About me

John

Life before Swoop

Life as a fisherman in Finland meant that I was free 8 months of every year, so I had time to dedicate to travel. Since leaving Finland, I have travelled even more - and even made it my career. My country total now stands at 163 of the world's 193 UN countries. It hasn't always been plain sailing: some time working as a researcher for the Bradt guide to South Sudan nearly got me shot. Happily, I survived and went on to forge a career in travel, working as a Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar specialist, before returning to my much-loved snowy roots, the Arctic regions: areas of the world I know extremely well. 

When I am not daydreaming about all things "ice", you'll find me with a hammer and chisel in my hands. Building my first house in my 20s gave me the woodworking bug and, consequently, I am never happier than when I am making a dusty mess!


My polar experience

In March 2016 I visited Antarctica for the first time on board the Vavilov, and in December 2016 I made my second voyage to Antarctica on the Ocean Adventurer. In June of 2016, I took a voyage that departed from Iceland, stopping at Jan Mayen a remote island in the North Arctic ocean, and ending at 81 degrees north in Svalbard, onboard the Sea Spirit. In 2017, I revisited Svalbard for the second time on board the Akademik Ioffe, this time circumnavigating the island. In early 2018, I took a 15-day voyage to the Falklands and South Georgia on the Polar Pioneer; circumnavigating South Georgia and walking in Shackleton’s footsteps. In August 2018, I sailed the Northwest passage onboard the Ocean Endeavour, experiencing for the first time, what it is like to be a guest onboard a larger 200 passenger vessel. In 2020, I sailed on the Hebridean Sky citizen science voyage, where I got married at Volunteer Point, Antarctica.

Additionally, I have been on board almost all of the expedition vessels that sail to the polar regions and lived on the Arctic circle for 13 years. 


Day to day at Swoop

I joined Swoop in January 2016 as a polar specialist and have travelled to Antarctica and many parts of the Arctic. Much of my day is spent on the phone talking to clients about the nuances of the polar regions. Everything from which vessel to choose, when to go, and what it's actually like when you get there.

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John Newby says

In 2020 I sailed on the Hebridean Sky citizen science voyage to Antarctica, where I got married at Volunteer Point!

Swoop Expert

Why I love Antarctica

John

Antarctica is massive and there is no real way of explaining this, you have to see it. The mountains, the icebergs, the whales and the glaciers. Really the only thing that's small in Antarctica is the krill.

Kayaking in Antarctica is awesome. Leaving my camera onboard the vessel and paddling my way past whales and huge icebergs was humbling and awing at the same time. To anyone thinking about kayaking, my advice would be to do it. You won't regret it.

For a long time, elephants were my favourite animal... now it's penguins. Cuverville Island is a fantastic place to watch them. I sat in a zodiac while 500 gentoo "rafted" around me, the GoPro video is fantastic.

Antarctica sparkles in the sun, is dramatic and moody when clouds shroud the mountains, and at any time of day, from late November to early March, it's my number one place in the world to be.

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What our customers think of John

John and Ali were both amazing and helped A LOT to make this trip come together. I really appreciate their efforts making things comfortable and special for our big group of 17 people. They were detail oriented and executed amazingly. Great communicators too. I appreciated being matched to them and working with them. Thank you both!! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Niki Agrawal - USA

We found John, Michelle, and Saffron to be very helpful. Their efforts resulted in a phenomenal adventure for which we are truly grateful! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Rex - United States Of America

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Definitely pleased with the advice of polar specialist John Newby, he listened to what we wanted, chatted over alternatives, and recommended absolutely the right trip for us. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2019

David Irwin - United Kingdom

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Good choice for the size of the expedition cruise ship. Excellent throughout the whole progress. Thank you very much, John. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2019

Mei Mei Mai - United States Of America

John was a real star. The right ship, the right voyage. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2019

Andy & Wemmie Worner - Australia

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John took the time to learn our hopes and expectations via email and telephone. Within days, we had a few choices presented with a ship and itinerary that met our goals. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Terrie Mandina - United States Of America

Your polar experience was invaluable John. We had such a smooth trip because of it. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2018

Ginny Woods - Australia

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John was a great help from day one, steering us toward the cruise that was best for us. Without his guidance, I doubt we would have found something so perfect for us.

