The otherworldly scenery of Antarctic. Plus the penguins, seals, and chance to mountaineer, kayak and sleep on the continent.

Life changing

Yes

Fun, great drivers, attention to safety/details such as proper lifejacket wear, gangplank, enterinf and exiting zodiacs, always felt safe.

Mountaineering guides were certified/highly qualified. All expedition staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Favorite was Mountaineer Dave McKinley for his professionalism and insight into his life. Steffi Liller also very friendly, knowledgable, fun. Leader Michael Green was super organized, a bit gruff but still likeable and I always had to laugh at his "Good Morning, Good Morning, this is Michael from the bridge" wakeup calls. Valeria Sainz Herrera fun and good lecturer. Helene great and super photographer - she also shared photos. Elke LIndner professional but I didn't get to know her as well. Alexis Bellezze super kayaking guide and nice, profesisonal guy. Arne Deodatus doctor fine - I liked that he brought a medical backpack on the excursions. Massimo Candolini was highly qualified mountaineer but I felt he pushed my group more to his goals to get to the summit then rush back to meet zodiac deadline rather than to ask the group if they really wanted to summit (it was fogged in, no view) or if they'd rather take it a bit slower with more photo breaks. Marco Rosso fine but didn't get to know him that well. Koen Jongerling - fun, professional guy, and gave great entertaining lectures. Koen Hoekemeijer good photographer, OK lectures - quite over my head but got some good tips about framing and lines.

Cabin 402 nicer than we expected - we didn't expect the desk although it needs a light, and also didn't expect two large windows:) Entire ship was kept very clean. All staff was friendly and super hard working. Meals were better than expected and pretty good variety. Pastry chef on board was a nice surprise. Great to be able to visit the bridge and access to many decks. The lounge was super - I'd recommend adding some more "classic antarctic adventure/historical" books. The coffee/cappucino maker was awesome:)

Oversized waterproof outer layers to go over other things such as ski jackets or down jackets probably the most important item. We rented one set from the Ushuaia company recommended by Swoop/Oceanwide but wish we had rented two. I should have packed more medium warm long sleeved shirts. Be careful that sizes of what you pack are appropriate for layering. For mountaineering I was overdressed in a ski jacket as you work hard and build up a sweat.

My boyfriend and I will likely go on an Oceanwide trip to the arctic in the future. We loved the Basecamp Adventure trip as there were enough variety of activities plus a mix of landings and zodiac cruising. I think the 12 days trip was just right.

Brandon Hagg was terrific in finding out what type of trip we wanted and guided us to the perfect one! Carola Zorzoli was terrific to answer questions via email and gave great recommendations about gear rental, clothes to take, flights, hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia etc. One recommendation for Swoop is to include a slide show (not Zoom) of general Antaractic activities, scenery and wildlife. If it is there, I never found it.

VERY!

Yes

No

Yes