About Us

Polar Guidebook helps travellers choose and plan Antarctic voyages. We publish independent cruise comparisons, practical planning guides, first-hand traveller stories and wildlife guides for people preparing for a trip south.

Antarctica cruises can look remarkably similar until you examine the details. Ship size, route, cabin, departure month, expedition programme and time spent in Antarctica can all change the experience. We explain those differences in plain English.

Our articles draw on current itineraries, operator information, traveller experiences, scientific sources and specialist input where available. We focus on the questions that affect an expensive booking and say when weather, ice or wildlife make certainty impossible.

Some pages contain affiliate links. Polar Guidebook may earn a commission if you book through one, at no extra cost to you.

Who We Are

Our Contributors:

Kieren Windsor, Site Founder

Kieren is the founder of Polar Guidebook. After visiting both of the polar regions and meeting the scientists and tour guides that work there, he developed a keen interest in the animals, climate, and geography of the Arctic and Antarctica.

Dr. Jackie Symmons, Editor and Fact Checker

Dr. Jackie Symmons is a professional ecologist with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Wildlife Management from Bangor University and over 25 years of experience delivering conservation projects.

Michael Hambrey in Antarctica

Professor Michael Hambrey, Climate Change, Glaciology and Antarctica Expert

Michael Hambrey is Emeritus Professor at Aberystwyth University, Wales. He is one of the leading researchers in the Polar regions: he’s spent 12 seasons in Antarctica and over 20 seasons in the Arctic conducting glaciological and geological fieldwork. Since ‘retiring’ he has undertaken many cruises as a lecturer/guide on polar expedition ships. He has written over 200 scientific articles and books, and twice been awarded the Polar Medal by the late Queen Elizabeth II (1989 and 2012), awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research  (2018). He also has had Hambrey Cliffs on James Ross Island named in his honour. Mike served as Secretary of the Geosciences Group of SCAR (2008-2012), as well as many other international organisations. 

Vikki Smith, Animal Expert

Vikki Smith is a consultant ecologist and freelance science writer living in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has a Ph.D. in Ecology and a particular interest in invertebrates.

Gaby Pilson, Travel Expert

Gaby is a polar expedition guide and experienced outdoor educator with a passion for all things Arctic and Antarctic.

We are looking to expand our team with more enthusiasts, experts, and scientists so that we can bring even more insight to our readers. Interested in joining us? See our recruitment page.

Our Goals

At Polar Guidebook, our goals are to:

Help readers choose a voyage that suits their priorities and budget.
Explain the differences between routes, ship sizes, departure dates and comfort levels
Answer the practical questions that arise before an Antarctic trip
Inspire and educate more people about the polar regions and its wildlife

Things We Cover

Polar Guidebook covers:

  • Antarctica cruise comparisons and individual voyage reviews
  • Advice on when to travel, how to reach Antarctica and what to expect from the Drake Passage
  • Interviews and trip reports from Antarctic travellers
  • Guides to the wildlife, geography and conditions visitors may encounter.

Get in Touch

Do you have questions about the arctic that you’d like answered or are you interested in partnering with us on a project? Get in touch and one of our experts or our chief editor will get back to you.