Linda
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?”
Linda's Trip Date:
13th Dec - 23rd Dec 2022
What was your most memorable moment?
There really isn't just one. I think seeing the glacial ice and the wonderment of the environment were among my most memorable moments. Watching penguins waddle and slide, seals swim and humpbacks letting their presence be known were other memorable moments. Sharing the experience with 150 strangers from around the world and a very talented staff also provided memorable moments.
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?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Onto the Antarctic Ice?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about the wildlife
My favorite encounter was watching a large seal swim near out Zodiac. Some of my penguin encounters were also very entertaining. Passengers were willing to share photos as was the staff, so I did get some amazing photos and videos.
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
While sometimes chilly, the Zodiac excursions provided some wonderful glimpses of glaciers, floating ice, and wildlife in remote areas. My three most memorable zodiac cruises were seeing the most gorgeous ice I could ever imagine, having our staff give us an encounter with krill and watching the seal swimming not far from our boat, looking directly at us whenever his/her head came above the waterline.
Tell us about the expedition team
Pippa (spelling) and George did an amazing job of leading the expedition team and providing an outstanding example for the other staff. The Julias and Chloe were among my favorite staff as was Sasha. The sea lion and penguin lectures were among the most interesting as was the ice presentation. George did an interesting talk on Antarctic Geopolitics. Hearing from the Port Lockroy post mistress was also very interesting.
Tell us about the Hondius
The Hondius was a very comfortable ship. The cabin was well organized space. The food was outstanding. I appreciated the vegetarian options as well as the multi-cultural offerings. The cleaning and serving staff were friendly and efficient. The lounging and dining areas were comfortable and facilitated connections with other passengers and staff.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
I do recommend being prepared for Drake's Passage. The patch provided by my physician worked well for me. Many passengers had acupressure wrist bands. I also brought gin gins and gin trips (ginger products) which helped should any nausea occur. I also used hand and toe warmers on zodiac cruises, which kept my fingers and toes comfortable. Opening yourself to others and being fully present facilitated an amazing experience for me.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Yes. It's hard to put into words - but feeling such comradery and sharing awe with others heightened my appreciation of the environment, my respect for humanity and a sense of optimism or positivity rather than the negativity often experienced from the news.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Continue with your responsiveness to clients. Everything you provided contributed to my excellent experience.
Was there anything else Swoop could have done for you to help you prepare for your trip?
Perhaps get permission for pre boarding contact with my cabin roommate. Doing a solo trip and sharing a cabin with a stranger was a bit of a crap shoot and knowing a bit about her in advance may have been comforting.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
