasts alike. She also explored the Scenic Eclipse, offering viewers a glimpse of the ship’s opulent interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. The episode continued with a visit to Livingstone Island, further underscoring the diversity and scope of her journey.
For Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, the collaboration with Jane McDonald is a strategic move. The company is leveraging the popularity of the singer and the allure of high-profile travel programming to engage the travel trade and drive bookings. As reported by both Travel Weekly and El-Balad, the incentive is designed to capture the spirit of adventure embodied by Jane’s journey while also celebrating the launch of a landmark television event.
The cruise itself promises an unforgettable experience. Departing from the glamorous city of Nice, the itinerary weaves through some of the Mediterranean’s most storied destinations. Portofino, with its pastel-hued harbor; Livorno, gateway to the treasures of Tuscany; Calvi’s rugged Corsican coastline; the glitz of Monte Carlo; Marseille’s vibrant culture; and Mahon’s historic charm—all await the winner. Each stop offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the comfort of Scenic’s renowned service as a constant companion.
But what makes this incentive particularly appealing is its exclusivity. The chance to win such a cruise is a rare opportunity, reserved for those in the travel trade who act quickly and decisively. The random draw ensures that every participating agent has a fair shot, regardless of the size of their agency or the number of bookings they make. It’s a democratizing gesture in an industry that often rewards volume over enthusiasm.
Behind the scenes, the promotion reflects broader trends in the cruise industry. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations rise, companies like Scenic are seeking new ways to engage both customers and the agents who serve them. By tying a trade incentive to a major television event, Scenic is betting that the power of storytelling—and the aspirational pull of luxury travel—can translate into real-world bookings and brand loyalty.
For travel agents, the message is clear: the world of ultra-luxury cruising is more accessible than ever, and opportunities abound for those willing to seize them. The combination of a high-profile series, a once-in-a-lifetime prize, and a straightforward entry process makes this promotion one of the most compelling in recent memory.
As the series continues to air, showcasing Jane McDonald’s journey from the southernmost reaches of Antarctica to the icy frontiers of the Arctic, the excitement among travel professionals is expected to build. With the deadline for entries set for February 16, 2026, agents have just a few weeks to secure their place in the draw—and perhaps, their own Mediterranean adventure.
In the end, whether viewers are tuning in for Jane’s musical performances, the breathtaking scenery, or the promise of discovery, both the series and the incentive offer a reminder of travel’s enduring appeal. For one lucky agent, that reminder will come in the form of a ticket to the Mediterranean, courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and the magic of television.