December Reviews

We reached both Stromness, Grytviken and Elephant Island and even landed at Cape Wild. Truly in the footsteps of Shackleton. Amazing wildlife everywhere. Glaciers and icebergs on the peninsula are just majestic and something to see.

Excellent. Out of this world landscape and wildlife more abundant than anyone can expect. Nearly everyone we met were very nice and we did develop a few new close friendships. However, as always, there were a few annoying people ("the front row people") and the "birder" group. No real surprises, but the serenity of Cierva Cove was magical.

It seems impossible to name just one highlight, but if I must, it would be the hour or so we spent cruising amongst a group of 200 or so Humpback whales. They were so close you didn't know where to look first. We got closer to the wildlife than I expected, particularly the nesting albatross and penguins sitting on eggs. I can now tell 6 species of penguins apart! The only real surprise was when a wave hit the ship straight on the side and broke a window while we were all sitting in the lounge.

The expedition crew was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. They were obviously enjoying the trip and landscapes and wildlife as much as we were. The other passengers were also friendly and personable. 100 (+/- 10) passengers made it possible to meet almost everyone. The aft deck on the Herculean Sky was a bonus....a great place outdoors to have lunch and watch birds ans WHALES (100s of them). The sheer size of the penguin rookeries was breathtaking.

If I had to pick a highlight, it would be kayaking on a heavily overcast day in an ice-filled bay enclosed on three sides by terminal glaciers and snow-filled mountains, watching a humpback whale roll nearby as I listened to the sizzling of the bergy bits around me. But, in truth, there were lots of magical moments. Every day was full of anticipation and delight. The only true surprise, however, was when a rogue wave in Drake's Passage took out a window in the lounge of Deck 3!

It is hard to pick out a highlight, the penguins especially seeing a Macaroni penguin on the first landing (I could watch penguins for hours), making a dash against the conditions to reach the Antarctic Circle and some of the scenery around Neko Harbour. Unfortunately we didn't camp due to the wind conditions, but this didn't have much of an impact on the enjoyment of the trip. Such a wide range of people from all over the world.

Too many highlights to count - The landscapes and wildlife were stunning. I met some lovely people on the ship and made some lasting friendships. I was really impressed by the way the passengers were led to seats and were not left to find someone to sit with. This was particularly helpful as many were travelling alone. Finding that my great, great grandfather's ship (SS Great Britain) ended up in the Falklands and featured prominently in the museum. Also being able to follow my grandfather's route around the Horn, around which he had sailed nine times in the American wheat clippers. All a bit of unexpected family history. Stepping ashore on Elephant Island.

Kayaking with humpback-whales, breaching, spouting - and only a few meters away was probably the highlight Meeting lots and lots of penguins - and seeing them come pretty close to you, when you sat down quietly - was also fantastic The ship's crew - both staff and guides - were amazing and there were some great fellow travelers too

Highlight was kayaking alongside a humpback whale in stunning scenery. Both clients and staff/crew on board were very friendly and the big surprise was the amount and quality of the food.

After going through all this it is tough to see doing it again with out some incentive and other vacationplans to feel as if we might accomplish something

The shapes of the icebergs - and the colors! The way the penguins porpoise in groups. The way I didn't realize for a long time that the sun hadn't set. The long walks up and around. Definitely the polar plunge. And yes, the people. How cool is it to get a bunch of adventurers on a boat together?!

The crew, the wildlife, the landscapes, and the other passengers were all incredible!

Great cruise service, hospitable expedition leaders, and met lots of cool like-minded individuals. The most magical moment was visiting Paulet Island and seeing hundreds of thousands of penguins. I was a bit disappointed, however, that we weren't able to do the polar plunge despite great weather every day.

Great service from Swoop. They did an excellent boat matching my interests to the right trip. Hebridean Sky is a luxury small boat. The accommodations were very comfortable, while the cabins large. Food was very good. Guides were outstanding. Cannot describe the experience of walking near a wave of 150,000 penguins, seals, and petrols. The nesting Albatross’ was a sight to see. The pace was comfortable and the time on board was relaxing, enjoyable, and very educational. The small ship of 100 people allowed quick access to the landing sites.

It was great. The highlight was seeing the sunset in Paradise Bay, it’s a sight I will remember for the rest of my life.

Highlight: Kayaking; social life on board People: Interesting; made good conversations Most magical: Night sleeping on ice; kayaking in brush ice

It was outstanding in every way

Very good and met a few persons who may become lifetime friends, saw wildlife up close and personal and kids played in the snow

There were multiple high points. Visiting Shackleton's grave site at Grytviken. South Georgia. Kayaking at various points around South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. I got to meet some really interesting people including passengers and ships crew and staff

The ship was at capacity due to 2 other ships passengers joining us but the the crew copied magnificently, always with good cheer. A real variety of people to mix with over great food and drinks. The most magical part of my trip was the pod of Orca just off Port hunting and catching penguins. So close it was a spectacular show w