Allen Renfrey
Australia
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?”
Allen Renfrey's Trip Date:
11th Dec - 3rd Jan 2026
What was your most memorable moment?
Unfortunately my Dream Holiday was, quite frankly, a bit of a disaster. Our ship was unable to reach the Antarctic mainland due to excessive sea ice and 150kph winds.The elevator on the ship had been fitted with a new safety device that prevented it from operating in high seas, and was only available for about 20 of our 23 days on board. Our Expedition leader suffered a stroke on board and the ship had to race towards New Zealand to meet with rescue helicopters to take him to hospital ashore, so our intended destinations were missed and we meandered around.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Underwhelming
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
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
I only undertook one excursion, and it was excellent. Travelling through sea ice is an incredible experience.
Tell us about the expedition team
The expedition team was amazing. Every one of them was knowledgable, filled with humour, helpful to the extreme. Their enthusiasm for their job was infectious, we could not have had better education on the Antarctic, biodiversity and the environment.
Tell us about the Douglas Mawson
My Dream Holiday was ruined by the fact that, or so we were told, the ship had been fitted with new technology in the ship's elevator. This "safety device"prevented the elevator from operating in heavy seas. The elevator did not operate, at all, for at least 16 of our 21 days aboard, and only operated for moments at a time during the other 5. As a person with a mobility problem, it made my journey most uncomfortable. Food on. the vessel was good with many choices, but, I have to say, the coffee was very disappointing. I had to use four sachets of sugar in each cup to make it palatable. My cabin was excellent, the 'doona' on my bed was the best I have ever used, and the mattress was one of the best. Cabin steward was very helpful and good humoured and the dining room staff were always friendly, and, in heavier seas, were most helpful in assisting passengers. Douglas Mawson is a wonderful ship....just fix that elevator. A good number of passengers expressed the opinion that we should be compensated for this inconvenience.
Something Else?
No, just fix the elevator.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
My experience, although failing to reach my wish to actually set foot on the Antarctic mainland, was amazing. The sights of sea ice, icebergs, penguins, birds and the sub-antarctic islands will be with me all my life. I would tell anyone contemplating a voyage to Antarctic to do it!
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
No
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
I can not recommend Swoop highly enough!
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I was well prepared and excited for my journey. Unpreventable conditions ( weather) and mechanical issues ( elevator ) meant that the journey was , unfortunately, not fulfilled.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya or The Galapagos, with one of our trusted partners?
No
Would you like to receive our email newsletter about our other destinations?
Yes
When are you thinking of taking your next trip?
Beyond 12 months
