Janet
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?”
Janet's Trip Date:
18th Jan - 11th Feb 2024
What was your most memorable moment?
Kayaking with humpbacks appearing underneath and around us
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
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: Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Always so fun to get close but not too close to the wildlife. My most memorable cruise was in St. Andrew's Bay in South Georgia after kayaking. Simply astonishing to see that many penguins. Loved that the Zodiac fleet was named after female explorers and conservationists.
Tell us about the expedition team
Fun, knowledgable, helpful, kept us safe. Christian and Leo did a fantastic job of planning our route with the captain to maximize adventure but minimize discomfort due to weather and sea conditions. I'm partial to our kayak guides Russell, Tim and Erin with whom we spent a lot of time, but the entire team was fabulous. I loved Olivia's passion for her beloved whales, Maude's for birds, Jonathan's for history, Marcos' for geology.
Tell us about the Sylvia Earle
I loved the Sylvia Earle's XBow which handled the wind and waves beautifully - even in the Drake Passage with 5-6 m seas and 40 knot winds gusting to 60 . I did take medication for sea days but felt great the whole time. Our cabin was very comfortable and perfectly situated to access the mudroom and the restaurant and lounge. The food was excellent with plenty of variety - even fresh vegetables and fruit at the end of the trip. I would choose SE again as she is a beautiful new ship. It was so tastefully appointed with wonderful photographs and artwork throughout the ship.
Tell us about the Kayaking
It would have been a different trip without the kayaking. Wouldn't have missed it. It was great to be with a smaller group exploring areas where sometimes even the Zodiacs didn't venture. The kayaks and drysuits were super comfortable and warm. The WhatsApp group to share information and pictures during the trip and since was brilliant.
Something Else?
We really enjoyed getting to know our fellow passengers and hope we can stay in touch with several of them. We had two gentlemen in their late 80s who were an inspiration to those of us in our 60s.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Choose Aurora Expeditions and the Sylvia Earle or Greg Mortimer. Even though there is wi-fi try to remain in the moment and get out on deck as much as you can no matter the weather.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
It has made me more aware of the threat of avian flu, even in a relatively pristine part of the world. The experience has also heightened my awareness of how we are all global citizens. What we do in one part of the world's oceans can have an affect in other parts. Seeing whales in Antarctica and knowing how far north they travel is mind boggling.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Well prepared and super excited. The webinar the week or so before we left helped with that.
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
