Joan & Michael Frankel
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?”
Joan & Michael Frankel's Trip:
Fly & Cruise The Antarctic CircleJoan & Michael Frankel's Trip Date:
26th Dec - 14th Jan 2018
Joan & Michael Frankel's Ship:
Akademik Sergey VavilovOverall, how was your trip?
The trip was amazing. The landscapes, glaciers and icebergs were beautiful. Michael particularly liked the whales that were diving within 10-15 feet of our zodiac; my favorite was seeing all the penguins and, in particular, the chicks. The Vavilov was an excellent choice. Our suite was spacious and very comfortable and the passengers were a very diverse and interesting group. The only surprise, after 8 days of spectacular weather and amazing excursions, was the fog at King George Island that prevented our flying back to Punta Arenas on the final day. Our excursion leader, Chad Gaetz and the entire staff did an amazing job of keeping us engaged with additional lectures, excursions, contests and other activities on the days that we were stuck near King George Island and also when we crossed the Drake Passage. The only reason we would not visit again is that there are many other places to visit.
In one sentence, what did you think of Antarctica? Did it live up to your expectations?
Antarctica was spectacular and the trip definitely lived up to our expectations.
Would you visit again?
No
How was the service that Swoop provided?
The service that Swoop provided was excellent. John was very helpful in assisting us to select our cruise and we were very satisfied with the Vavilov. Crossing the Antarctic Circle was very special and we enjoyed the extra days in Antarctica notwithstanding the delay at the end of the voyage.
How likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend?
10 out of 10
You chose a/an Fly & Cruise The Antarctic Circle experience. How was that experience?
The cruise definitely lived up to our expectations. The Vavilov was the correct choice for us and we would recommend it to others. While the accomodations are somewhat less luxurious than other cruise lines, our suite was very comfortable and the meals were varied and well prepared. In addition to the wonderful zodiac cruises and on shore excursions, the on board lectures were very informative. Without exception, the guides and experts (in particular our historian Katie Murray and photographer Dave Brosha) were very knowledgeable and willing to share their expertise with us. Also, all of the guides were very accomodating in helping me board the zodiacs and cross the slippery terrain getting off the boat.
If Swoop arranged some of your travel before/after your voyage. How did we do?
Swoop did not arrange our flights or hotel accomodations (other than the night in Punta Arenas after the cruise) but John was helpful in recommending hotels in both Santiago and Punta Arenas. We received all cruise-related travel documents as expected.
How were your experiences on the zodiac excursions and shore landings?
See comments in other portions of questionnaire.
Anything else? Tell us anything you’d like to share that we forgot to ask! It’s ok to leave this empty too :-)
Again, the expedition staff did a terrific job, both during the cruise and during out unexpected delay at the end. The Russian housekeeping staff, under the supervision of Jeni Stembridge, did a terrific job. While our housekeeper spoke no English, she was delightful and attending to all our needs. The Vavilov is a very special cruise ship!
