Juanita
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?”
Juanita's Trip Date:
20th Dec - 30th Dec 2023
What was your most memorable moment?
I think seeing penguins for the first time. The colors of the ice, glaciers and water -- so intense.
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: Antarctic Explorer?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Quark Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Yes they were great-- again the fantastic weather we had asssited in making the zodiac excursions memorable. The knowledgeable from the team member driving the zodiac!
Tell us about the expedition team
I can't say enough good things about the team!! I think they all took "happy pills" -- always so upbeat. Their knowledge of the Antaritic/polar regions is impressive. The lectures they provided were informative and not boring! This just isn't a job for them this is their LIFE! Then, it was great they dined with us too!!. Also, again how polite they are in answering our questions which they probably answered many times previously to other guests--I think having them dine with us was very speical. I felt lucky it seemed I had a team member at my table almost everyday for one of the 3 meals.
Tell us about the Ocean Adventurer
The ship was perfect! The Ocean Adventurer was exactly what I expected! The storage in the lower cabins was plentiful!. I really liked the lower cabin. The meals were great, plentiful and a good variety of food including food from different cultures. The additional options was nice too. The dessert were okay -- which is fine with me since I am not a dessert person, just enought to satisfy one's sweet tooth. The receptionist was always so polite and willing to help -- especially if you had trouble with your cell phone! She would also just ask if you need something or assistance if you are standing around looking a like you need a questions answered!. The wait staff -- amazing how they remember you and I didn't sit in the same seat/table at every meal! Also, my cabin steward Agnello -- seemed to always be around and wanted to learn which bund/bed I had in my cabin to make it comfortable for me and my cabinmate! The library seemed very nice but unfortunely I ddin't spend much time in it --- d/t location and wanting visibilty for ocean viewing. Oh, the store/boutique! I was so suprised by the items they stocked for sale!--from eveyday neceassary stuff to a variety of sourvenirs.
Something Else?
First I want to say how much I enjoyed Sophia Fredriksson who was an expediction team member. She is unbelievable. I would quickly book another trip if I knew she was on the one I was considering! I am not sure under what topic to put this. I had read (on a facebook page) there would be a lot of down time. I packed extra stuff to do-- this was not true for this expedition/?company. I believe there was just enough free time. I guess if you didn't like the lectures you didn't need to attend them--isn't that the point of going on the trip to learn where you are going and understanding what you are seeing? Also, I must say the auction at the end was surprising but one of the most fun auctions I have every attended (I haven't attended very many!). Thank-you for such a great trip. P.S. I am sorta considering another polar expedition since this one was so perfect!
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Follow the packing list -- try not to over pack (I did not but had a lot of angst over this as probably everyone else). I was a solo traveler do not let this stop you in going on this trip -- one of the best solo trips I have had. I don't believe the cabin makes a difference. If you have a desired wildlife/animal you want to see make sure you will be landing/near that type of animal. I encourage you to take more photos -- I don't think I took enough/adequate ones of the penguins. I thought I would see more seals but didn't which was fine. Don't get anxious over the Drake passage -- be prepared,
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
No
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
No-- all was great. I did book my trip last minute (almost 60 days before) and all went smoothly I do live in a coolar climate thus easier to obtain necessary clothing/items). I did watch the recorded video they had about preparation or something and felt that was underwhelming and not very helpful but maybe for some it might be.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I felt very prepared for the trip. My excitement waxed and waned -- this was my 3rd international trip 3.5 months. I was excited to see the penguins. I never had any anxiety about the Drake passage--millions of other people have survivited the crossing and I will too!
