Overall, the trip was great - the staff, the other passengers, the activities I participated in, the food, the overall quality of every detail. I loved kayaking, but the camping was cancelled due to bad weather. Also this voyage we visited Port Lockroy and could see the history of humans on Antarctica. The surprise was passing through the Drake in a hurricane.

Antarctica was experiencing many storms while I was there, which affected many activities.

Maybe

I had trouble with the payment to Swoop. I had charged the trip, but for weekds the charge did not show up on my bank statements. So I emailed Swoop at least 3 times to find out if the transactions went through. I was assured it had, though it still hadn't shown up on my bank records. Very anxious I contacted John, who found out the transaction had not gone though and my "action calendar" hadn't shown that I sent my doctor's good health letter, and other required papers and documents that I had already sent. My Swoop fairy godfather is John. He got me the correct information in 5 minutes. My brother had to charge my trip on his credit card for me, as the deadline for paying was the next day or something, yet my US bank required me to call them first before I can make an international payment. My brother and John saved the trip for me.

Basecamp attracts a certain type of person, people who are active, curious, and fit - people I like. Basecamp was definitely the right choice of trip for me. Basecamp is not only for the young, and there was a good mix of young active people and older active people.

Swoop did not have to assist me with travel arrangements before and after my trip.

Zodiac excursions and landings are the ESSENCE of Antarctic activities. One could never tire of walking up snowy hills in snow shoes to see the penguins. Expedition staff were always professional and patient.

Take motion sickness medicine from the first moment one goes aboard, or at least before dinner. The same for coming back, take the medicine when the boat sets out.