Travelled: December 2017

Nick - Canada

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John was fantastic. I really appreciate all he did to prepare for my trip.

Travelled: December 2017

Elizabeth - Utah

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We initially started negotiations with another company recommended by a friend but quickly found that Swoop (or more precisely, John) was much more superior because of the vast on-site experience and knowledge about the ins-and-outs of the various operators and ships.

Travelled: November 2017

Marc - Florida

The service provided by Swoop was outstanding, especially by John Newby who helped me pick out the voyage and ship for my group of five ladies from Louisiana.

Travelled: November 2017

Carol - Louisiana

John explained everything before I left. He had been on the ship before. He was there 24-7 for phone calls if I wanted information before I left.

Travelled: November 2017

Bob - California

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John, thanks for making me re-think my Antarctic trip. South Georgia was truly amazing and I can’t imagine that I was willing to miss it! Thank you all again!

Travelled: February 2017

Nadina - Canada

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John made this very hard decision so much easier by reassuring me of the incredible experience awaiting me and explaining every detail of the trip beforehand. If it wasn’t for John, I seriously do not know if I would have had the courage to go on this trip alone.

Travelled: February 2017

Jeff - Arizona

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In a word, it was sensational. Everything was terrific: the ship, the "hotel" and the expedition team. You (John) are greatly loved among multiple crew folks. And we share that enthusiasm for you because your natural joy is infectious.

Travelled: February 2017

Larry and Julie - California

The voyage was excellent and I enjoyed it. John was spot on in regards to the ship and the service prior to the voyage was excellent.

Travelled: February 2017

Gail - Maine

Swoop was great! especially John, who I mainly dealt with- passion, enthusiasm, knowledge ... He actually listened to all my requirements and suggested the best voyage that would "make our dream come true" - and it did :)

Travelled: February 2017

Avivit - Georgia

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Thanks to John, his diligence and attention to my needs were what I needed to decide that the trip of a lifetime was within my reach!

Travelled: January 2017

Nancy - Texas

Thanks to John for sending me the information that allowed me to take this trip. His diligence and attention to my needs (budget!) were what I needed to decide that the trip of a lifetime was within my reach! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2016

Nancy Kohlman - United States Of America

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Swoop, and John in particular, were fantastic. They did everything that was possible and made things very smooth and comfortable.

Travelled: December 2016

Sascha - Germany

Excellent all around! The experience was super! Everything that was recommended to us by John was on point. We lacked nothing in the voyage. We were well informed and completely prepare with the right clothing and what to expect. I will most definitely use Swoop again.

Travelled: December 2016

Nancy - Florida

John Newby was great. He found the perfect trip for me with lots of activities included; he was enthusiastic always.

Travelled: November 2016

Marilyn - Argentina

Review:

Travel tips from my blog

Thinking about braving the ice cold waters?

How to do a Polar Plunge 

Preparing for Antarctica? Here are my top five reads: 

Polar Page Turners

Want to know more about the history of Antarctica?

A little piece of Antarctica in Warwickshire

A list of top apps to travel to Antarctica with:

Which apps for Antarctica?

Food, it seems, can make or break the success of an expedition:

Pass the Penguin: Diets of the Early Explorers

John

My photos & videos

Take a look at my footage of some of the most spectacular landing sites in South Georgia, capturing the abundant wildlife and majestic scenery.

Next adventure

163 countries visitied... 30 countries left… and then there are territories too. It’s a lifetime's work, seeing the world, and I plan on travelling to as much of it as possible.

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

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