Neil
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?”
Neil's Trip:
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic AdventureNeil's Trip Date:
23rd Nov - 11th Dec 2023
Neil's Ship:
PlanciusWhat was your most memorable moment?
There were so many memorable moments. Seeing a pod of Killer Whales, setting foot on the 7th continent, the Elephant Seal pups looking up with those adorable eyes, the King Penguin chicks running and flapping around trying to shake off their down coats. What a trip!
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: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The expedition team always made us feel safe on the Zodiac excursions. The most memorable zodiac cruise was definitely Kinnes Cove in Antarctica. It was amazing. We saw thousands of Adelie and Gentoo penguins, including some slipping and sliding on icebergs. The wildlife and the scenery were absolutely stunning.
Tell us about the expedition team
The expedition team were all fantastic. Ali was so professional, and genuinely cared about giving us the best experience possible. George provided many fascinating insights in Antarctic geo-politics and his sense of humour and personality were spot-on. Cas was a real surprise packet. He is very professional and very knowledgeable about the bird life. He would then include the most hilarious songs etc in his lectures. We were never sure what was coming next. We also loved Steffi. Again very knowledgeable, but with a clever, dry sense of humour. Josh provided interesting, first hand accounts of life in the Falklands and some fascinating stories, including about Shackleton of course. Koen showed tremendous enthusiasm for the wildlife and it was infectious. Pippa was a great side-kick to Ali and her lectures were always interesting, and also had a touch of humour. Anneke was everything a ship's doctor should be. Always there when needed with her bag of sea-sickness remedies (which was often). A great team.
Tell us about the Plancius
The perfect ship for this style of expedition. Just the right size. Our twin cabin with window was fine. Big enough to not get in each other's way. Comfortable beds. The food was excellent. I don't know how they did it. The staff were also excellent. I would definitely choose the Plancius again.
Tell us about Ushuaia
Ushuaia was a great place to start our adventure. A beautiful town with everything needed. We did an excellent canoe and trek tour of Tierra Del Fuego National Park before the cruise.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I think tourism is a real threat to South Georgia and Antarctica. It will need to be carefully managed, with visitor caps put in place. In the more sensitive landing locations, perhaps a guide needs to stay with one Zodiac load (10 people) at all times on land. Unfortunately we saw fellow passengers ignoring the rules that were clearly explained to us before our landings. Keeping 5 metres away from animals, not letting anything other than the soles of your boots touch the ground (we were there during the Avian Flue outbreak on South Georgia). Some people value getting the 'perfect shot' more than they value the wildlife.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Very well prepared and extremely excited. This was my fourth attempt to get there!
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
