Florence Kuyper: expedition leader specialised in the Polar regions, Ponant

Adventure cruising is exactly that: total adventure! There is a point of departure and arrival, and in between I have a rough plan but nature will have the last say.

A highlight for me is staying overnight amid the ice — it’s magic. The ice is addictive, you can’t stop watching it, and it’s all around you. And when there’s 24-hour daylight, the light changes all the time, in intensity and in tone. It’s awe-inspiring; on those occasions I find it almost impossible to go to sleep.

Living on the ship you never have the same view from your window. The ships are very comfortable and stable at sea. I open my eyes, usually at 5.30am, look outside and I’m switched on! From there on it’s just one big 16-hour roller coaster.