Winnie
United Kingdom
Customer
Rating
8
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?”
Winnie's Trip Date:
13th Mar - 28th Mar 2024
What was your most memorable moment?
Reaching 71 degrees 33 south, the further the expedition team and most of the crew have been
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
8 out of 10
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
It was safe and efficient. Zodiac cruises offered wildlife and / scenery. We saw penguin parties, whales in group and feeding, seal parties, and different spectacular icebergs, glaciers and scenery.
Tell us about the expedition team
Excellent with different expertise and style, different sense of humour and one as young as 24. Pippa Lowe is a very good expedition leader, making this unusual trip enjoyable. We had to go 'off course and off schedule' many times so her planning, together with the bridge team, was vital. Lectures were given by the expedition team, and it can up 4 x one hour lectures plus 3 mini lectures at the end of the day which was over 5 hours of starring at Powerpoint. I would like to recommend something more interactive on long cruise days - quiz? games? workshops?
Tell us about the Hondius
Our room 711 was ok except the faulty blind which was either stuck so we had half a view or fixed at all the way up which meant the mornings could be bright - not ideal. The toilet was really stinky of drains. They should fix this as this is not a cheap room! Our neighbouring rooms had the same problem. Otherwise facilities and food were both good.
Something Else?
For this trip, southerly, last in the year, and very cold and icy, I would say that walking poles are ESSENTIAL. They will enhance the enjoyment of the landings a lot. Hondius does not provide these, which is a surprise as it is commonplace to offer these as loan on a ship of this class.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Bring walking poles. Bring all your warm clothes! Have expectations that the itineraries may be changed.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I have learnt a great deal about wildlife in the region, and how the area was discovered and managed. I am glad that it is remote and there is little human footprint..
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
The Swoop team was good. It seems to have a good relationship with Oceanwide, and is responsive. Most of the advice was relevant and useful.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Very prepared. The pre trip video definitely helped.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
