My name is Fransiska. I am 32 and writing my master's dissertation on Sustainable Tourism and Global Challenges. I started my MSc at the University of Glasgow in September 2022. My main research interest lies in sustainable tourism and climate change as one of the global challenges. During my dissertation project, which focuses on natural seasonality in tourism, specifically in Edinburgh and Kirkwall in Scotland and Reykjavík in Iceland, I am investigating how climate variables play a prominent role as both push and pull factors in influencing tourist arrivals to a destination. The fluctuations in visitor arrivals over time generate patterns and create a sense of seasonality experience. Starting an MSc was a significant decision for me, as it involves much more than being a student. At this stage, one fully commits to research and the life of a researcher. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity offered by my dissertation supervisor, Dr Lizanne Henderson (the Program Director of Sustainable Tourism and Global Challenges), to join the Researcher-in-Residence position abroad on an expeditionary cruise with the reputable and award-winning Canadian tour company, Adventure Canada. The expeditionary cruise occurred on the Ocean Endeavour cruise in June and July 2023. The ship set sail from Aberdeen, Scotland, and crossed the North Atlantic, including the Orkney Islands and the Faroe Islands, with the final destination being Reykjavík, Iceland. The journey continued with an Iceland Circumnavigation, travelling around the entire coastline of Iceland, and reaching the Arctic at 66° North, touching Siglufjörður. The Researcher-in-Residence program provides an excellent opportunity for young scientists, offering space, time, and resources aboard the Ocean Endeavour for practising scientists and researchers to gather data on various pressing issues. Furthermore, it grants access to facilities, resources, and, most importantly, to a network of experienced researchers and expedition team members. This research cruise is an essential part of my MSc. It has enabled me to collect secondary data and connect with an international group of passengers, including participants in all-inclusive educational adventures (such as Road Scholar, Canoe North, and Wild Women) on board. This opportunity allowed me to conduct direct observations on board the tourism destinations I researched. Alongside this secondary dataset, networking on the vessel will significantly benefit my future career. I am forming lifelong friendships and working alongside researchers of various ages and countries of origin, providing a unique and helpful experience. Reflecting on my time on the Ocean Endeavour, I can only be thankful for the opportunity to join. The data I collected will be a substantial part of my MSc, and the memories and friends I made will stay with me for a long time. Apart from all the work, I was fortunate to observe many wildlife, including marine mammals and Atlantic seabirds, as well as many breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The time on a research vessel is intense, as no weekends or days are off. It is demanding both physically and mentally. However, I experienced a very supportive, professional, and productive atmosphere. Being back in the UK, I still vividly remember the cruise and maintaining contact with the people on the ship. Meanwhile, I am finalizing my calculation of the Holiday Climate Index and analyzing it with the data I collected. The results look promising; however, I am eager to investigate the remaining tourist destinations in Iceland besides Reykjavík. All the data and analyses will be a substantial part of my MSc, with plans for at least one publication from this sample set. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Sustainable Tourism and Global Challenges program, especially to Dr Lizanne Henderson and to Dr Steven Gillespie (my lecturer in Tourism Sustainability and Climate Change), as well as to Adventure Canada for making it possible for me to join the cruise, experience this incredible time on the ship, expand my professional network, and, most importantly, accomplish a significant amount of work. I can only encourage other postgraduate students at the University of Glasgow to apply for this program, as it provides a fantastic opportunity to advance your career and establish personal and professional connections for life.