Customer Reviews

Loved South Georgia and the encounter with 150 Humpback whales near Shag Rock. That experience was unbelievable as was the Iceberg graveyard in Antartica. I enjoyed getting up and close to nesting Albatross in The Falklands as well as seeing 130,000 breeding pairs of penguins in South Georgia. Seeing 150 Humpback whales so close to the ship ie 20m for over 40 minutes was special. The expedition crew was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The ship crew were equally superb with great humour, service and friendliness. The Lido deck BBQ with full roast pig was very very special. Loved the ship and the crew. I think visiting the Antarctic is a once in a lifetime experience. I would revisit Antartica again however do fly in and fly out. My only issue I had with the trip was there was little to do on Sea Days. Therefore I would prefer to shorten the trip.

It was fantastic - South Georgia was such a special place for wildlife and the peninsula was spectacular. Too many magical moments to mention, but being surrounded by 150-200 humpback whales was one of the highlights.

Excellent. Out of this world landscape and wildlife more abundant than anyone can expect. Nearly everyone we met were very nice and we did develop a few new close friendships. However, as always, there were a few annoying people ("the front row people") and the "birder" group. No real surprises, but the serenity of Cierva Cove was magical.

It seems impossible to name just one highlight, but if I must, it would be the hour or so we spent cruising amongst a group of 200 or so Humpback whales. They were so close you didn't know where to look first. We got closer to the wildlife than I expected, particularly the nesting albatross and penguins sitting on eggs. I can now tell 6 species of penguins apart! The only real surprise was when a wave hit the ship straight on the side and broke a window while we were all sitting in the lounge.

The expedition crew was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. They were obviously enjoying the trip and landscapes and wildlife as much as we were. The other passengers were also friendly and personable. 100 (+/- 10) passengers made it possible to meet almost everyone. The aft deck on the Herculean Sky was a bonus....a great place outdoors to have lunch and watch birds ans WHALES (100s of them). The sheer size of the penguin rookeries was breathtaking.

If I had to pick a highlight, it would be kayaking on a heavily overcast day in an ice-filled bay enclosed on three sides by terminal glaciers and snow-filled mountains, watching a humpback whale roll nearby as I listened to the sizzling of the bergy bits around me. But, in truth, there were lots of magical moments. Every day was full of anticipation and delight. The only true surprise, however, was when a rogue wave in Drake's Passage took out a window in the lounge of Deck 3!

The crew, the wildlife, the landscapes, and the other passengers were all incredible!

Highlight was kayaking alongside a humpback whale in stunning scenery. Both clients and staff/crew on board were very friendly and the big surprise was the amount and quality of the food.

Too many highlights to count - The landscapes and wildlife were stunning. I met some lovely people on the ship and made some lasting friendships. I was really impressed by the way the passengers were led to seats and were not left to find someone to sit with. This was particularly helpful as many were travelling alone. Finding that my great, great grandfather's ship (SS Great Britain) ended up in the Falklands and featured prominently in the museum. Also being able to follow my grandfather's route around the Horn, around which he had sailed nine times in the American wheat clippers. All a bit of unexpected family history. Stepping ashore on Elephant Island.

Great cruise service, hospitable expedition leaders, and met lots of cool like-minded individuals. The most magical moment was visiting Paulet Island and seeing hundreds of thousands of penguins. I was a bit disappointed, however, that we weren't able to do the polar plunge despite great weather every day.

Highlight: Kayaking; social life on board People: Interesting; made good conversations Most magical: Night sleeping on ice; kayaking in brush ice

Great service from Swoop. They did an excellent boat matching my interests to the right trip. Hebridean Sky is a luxury small boat. The accommodations were very comfortable, while the cabins large. Food was very good. Guides were outstanding. Cannot describe the experience of walking near a wave of 150,000 penguins, seals, and petrols. The nesting Albatross’ was a sight to see. The pace was comfortable and the time on board was relaxing, enjoyable, and very educational. The small ship of 100 people allowed quick access to the landing sites.

It was outstanding in every way

There were multiple high points. Visiting Shackleton's grave site at Grytviken. South Georgia. Kayaking at various points around South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. I got to meet some really interesting people including passengers and ships crew and staff

The ship was at capacity due to 2 other ships passengers joining us but the the crew copied magnificently, always with good cheer. A real variety of people to mix with over great food and drinks. The most magical part of my trip was the pod of Orca just off Port hunting and catching penguins. So close it was a spectacular show w

The wildlife and landscapes are amazing! The crews are knowledgeable. The kill of the seal by a group of Orcas was the highlight of the entire trip.

The highlight was having the opportunity to fulfull my bucket list in ,of my husband. The landscapes are breath-taking and the wildlife interesting. Watching the penquins walk, run, fly, swin was delightful. Seeing whales jump about was a sight to be seen ! Beautiful birds everywhere !! There were 65 folks on the tour - 4 continents, 7 languages. I was the oldest passenger. Many of the young chinese ladies, told me that I was their inspiration which made me feel good. They were delightful !! Biggest surprise was the rough waters the first night out, going through the Bransford Straight. I was very sea sick as were many folks !! A big surprise to say the least. The magical moment is simply the beauty of the land.

The highlight of this trip was South Georgia Island. The environment, wildlife and "other worldly" experience was amazing. Our fellow adventurers on this expedition were also very highly traveled and extremely interesting individuals. This made sharing of adventures another one of the highlights of this expedition. The surprise on the trip, for me, was the vast array of wildlife. Helloooo 400,000 penguins on one island. Elephant seals!!!! One can not explain the sounds, smells and visuals ... needs to be experienced.

I enjoyed the excursions when possible. They were well planned and executed for maximum exposure to the area.

Large penguin colonies were highlight. Lanscape fantastic. People interesting. No bad surprises. Shackelton landing the high point.