Elisabeth Eppich

Canada

Customer
Rating

10

Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”

Elisabeth Eppich's Trip:

Traversing the Antarctic Circle

Elisabeth Eppich's Trip Date:

17th Feb - 14th Mar 2019

Elisabeth Eppich's Ship:

Hebridean Sky

Overall, how was your trip?

It's hard to decide between the penguins and sleeping in a bivy bag on the Antarctic was the highlight, looking up at the Milky Way and unfamiliar stars! You cannot describe the immenseness of the place, it's mind blowing! Snow covered mountain ranges, glaciers galore, and penguins on every uncovered spot you encounter. The mix of people on the ship was refreshing! Different ages, nationalities (16 on our ship) and different walks of life. So many inspiring people! Fun! Most magical moment?! The little Gentoo penguin that bee lined for me and we looked each other up and down for several minutes - magic - wonderful!

In one sentence, what did you think of Antarctica? Did it live up to your expectations?

A life changing experience, it blew our minds and exceeded our expectations!

Would you visit again?

Yes

How was the service that Swoop provided?

Outstanding! From start to finish Swoop never missed a beat! I would book with Swoop in a heart beat and have already been recommending Swoop to others. I don't think there was a better voyage, really. The expedition team were each fascinating people in their own right.The crew was not only professional but genuinely friendly and part of the voyage. The cabins on this ship are spacious and well equipped. A lot of guests were commenting on how spacious the rooms were and how important it was the experience. Swoop put together our pre-voyage trip as well which included flights, hotels and transportation as well as recommendations for restaurants and things to do. We spent time in Buenes Aries and El Chalten. Swoop exceeded our expectations, really and truly. I would not hesitate to recommend Swoop to other travellers. They made the trip hassle free and an absolute joy! Thank you!!

How likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 out of 10

You chose a/an Traversing the Antarctic Circle experience. How was that experience?

It was one of the reasons we chose this voyage. We did get across the circle but couldn't get in very deep due to the mass amounts of ice. We knew this was likely and probable. I have a certificate stating I crossed the Circle but that is not really that important. I have not regrets, I wouldn't change a thing.

If Swoop arranged some of your travel before/after your voyage. How did we do?

All logistics worked our perfectly. All the accommodations were lovely.Tips for future visitors? Book with Swoop! I would like to make a shout out to John, Liz and Michelle! You guys are excellent in all ways! You answered quickly and put together a fabulous itinerary and were a delight to deal with! Best, Elisabeth

How were your experiences on the zodiac excursions and shore landings?

The expedition team was outstanding. The leader, Pablo, was up early in the morning and late at night going over weather and ice conditions with the ships captain. Weather and ice changes fast down there so plans had to change equally as fast. We made it to the Antarctic Circle but could get into Crystal Sound sue to the amount of ice, think Margarita. No worries, Pablo briefed his team and off we went on a zodiac excursion through the ice and ice bergs. The highlights for us were visiting the penguin rookeries, never a dull moment. We had many laughs watching the teenagers run after their parents for feeding, but the parents were really trying to lure them into the ocean to get them accustomed to it but they were not having it.

Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?

This trip has made me come back to who I was in my younger days. (I am 53) The nature, adventure and scientific aspects of this trip have changed my views. I now know that these are the kinds of trips that I will look forward too, a little adventure, a lot of nature and some education about the beautiful worked we live in. The people on the voyage were also inspirational. It was great to be around very different people from all over the world but we are like minded. I have dabbled in local citizen science but now I see things more clearly and cant wait to get out there and participate in local projects. I think I view people differently too, all in a more positive way.

Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?

Go for it! It is priceless, worth every penny. Psh your personal boundaries. Take the polar plunge and sleep in a bivy bag! Talk to your doctor about getting the patch for sea sickness. It helps tremendously. Most people had side effects, blurry vision and dry throat but nothing too bad and very worth it.Some people cannot take it so talk to your doctor about it. There are other remedies but they make you quite drowsy. Book with Swoop! Their enthusiasm is contagious and their service highly professional!

Is there anything you would recommend we change to make trips like yours more environmentally sustainable?

Can you get a ship that runs on solar?

Anything else? Tell us anything you’d like to share that we forgot to ask! It’s ok to leave this empty too :-)

I gained wait on the voyage. The food was too good and plentiful. Some stationary bikes or treadmills would have been welcomed. Thanks!!!

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