I really enjoyed meeting my fellow travelers, who all seemed to enjoy exploring our world and traveling as much as possible. It was nice being in a small group and getting to know everyone in the 12 days we had together. I'll be keeping in touch with quite a few of them. I really enjoyed the amount of time I spent walking around amongst the penguins, seals and birds. There were times where I would just sit on a rock (or in the snow!), close my eyes, and absorb everything. I'll never forget the feeling of the first time I stepped on land and saw the penguins, nor will I forget stepping onto a small iceberg and one of the staff taking a jumping photo of a few of us (while wondering if the iceberg would tip over once we landed - it didn't).

Anarctica was an amazing, unforgettable experience and exceeded my expectations.

Yes

I am so pleased I booked with Swoop! I mainly interacted with Loli and Aimee, and I couldn't ask for better help. They were both very prompt in responding, and so knowledgeable. The voyage Swoop recommended was absolutely prefect for me - small number of passengers, and the dates were exactly the best time for me to be off from work. I can't think of a thing that could have been done differently. I also appreciated that Swoop worked with me in the timing of the payment of my balance - I found out just before the due date that my own bank doesn't process international wires, so I was scrambling to work out payment with a completely different bank at the eleventh hour.

It exceeded my expectations. I have been dreaming of going to Antarctica for many years, and this was an amazing experience. I would recommend this to anyone with the financial means to get here because while I can try to describe the feeling of stepping on land and watching the animals and listening to the ice cracking, it just needs to be experienced in person. I have no additional recommendations for the operator. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable and learned all our names so quickly. I had the vegetarian fare and thought the food was excellent as well. My cabin was of a good size, with plenty of hot water in the shower.

N/a - I arranged my own travel.

Cruising Paradise Bay was so beautiful - I didn't realize how colorful Antarctica would be, but the beautiful greens, browns and blues came out so well in my photos. I loved watching the elephant seals - I think I've found my spirit animal in them since I too enjoy lying around and napping. What I enjoyed most about the landings was walking around the animals. There was one morning on Danco Island where the snow was fresh, so I laid in it for a long time while watching the penguins waddle around. The expedition staff were so knowledgeable. I was impressed that even our ship's doctor drove us around in a Zodiac! Whalers Bay was stark and beautiful, too.

The packing list provided by the operator was very good, and by following it thoroughly (and not overpacking), I managed to get by with a waterproof backpack and a small roller bag. Also, plan well ahead for everything - I booked our cabin about 10 months before our voyage, and I think I got the last twin cabin on the ship. Hand warmers (the ones that heat up upon exposure to air) were excellent for slipping into mittens, as well as to keep batteries warm while walking in the cold. I learned that batteries don't last as long as they do in more temperate conditions. Pick a voyage with fewer passengers - mine had 54, which was great because I got to spend a good amount of time on land, and I got to know most of the passengers pretty well since most people changed up the tables they dined at for meals.

I can't say enough again how happy I have been with Swoop and the ship's operator. Thank you, thank you, thank you!