Katherine
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
9
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?”
Katherine's Trip Date:
23rd Feb - 7th Mar 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Oh so many! Kayaking up to an ice floe to stand on it, our Polar Plunge (!), watching humpback whales play near our zodiac, seeing the sea ice fracture beneath our ship's bow as we pushed farther South, and the cuteness and absolutely endearing quality of all of the penguins!
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?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Crossing the Antarctic Circle?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The most memorable was seeing 3 humpback whales surface right near our zodiac on the way back to the ship from a landing one day. We appreciate that our zodiac driver was willing to be flexible and take us over to the whales when we saw them, even though it was the end of the day.
Tell us about the expedition team
More than fantastic. The expedition director, Daniel, was top notch. We enjoyed eating meals with several of the expedition team. Our kayak crew, Elo, Odei, Ivan, Liz and Pablo, were fantastic and they all had such a great spirit. Ben, our geologist, was willing to spend lots of time just talking to us, especially about his inland Antarctic adventures to the South Pole. And, Avi, who managed to give a lecture while on the worst part of the Drake and came back after having to take a break -- twice!
Tell us about the Greg Mortimer
Great ship! Cabin was more roomy than I expected and we loved the balcony views every morning. The food was so amazing -- every day we couldn't believe the spread and what they could do so far from anywhere. The wait staff became our family. Would definitely choose this ship again!
Tell us about the Kayaking
Out of this world! We had amazing weather so lots of opportunity to kayak in lovely seas. Kayaking was the best because we got to experience Antarctica from the water, and then also got to do every landing that the non-kayakers were doing. It was the best of all worlds!
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
We loved Aurora Expeditions and would definitely book with them again. Don't overpack -- you can wear a lot of your layers over again and it's not as cold as you think it's going to be. I was definitely glad I brought my big camera with the telephoto lens instead of just relying on our phones for pictures (though the phones did take some great shots) -- the telephoto is so useful for zooming in on the animals. Next time, we would skip the clear plastic case for the phone on the zodiacs/kayaks, and just have the phone on a leash (around neck or wrist) as the plastic covering tends to blur the pictures.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I feel dedicated to being more of an Antarctic ambassador now and sharing our experience so that Antarctica stays the pristine paradise that it is.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Exceedingly excited and very well prepared
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
