Helen Fensom

Even with over 30 years behind me in the travel industry I have not been everywhere, but it is on my list!

My favourite adventure

I travelled with Quark Expeditions to the Arctic, which is great for either a first timer to expedition cruising or those who have experienced it before and want to see the magical polar bears in their natural habitat. We saw an incredible 9 bears during my voyage.

I have to mention the 'Polar Plunge'. This is not for everyone, but in my opinion it's a must-do while on any polar expedition. I overcame all of my fears to make the jump from the pontoon on the aft of the ship into the chilly Arctic waters and was welcomed back on board with a warming shot of vodka and round of applause from all around, a real team effort!

It's likely that the Arctic is already on your bucket list, so make sure it is one of the next things to be ticked off!

Explore the Arctic & Svalbard

My top adventure tip

Get excited and plan ahead, ensure you make the most of not only your time on board, but also your time in port.

Most cruise lines can offer an amazing selection of experiences to enjoy that you can reserve before you sail, but of course, feel free to leave a little spare time and just go with your mood!

Fact File

Years in travel: Over 30

Years working at Mundy Cruising: 5 years

First job in travel: I worked as an office junior for an independent travel agency in Kent

First cruise: I sailed with Royal Caribbean on Jewel of the Seas, on a short trip from Southampton. My first full cruise was on board Celebrity Millennium in the Western Mediterranean in 1999

First cruise with Mundy Cruising: A fantastic trip with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, on board Seven Seas Voyager between Funchal and Barcelona in April 2019

Best cruise dining experience: I loved the atmosphere and choice of amazing sushi on board Seabourn Encore; a must for all sushi lovers and a great choice for lunch too!

Best non-cruise holiday: A 3-week adventure travelling around South Africa including Cape Town, driving the Garden Route, an amazing 3-night stay at Lion Sands in Kruger National Park and then ending at Victoria Falls

Interesting fact about yourself: As a child I competed in Ballroom and Latin Dancing, maybe something I would like to start up again one day!

Ocean cruise lines sailed: Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Hebridean

River cruise lines sailed: AmaWaterways, Scenic, Avalon

Expedition cruise lines sailed: Hurtigruten, Quark, Scenic

Areas you've cruised: Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Danube, Caribbean, Alaska, Arctic & Svalbard, British Isles

Adventure News