Deidre

Greece

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?”

Deidre's Trip Date:

18th Dec - 30th Dec 2017

Deidre's Ship:

Ocean Adventurer

Overall, how was your trip?

Incredible! Every day was surprising, filled with adventure. Highlights: seeing gentoo and chinstrap penguins in a snowstorm, crossing the Antarctic circle, seeing humpback whales up close, and watching penguin parents tend to their hatchlings. I traveled solo and met plenty of like-minded fellow travelers. I would encourage anyone considering it but who might be nervous to go for it! It is the perfect trip for solo travel. The ship operator's team was just phenomenal - great energy, positive attitudes, fun, and generally just good humans. We weren't able to fly back on schedule because of weather conditions but for me this just added to the spirit of adventure. It is not for everyone though! You need to be able to let go of control and roll with unforeseen circumstances.

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

Mind blowing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. I would go back in a heartbeat. It far exceeded any expectations I had and I absolutely fell in love.

Would you visit again?

Yes

How was the service that Swoop provided?

I am very satisfied with what I received from Swoop. I booked fairly last minute so there were not many options, but I was very happy with everything you provided. I felt extremely well prepared. I'm in user experience and your site is very well-designed and easy to navigate. I appreciated all the articles and checklists, and the visual format to help me stay organized (no small feat). I also appreciated your recommendations around photography and lenses.

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 Fly & Cruise Polar Circle experience. How was that experience?

Fully exceeded expectations, as mentioned in comments prior. It was a good choice for me. I would recommend to others IF they are comfortable with uncertainty - the flight option means that you cannot control your exact arrival and departure, which is not feasible for everyone. Also, you're in Antarctica - so weather dictates what you do, which some people seemed disappointed by. I felt the tour operator did an exceptional job in all regards, including communication around weather issues, friendliness, knowledge, and organization. Highly recommend.

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

Accommodations were fine, as expected. The Dreams hotel serves its purpose, I wasn't wowed by it but didn't really care.

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

Highlights: all the penguins, humpback whales, minke whales, elephant seals, leopard seals, crabeater seals, glaciers and glacier ice. I enjoyed the penguins most. I could sit and watch them for hours! I also loved geeking out with wildlife photography. Icebergs were cool too. The expedition staff were 90% fantastic. A couple seemed less enthused by their work and a little less friendly than others, but this was by far the exception. The vast majority were exceptional and I enjoyed getting to know them.

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

Go! Let go of need for control and planning and go!

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

Your communication and clarity leading up to the trip was much appreciated. I also appreciate your asking for feedback and making it easy to respond. I have already recommended you to several friends. Great job!

6 people found this review helpful

See All Reviews