Main highlights: walking amid penguins and seals, watching icebergs float by, watching up to 40 blue whales feeding around the ship, following into the footsteps of Shakelton and just gazing at the glaciers. we met a lot of varied nationalities and interesting people. biggest surprise was how tame the dreaded Drake passage was!

We are back and are slowing getting back to earth! As for the Polar expedition it was a Wow! everyday. Truly an experience of a Lifetime. We were blown away by the caliber of the people taking us around, so very knowledgeable and yet very approachable. Even the Captain of the Vessel was amazing, turning round the ship to allow for a closer view of whales!!!

Yes

John, I wish to say how grateful we are now for the phone call you made way back last year in April or May...you gave us that little push we needed to make up our mind. It had never happened that anyone phoned from the UK to SA for a chat.. the trip was strenuous but we only missed 2 zodiac trips for the whole time. Hubby even went for the Polar Plunge and when I put it on Facebook had rave comments about his daring & courage...very appreciated when you are 75 years old! I forgot to mention how great was our cabin. thank you for the upgrade, we had a commanding view of the sea. I treasure the picture in my mind of 5 penguins hitching a ride on a flat tablecloth size iceberg, floating past my window while I was on the phone. Zoe, you were amazing with the planning. I just had to mention our choice and everything else got sorted out! How I wish I could call on you when we travel around! Thank you warmly and sincerely. Swoop service was outstanding and I would highly recommend you anytime.

We loved every minute of it. just wish we could have spent a bit more time in Stanley, it looks so delightfully colonial like belonging to another age. South Georgia was daunting with all 4 seasons in one afternoon!!! it is a trip of a lifetime and we would recommend it as a "Top Priority" on any bucket list. I would suggest to stress the difference between a trip to Patagonia and the cruise one.

All the arrangements done by Swoop were spot on. we loved the Grand Recoleta hotel which you suggested. They were especially helpful when our luggage was left behind in Sao Paolo(SAA mistake) you guys have a winning formula just keep it up!

I personally found jumping in and out of the zodiacs a bit daunting especially when the sea was rough but the staff were fantastic. they managed to haul me down and up every time and in the end I was enjoying the rides. the highlight was watching a leopard seal peeping up to check the icebergs, diving back in, swimming under our zodiac and eventually deciding on a flattish iceberg. Rolled on its back to give himself a good scratch then fell asleep in the sun! the zodiac cruises were a great way of getting near the wildlife with the drivers always willing to get closer and stay longer if anyone so wished. the expedition staff were just amazing, all specialists in their fields often coming to join us at the table where we enjoyed getting to know them. A real treat.

Do it earlier rather than later !

Just a few remarks to help in future. Due to the limitation of weight on the plane to Ushuaia we could have saved space by not bringing waterproof shoes, parka and walking sticks. The ship's operator loans boots which are compulsory to get in the zodiacs and it is too cumbersome to carry and change into our own shoes afterwards. They provide walking sticks and their parkas have a lining which can (and was) taken off and used as a warm jacket during the day. We used one good quality pair of trainers most of the time when on board the ship.