Mark
United States Of America
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?”
Mark's Trip Date:
27th Dec - 3rd Jan 2026
What was your most memorable moment?
There was not a most memorable moment. I have hiked, backpacked, and mountain climbed throughout my life and seen and experienced a lot. There are always fanatic experiences that are unimagined and unexpected prior to a trip. We did not know what to expect or anticipate on our own in Chile (Torres del Paine / Patagonia) or especially in Antarctica over the three weeks we were there, six of those days on the exploration vessel Ocean Nova. Especially in Antarctica there were surprises at every turn that resulted in fantastic experiences. As a geologist I think I liked the hiking the active volcano, hiking over the ice and snow fields up to higher elevations to get good overviews of the ice fields, glaciers, and mountainous terrain. Also the Zodiac trips that repeatedly resulted in close encounters with whales, boating among the floating ice and icebergs, and close up look at the geologic structures visible by Zodiac. Because there were not relatively many people on the vessel, we enjoyed the close comradery that we experienced. There was no one else on Antarctica that we saw in our little part of the continent besides Ocean Nova people which gave a feeling of the vastness and remotness of were we were which was a great and unequaled experience.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Great holiday
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Antarctica 21?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
It's my nature to want more hiking, but the Zodiac excursions were unexpectedly great.
Tell us about the expedition team
Very interesting, since much of their work was not in my field, I learned great and fun things.
Tell us about the Ocean Nova
I knew I could not have preconceived expectations because I have no frame of reference. So, everything was a surprise and great experience. Cabin was just fine and the food was fantastic. I liked and would choose this ship again but might lean toward another one of their ships only because it would be interesting to compare.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Go with the flow and enjoy what ever happens since much will be unexpected and new.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Not really anything specific from this trip since in general I am always learning and experiencing new things.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Sarah was great and responsive, and others steeped in as needed. Swoop did great.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I felt well prepared. I've been in temperatures from -30 C to almost +50 C. I had everything I needed for this trip but you never know what to bring and what to leave home since I did not know what to expect. Between Swoop and Antarctica 21, it was clear.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
Would you like to receive our email newsletter about our other destinations?
No
When are you thinking of taking your next trip?
I don`t know
Would you be interested in travelling to Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya or The Galapagos, with one of our trusted partners?
Yes
