Julie
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?”
Julie's Trip Date:
19th Dec - 31st Dec 2023
What was your most memorable moment?
Kayaking in the quiet, majestic bays
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: Antarctic Peninsula Classic?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Polar Latitudes?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
I did love the Zodiac excursions. They were exciting and a wonderful way to get to see the icebergs, animals closer up. I did feel safe at all times, the Polar Latitudes team were excellent drivers. My only issue is the challenges we faced staying together as a family of 7 on Zodiac trips. Often we were pressured to split up to fill the boats. I didn't feel that was right as we were assured we would have no issues staying together as a family. We were fine to split up when the Zodiacs were just used to ferry us to landings. It is on the cruises that we wanted to stay together. In the end we did get to stay together almost all of the time, but it was maybe a bit more of a tussle than I feel was necessary.
Tell us about the expedition team
Fantastic, amazing, totally wonderful. Everyone was great. I'd say the standouts were Tracey Allen, Alice, Danny and Daniel. I truly liked every lecture. I was amazed and thrilled by the Citizen Science program especially the cloud exploration led by Tracey. The penguins spotters added another lovely dimension and humour as well.
Tell us about the Seaventure
The cabin was wonderful. Loved having a deck (level 6) and the bathroom esp shower was amazing good for a ship. Our steward was fantastic. Seemed every time we left the room he tidied up. He found things that rolled under the bed too. and was very prompt and careful with the laundry. Food was very variable. Some of it was fantastic especially the dinners with beef, pork and vegetarian. I found most of the chicken dishes too dry. I did not like the breakfasts - not enough variety. I really like the lunches in the lounges - themes were great and food was awesome. Maybe add a third cook so the lines moves a bit better.
Tell us about the Kayaking
I absolutely adored the kayaking - total highlight of the trip for me. I just wish there were an option in between immersion (kayaking every time with no Zodiacs, landings) or the discovery which only guarantees you one time. We ended up being able to get a second kayak trip but only because there was room. I would like a program that guarantees you 2-3 kayaking trips but also allows you to the Zodiacs and the landings.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Do bring all the layers and equipment recommended - it will make your trip so much more enjoyable. I really recommend walking poles if you have any issues with balance, if you aren't the most coordinated person. They helped enormously.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I realised what an awesome place planet earth is and how small a piece we are. I vow to take better care of the planet, use less fossil fuel and be more environmentally conscious to help preserve places like Antarctica.
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?
Yes
