So many of them! Hard to pick one. Kayaking among leaping penguins was perhaps the most exciting. But I also loved watching/seeing so many humpback whales, killer whales, and seals. It was truly an inspiring and humbling experience to see all the huge icebergs so close to the ship and the majestic snow covered mountains all around us. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Being part of a group of enthusiastic “explorers” like myself made the adventure even more memorable! The ships crew were very professional, and kept us safe but also made each adventure fun and exhilarating!

I need to get some advice about my upcoming trip to Antarctica in January. I have new flight times but can’t seem to upload new info on the planner. Plus I have other questions concerning arrival, transfers, and luggage storage after disembarking. Keep trying to contact my travel person but no response. Karen Blyler Kbspranger@aol.com

Life changing

Yes

The zodiac excursions were awesome! Each cruise was different! One brought us close to swimming penguins, while another cruise brought us closer to seals resting on iceflows. One iceberg even flipped over but we were far enough away it didn’t cause a problem. Safety was always first and foremost with the staff/crew.

The SeaVenture crew were amazingly professional, very knowledgeably, and made us happy campers everyday! Really enjoyed Nate, Matt, Sandi, Krista, Marcos, and Daniel, and all the others! I especially enjoyed hearing about the birds, whales, and the research going on while in Antarctica. The crew talent show was super fun to watch. So much more than a cruise!

Although our was smaller than we expected, it still met our needs. Having a balcony was a real plus, especially when we were putting our outer layers on and waiting to go out in zodiacs. Opening the door kept us cooler! The food was exceptional! We were surprised how good each meal was and the variety of entrees were great.

I have been an avid kayaker for many years and even kayak fish in warm waters. Kayaking in Antarctica was totally different and humbling, but also exhilarating! Especially when penguins swam and leaped out of the water very close to the kayaks. Paddling through a “sea” of ice chunks, watching whales at the surface, and hearing/seeing a mountain avalanche in the distance was certainly humbling and beyond anything I have experienced in a kayak!

We did not get to do but wanted to. Weather did not cooperate. My only suggestion is that the crew should not wait til last two nights to try to do it.

Thank you for the wonderful experience!

Make sure you sign up with a travel group that will prepare you for the experience like Swoop did!

Yes, I now realize how important Antarctica is to the world’s weather and global ecosystem. To see and feel it firsthand has made a deep impression on me.

For SWOOP - our point of contact changed about three times over the year before our trip. Especially the last couple months before we were to leave. It left us hanging for a while. I sent emails to Swoop to ask about this. No one told us our contacts had left company. Finally Jodi stepped in to help us so all was good. So just a suggestion - communicate changes in staff better with clients.

Very well prepared!

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Beyond 12 months