Rebecca
Customer
Rating
5
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?”
Rebecca's Trip:
Crossing the Antarctic CircleRebecca's Trip Date:
3rd Jan - 19th Jan 2023
Rebecca's Ship:
Sylvia EarleWhat was your most memorable moment?
There is no one most memorable moment. Every day had memorable moments. But if I had to choose one, it would be seeing the icebergs and absorbing the incredible landscape.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
5 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Crossing the Antarctic Circle?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about the wildlife
The wildlife was extraordinary. I could have watched the penguins for hours and my photos are wonderful but no substitute for observing the animals with my own eyes.
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Yes, the Zodiac excursions were among my favorites. I felt very safe and it was clear from day one that Aurora was focused first and foremost on safety for every aspect of our trip. My most memorable Zodiac cruise was a nearly three hour excursion exploring Borgen Bay.
Tell us about the expedition team
The expedition team were knowledgable and friendly - every one of them. But there were standouts: Team Leader Howard Whelan, and team members Roger Kirkwood and Nina Gallo were especially brilliant and inspiring. It is hard to choose a favorite lecture. Truly every lecture given by Roger and Nina was memorable, but Roger's final lecture on the last day of our voyage, where he shared stories from years in Antarctica and working with penguins, was extraordinary.
Tell us about the Sylvia Earle
The ship is beautiful. The cabin was excellent. Wonderfully designed with excellent storage and plenty of places to plug in ones devices. The bed was very comfortable and the bathrooms were well designed as well. The food was excellent. The breakfast and lunch buffet offered great variety and the dinner menu was very good. We also had very good meals in the alternative restaurant, Rockhopper, which has stunning views from deck 8. I would choose this ship again, happily.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Do as much research as you can to make sure you are choosing the right kind of trip for you. Make sure you sail with a company that has lots of experience. And make sure you go knowing that the itinerary may change at a moment's notice and that the weather and ice may prevent you from doing things or going places you had hoped to see. That is part of the experience. Don't forget to put your camera down and just look and smell and take it all in.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I feel an even greater responsibility to play whatever part I can in addressing climate change, raising awareness about Antarctica and the wildlife that live there, advocating for environmentally responsible travel, cleaning our oceans, and living in harmony with nature rather than trying to bend it to our will.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
The communications were not always as responsive as we would have liked and, as I noted earlier, there were times that not everyone in our group received the same information.
Was there anything else Swoop could have done for you to help you prepare for your trip?
I don't think so. The pre-trip materials that were available on the online planner were very good.
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
