Skip to main content

'Arctic cruising is about the joy of the search – that's how I'll sell to clients'

Opinion
Melina Chheng
30 June 2026

Seven days onboard AE Expeditions' Sylvia Earle in Svalbard highlighted to Mundy Adventures agent Melina Chheng the crucial difference between visiting the North and South Poles – and how to confidently sell one of the world's most adventurous cruise products to her clients.

Travel agent Melina Chheng in Antarctica
AE Expeditions

Agent Melina Chheng (pictured) has just returned from a seven-day Arctic expedition cruise – and told TTG all about it

 

Having previously travelled to Antarctica, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to go on an Arctic cruise and properly understand the difference between the two destinations.

You can always do research, but that doesn't compare with experiencing somewhere first-hand, and the trip has made me feel much more confident selling the Arctic to my clients.

One of the biggest differences for me was the wildlife. In Antarctica, it's very easy to spot penguins, seals – even whale pods – while cruising. The joy of the Arctic is that you’re on the search for the wild.