Rick Saber
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?”
Rick Saber's Trip:
Traversing the Antarctic CircleRick Saber's Trip Date:
24th Jan - 7th Feb 2023
Rick Saber's Ship:
SeaventureWhat was your most memorable moment?
Too many to specify one single moment as all blended into a remarkable voyage. Highlights, however, were crossing again (as we did in 2012, the Drakes Passage and riding through Beauford 11 conditions (our first ever....pass the dramamine, first ever also)/ being close and personal to so many critters, esp. the Gentoo's/ unexpected food and beverage quality far and above/ same for cabins - our placement #428 happened to be perfect for avoiding worse ride by being lower, close to reception, lounge, dining and zodiac boarding...a great fluke/ the extremely friendly & helpful specialists and crew + fantastic passenger group with similar focus and interests which created stimulating conversations and sharing/ fun with Danny-an entertainment MC all by himself who created verve and fun-and was totally unexpected
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: Traversing the Antarctic Circle?
10 out of 10
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Safety a priority in every way and noted by all. great shoreside briefings, all questions answered or referred to specialists. always a hunt for whatever nature presented to us on the fly
Were Swoop right to recommend Polar Latitudes?
Yes
Tell us about the expedition team
Not much more to add than - they fulfilled all goals we ourselves set, then added dimensions not even thought of
Tell us about the Seaventure
Exactly the ship I was searching for....traditional, updated in 2021, she does show her age but most all issues minor or more seem to me to have been well dealt with. all operational needs aboard her were well thought out and in place. the ship has a built in "patina" of sorts, making her far different from the newer contemporaries reflecting draw for the younger explorers. We loved the ambiance, spirit and feel of this small 111 meter long ship which truly reflects well a cruise to this storied land
Tell us about the Camping
This is still in limbo as it was cancelled due to weather. I got Aldeana the very final space which opened up, to no avail. We expect Polar to reimburse us for both the prepaid through Swoop as well as onboard payment. Both of us were a bit disappointed that it could not be pulled off but certainly understand the vagaries of mother nature
Something Else?
***should any traveller be headed for Ushuaia and wish decent accommodations, very centrally located, DO recommend the 3 star (I believe) "Canal Beagle" immediately near embarkation, on Av Maipu and spotting of all Antarctica bound ships. Cost was around $167 USD and well-worth it for 100 reasons. Well appointed, manned 24/7 at desk, the rooms are super clean, far more than adequate, terrific breakfast included, robust wifi, pools, saunas, massages...all in all a fantastic little hotel only missing a few bells and whistles never needed
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
YES! in Buenos Aires, the Buenos Aires Hilton is well situated in town, between AEP and EZE, a good cab ride ($50) from EZE and a fine hotel. Always PLAN buffer days to preclude late arrivals or misconnecting flights. Aerolineas changed our return flight USH-EZE but the extra day in Ushuaia was most pleasant in good weather, ride to airport a breeze and, again, the Canal Beagle hotel in Ushuaia we highly recommend. might recommend bringing a small bottle of dramamine for the passage. The Swoop neckerchiefs were invaluable, warm and cozy...much better than the light versions offered on the ship. Everywhere is casual attire so the most comfy clothes are the wise choice
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
NO! we are, however, spiked to choose any other unique, active voyages or experiences that pop up if by either Swoop or Polar Lat. Working with you, Kate or your previous staff has been far more of a pleasure than we can relate
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
We were extremely prepared from our many expeditions worldwide....excited???? you bet!!! and on return we are refreshed and ready for another to........anywhere! *only one failure/ one of our outer rainproof pants which proved non waterproof..were my old ones from the Himalayas-now deep sixed. also recommend one expedition grade pr. of long johns and several proper upper long sleeve top of the line shirts as layering is absolutely essential as well as a good wool cap, one pr of outer gloves, no cheapies! and 3/4 cover dark glasses (not too dark)
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
NO animal fur apparel allowed ashore, my Himalayan lynx fur hat brought could not go ashore. luckily I brought a good navy watch cap of wool
