Wilhelmina
Canada
Customer
Rating
9
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?”
Wilhelmina's Trip:
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic AdventureWilhelmina's Trip Date:
16th Dec - 4th Jan 2023
Wilhelmina's Ship:
OrteliusWhat was your most memorable moment?
There were many memorable and each unique moments. While penguin sighting was not necessarily a highlight, seeing tens of thousands of them all gathered together for as far as your eyes can see, was very special.
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?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure?
7 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
No
Tell us about the wildlife
Wildlife viewings were as expected and were fantastic. favourite encounter was with a very cute Adelie penguin. I actually send its photo to Oceanwide and it is published on their site
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The staff responsible for our loading and unloading the zodiacs were lots of fun BUT very good. They joked, laughed and all the while exercised extreme safety measures. The day when a landing was too unsafe, we were treated to a zodiac cruise. Kinnes Cove and Madders Cliffs provided up close encounters with glaciers, penguins and magnificent ice bergs
Tell us about the Ortelius
Ortelius is a bare bone - rough and ready ship - as expected for an expedition. It was always very clean as was my cabin which was perfect with big windows for middle of the night viewings. On another survey I rated the food as average. Compliments for always having fresh fruit and crunchy salads. Not a lot of creativity but very wholesome and nutritious cuisine (not at all gourmet which was good). Not only will I not choose this ship again I will not use Oceanwide again
Something Else?
Perhaps the most positive thought that comes to mind about the trip is the ship staff. They were so happy, always smiling and ready to help in any situation. It really did not matter what the meal was, the whole dining experience was fun due to the spirited staff. The expedition staff seemed to enjoy themselves as a group. I wish some of them would have shared their enthusiasm with the travellers. Special mention does go to Adam, Hazel, Jess and Bill each of whom added value to the expedition.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Remember where you are - It is a magical mental moment to know you are at the bottom of the world looking up. be well prepared for the likelihood of seasickness listen to your Swoop advisors. They gave very useful information that added to the ultimate success of the adventure
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Not sure what is being asked here and any response will be very subjective. Travel for me is all about fun and learning. New destinations offer new experiences and new knowledge. This recent experience has reinforced and responded to the travel needs. In the future however, the length of any trip will likely be only 2 weeks unless there is lots of variety offered in the travel itinerary.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
No recommendations The team always acted promptly to my requests, they were caring and best of all were fun to deal with They had to deal with frustrations that were created by things beyond their control i.e. pandemic and did a good job
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Was there anything else Swoop could have done for you to help you prepare for your trip?
As already mentioned, the team and in particular, Alicia, did a great job
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
