Ashley
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?”
Ashley's Trip Date:
28th Dec - 9th Jan 2026
What was your most memorable moment?
During my kayaking session, we had a whale encounter where a humpback whale dove just in front of our kayak and swam underneath us. I can't describe how amazing that was to see such an incredible animal in the wild and that close to me.
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?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Antarctic Basecamp Adventure?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The Zodiac excursions were great! It was fun to get out on the water and look for wildlife and landscapes. One excursion that we did that really stood out was a morning excursion where we got to watch several humpbacks eating breakfast. They were popping up out of the water all around us!
Tell us about the expedition team
I really liked each and every team member. Everyone was very friendly, super knowledgeable about their specialty, and just great to talk and listen to because of their life experiences.
Tell us about the Plancius
The Plancius was better than expected. I was worried the ship would be very worn out and old looking given its age and its past. It was a happy surprise to see that the ship was well maintained, clean, and comfortable to be on (even while cruising through the Drake Passage). The best part about the ship was the crew and staff. They presented a friendly, happy, and fun exterior throughout the entire voyage and made things even more memorable. The food was great! I enjoyed the variety and how the menu considered all diets.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
If someone is sensitive to sea sickness, I recommend getting a prescription for the motion sickness patches rather than relying on an OTC solution. I found that the OTC meds we brought just didn't cut it.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Comparing what I read and saw online about the Plancius, compared to more luxurious ships, I was a little concerned I would be disappointed and that I would regret not going with a more luxury-oriented company. However, I never once felt that I made the wrong decision once I was onboard. Seeing Antarctica, both from the ship, and more importantly, from the Zodiac and inland excursions, made the trip with Oceanwide more memorable than I think it would have been on another ship.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I was beyond excited to go on this trip and to see Antarctica. For the most part, I felt very prepared and even somewhat over prepared.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Thanks for the help with everything and thanks for being experts in Antarctica!
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
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
Would you like to receive our email newsletter about our other destinations?
Yes
When are you thinking of taking your next trip?
Within 12 months
